Required Listening: Who Is Jill Scott

The last time we were here, we talked about the significance of sophomore albums and a few albums that live up to their hype. Today, I want to discuss an album that is "Required Listening." Like the required reading in school, Required Listening is a few select albums everyone should know (and hopefully love). This first installment of Required Listening comes from one of my favorite artists, Jill Scott. 

Her debut album, 'Who is Jill Scott: Words and Sounds Vol. 1' (WIJS), was released over 20 years ago. Despite its age, 'Who is Jill Scott' resonates with past, present, and future generations. Its title sets the stage for Jill Scott to make an unforgettable mark on the music industry with a resounding and unequivocal response. Adorned with beautiful lyricism and soul-stirring instrumentation, 'Who Is Jill Scott' weaves a rich tapestry of wisdom and narratives for black women. But what about this album makes it so unique as to call it Required Listening? Certainly, various elements play a role, but allow me to highlight a handful of reasons:

Pioneer of the Neo-Soul Renaissance 

According to Google, neo-soul is a musical genre that blends contemporary R&B and soul with hip-hop, gospel, and jazz elements. However, I perceive neo-soul as being modern Black soul music. The genre gained traction in the early 2000s, and amid its flourishing, Jill Scott's entry sparked a renaissance. As a native of Philly, much of this "rebirth" can be linked to the initial Philadelphia Soul Movement. Embodied by icons like Teddy Pendergrass, Sister Sledge, MFSB, The Spinners, and the beloved Jones Girls, this offers just a glimpse into Philly's rich musical heritage. So, how does this WIJS fit into all of this? According to Billboard, "Jill Scott's Who is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. I signaled a second movement happening within neo-soul: a Philadelphia Soul resurgence, which continued with Kindred the Family Soul, Floetry, Musiq Soulchild, and John Legend."

Jill Scott's arrival not only repositioned Philly in the R&B spotlight but also paved the way for a fresh wave of Philly soul vocalists. Many of these artists have since contributed to the genre's growth and evolution. Scott's musical approach brought a distinct and refreshing vibe to the genre during that period. Her skill in crafting words into stunning poetry evoked memories of the Def Jam Poetry era. Her words are refined yet accessible and, above all, inherently Black – a quality that would later become her signature.

Chipped Away at Systemic Standards 

While much attention focuses on Jill Scott's sexually charged lyrics, what truly stands out as impactful is her ability to challenge the prevailing standards of European beauty ideals. As a full-figured Black woman openly singing about themes of sex and love, she carries out a direct act of rebellion, a defiance that resonates far beyond just her music.

For years, women have been subjected to the weighty expectations of maintaining a thin physique. This pressure reached its apex during the 1990s and early 2000s. It was an era of glorifying "thin," where anything diverging from this ideal was considered "out of trend." For instance, the '90s witnessed the rise of the "heroin chic" trend, glamorizing frail and overly slender figures. While the early 2000s saw the resurgence of the long and lean look." From television, films, magazines, and advertising campaigns, we were consistently inundated with images of slim bodies. Even today, remnants of this trend persist, like the "fat yummy tea" movement and the more recent "end of the BBL" (read: air quotes). This cultural wave inevitably permeated the music industry. When we consider the R&B scene of the 1990s, artists like Aaliyah, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Erykah Badu, Brandy, Monica, and Mya dominated, all fitting within the mid-size and smaller body spectrum. Hot take here - Jill Scott's arrival on the music scene played a pivotal role in reshaping our perception of beauty and sex appeal.

Stepping onto the scene with unshakable confidence, delving into themes of sex, pleasure, and love, and fearlessly expressing herself (often through sensual sounds), Jill Scott became a catalyst for women worldwide to embrace their inherent feminine strength. Her impact was monumental in shifting perspectives and inspiring a sense of empowerment.

‘Who Is Jill Scott’ is An Artifact of Womanhood

Here's the crux of this piece: 'Who Is Jill Scott' stands as a pivotal album in the lives of women, particularly Black women worldwide. Personally, I've found myself revisiting this album and discovering new layers of meaning as I mature.

By now, we should all be acquainted with her breakout tracks like 'A Long Walk' and "He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat),' which boldly express Scott's inner desires and affections. However, the album offers a treasure trove of songs that impart valuable lessons regardless of the season of life you're in. Scott's 'Slowly Surely' and 'I Think It's Better' resonate as a self-love prayer, an affirmation to step away from things that cause harm. In a world that often emphasizes endurance and sacrifice, it's essential to know when to gracefully exit for the sake of our own growth. 'Gettin' in the Way' dives into a scenario familiar to many women: building a connection while someone else threatens it. What stands out here is how fearlessly she describes these experiences. This gains even more significance in an era when women receive advice to suppress their yearning for connection, fearing it might be perceived as seeking approval (read: pick me). Her unfiltered and authentic expression of emotions resonates powerfully, mirroring the candid way we engage in conversations with our friends. I would be remiss not to mention 'Honey Molasses' "a track whose significance only revealed itself to me later. This track beautifully reflects on intimacy and the care our bodies deserve, setting a new and empowering standard for intimate moments.

In closing, 'Who is Jill Scott: Words and Sounds Vol. 1' is a timeless treasure that thrust Philadelphia into the R&B limelight and challenged prevailing expectations. It boldly defied stereotypes about the ideal body type for discussing themes of sex and love, making it a powerful emblem of feminine wisdom worth passing down through generations. As a debut work, this album truly deserves recognition. So, before our next chat, make sure to check out this Required Listening.

Until next time! ✌🏾