Jill Scott is Back: The Soul Icon Reclaims Her Magic with “Pressha” and New Album ‘To Whom This May Concern’
The wait is finally over. For those of us who have spent the last decade spinning Woman on repeat, seeking solace in the buttery vibrato and razor-sharp wit of Jilly from Philly, the North Star has returned to guide us home.
Three-time GRAMMY Award-winning icon Jill Scott has officially announced her highly anticipated sixth studio album, To Whom This May Concern, arriving February 13th—just in time to serve as the ultimate Valentine’s gift to ourselves. Released independently via her own Blues Babe Records (distributed by Human Re Sources/The Orchard), the project marks a bold new era of creative autonomy for the poet laureate of Neo-Soul.
To whet our appetites, Scott has gifted us her second single, “Pressha,” and it is everything we’ve come to expect from the queen of truth-telling. Co-produced by Scott herself alongside Vincent “VT” Tolan and the legendary Adam Blackstone, the track is a cinematic masterpiece that dismantles the “happily ever after” myth.
Lush jazz instrumentation meets Jill’s signature spoken-word-to-song fluidity. A soul-bearing confrontation of societal expectations from beauty standards to the status games that leave us feeling hollow. What can you expect? Expect rich horns and an improvisational spirit. With both Blackstone and Tolan on bass, the track feels grounded, gritty, and unapologetically honest.
“Returning with a proverbial carpetbag full of stories, spirit, and soul, Scott returns with a body of work that is equal parts magic, medicine, and mastery.”
Clocking in at 19 tracks, Scott describes this album as “an offering to all.” It isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s a masterclass in collaboration. The tracklist reads like a bridge between the Golden Era and the vanguard of modern Hip-Hop and R&B. THe album graces appearances by Ab-Soul & J.I.D., Tierra Whack and Too $hort.
Jill has assembled a “Dream Team” behind the boards, including DJ Premier, Om’Mas Keith, Camper, Andre Harris, and Trombone Shorty. The result? A soundscape that promises to be both intimate enough for a candlelit room and expansive enough for a stadium.
Interesting that she's owning distribution through Blues Babe Records now. Independent releases from established artists used to feel like career retreats, but the autonomy angle here makes actual sense given the current industry landscape. The producer lineup signals serious intent too, bringing in DJ Premier alongside newer names shows she's threading generations rather than just chasing relevance.