Jill Scott makes a triumphant return to the music scene with her sixth studio album, To Whom This May Concern, after more than a decade of silence. The three-time Grammy Award-winning R&B artist delighted long-time fans by unveiling her new album, released independently under her Blues Babe imprint, with distribution through Human Re Sources/The Orchard.
The official announcement came on January 2, igniting excitement among her supporters. This latest album serves as a follow-up to Woman, which made a significant impact in 2015 by debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
In her interview with Billboard’s Gail Mitchell, Scott clarified that her time away from the limelight was not due to a creative block but rather a deliberate break to engage with life and its many challenges. “I am, you know, a human being,” she expressed, citing personal experiences such as navigating perimenopause and raising a teenager as pivotal moments that shaped her hiatus.
To Whom This May Concern is timed perfectly for Valentine’s Day and features an impressive lineup of collaborations, showcasing talents like Ab-Soul, J.I.D., Tierra Whack, and Too $hort. The album’s production brings together a stellar group, including Adam Blackstone, DJ Premier, and Trombone Shorty, among others.
Scott emphasized the importance of self-connection and balance in her creative process. “It’s important to … remember who you are,” she noted, highlighting that she has the need to nurture her personal identity to fuel her artistry.
With eight titles on the Billboard 200—including four top 10s and two chart-toppers, Woman and The Light of the Sun—Scott has solidified her remarkable presence in the music industry. Fans can now stream all 19 tracks from To Whom This May Concern, marking a celebratory return of this beloved artist.