Nina Simone's 'Four Women'

Nina Simone explained in I Got Thunder: Black Women Songwriters and Their Craft: "I am emphatically against the injustices of black people, of third world people. 'Four Women' came to me after conversations I had with black women. It seemed we were all suffering from self-hatred. We hated our complexions, our hair, our bodies. I realized we had been brainwashed into feeling this way about ourselves by some black men and many white people. I tried to speak to this in the song. And do you know, some black radio stations wouldn't play it? It is true what they say: the truth hurts." Sourced from: http://www.songfacts.com/

'Four Women' has undergone many covers, with new school artists articulating these themes of identity, internal beauty and beauty as a reflection of massmedia-mediated ideals. This is yet another resonating expression... a beautiful rendition by Kelly Price, Marsha Ambrosius, Jill Scott and Ledisi

'I don’t know’ (Gotta have it)

The thing about love, is that we don’t know much about it – what we do know, is that we gots to have it (loosely quoting Jill Scott in her track ‘I don’t know’).

When we retrospect on it, the reasons begin to work themselves into a list: the way we are made to feel by the other, how his or her movements evoke excitement in us, the sexiness and the intellect of the other – whatever, gotta have you.

Golden thanks to you...

As the year end approaches and in preparation of new calendar, new resolutions and augmented goals I thought it appropriate to write a special mention to those who have passed through this site and extend a heartfelt hug to those who have chosen to follow this site. Thank you... what started out as my personal reflections on my first two music loves - Jill and Scott turned out to be an expression of something that you, too, share.

Like Zhane crooned This one's for you...

Sergio, Will.I.am and Jill - 'Let Me'

Sergio is one of music’s living legends, Jill’s the inspiration for this blog and Will – well, he’s the only guy from Black Eyed Peas whose name we know and he killed us with auto tune (smh).

Together they brought this floaty love song, explicit in its message, familiar in its sing along and sweet in all its wrappings.

Jill’s rap – more swagger than gangster

Jill’s street cred could never be questioned. First of all, one of her first displays of lyrical aptitude was in the eloquent expression ‘You got me’ alongside The Roots.

Her second affirmation was packaged in the sweet collaboration, the resonating appeal of ‘Love Rain’ with Mos Def.

Finally she brought across the detail, the scent, the sense, that we too were familiar with a ‘High Post Brother’ in the retelling of this character’s high jinks with Common.

My personal favourite is ‘Love Rain, because it plays soundtrack to a significant past and its relationship... Which tells plays out a story you’re familiar with?

Jill Scott - what she thinks of her latest studio album

Jill Scott on a Lovely Day

Doing a cover can never be an easy feat to imagine, let alone to carry through - especially if the song is one of the most recognised melodies. Add the fact that the song is by one of music’s most blessed sons, whose signature is known to be nothing less than genius.

So when Jill thought of translating Bill Wither’s ‘Lovely Day’ into her own special funk and contemporary quirkiness I wonder if she were labelled impudent, plucky and audacious even. I wonder too what her internal conversations regarding the song were, does she safely keep it in tune with Wither’s rendition or does she create an ode to Withers in a way that resonates and is most authentic to her.

I for one am lost in giving this a label, I respect Withers and Scott both, and although I can sing along with her on this melody, there is no doubt that the original remains my favourite rendition, with its full-bodied soul and the memories it elicits. What are your thoughts?

Bill Withers...

Or Jill Scott?

I’m so blessed…

One of the most beautiful things about ageing (and its grace) is the recognition of life's blessings and all the things that hold certain and stable in its conscious.
Line to tweet: I went to sleep stressed woke up refreshed I'm so blessed yeah yes

Jill, inter-racial dating and CNN

When Jill publicly made known her personal views on inter-racial dating she was labelled many things, the most shocking - a racist.

It's not that her views were foreign to many black women, many of us have had similar discussions with our girls. Instead, I believe that the uproar was about the expectations people have on public figures. Some of these expectations are for the rejection of authenticity and the adoption of political correctiveness... What needs to happen is for more of these discussions to happen so that the offended can get used to the notion of self expression.

Jill Scott and Ronald Isley - Said Enough

The Isley Brothers have given us many memorable tracks and beautiful compilations over the years. Their old school swagger, that our elders grooved to, have proven timeless with them collaborating with various new kids on the music block. They still maintain that element uniquely 'them'. In this track, Jill drops her lyricism and both her and Ronald bridge old to new school with a whole lot of cool.
'Said Enough' becomes the best compliment to the seranades we grew up loving...

Jill - my No. 1 Lady

Season 1 Interview with Jill Scott

I love LOVE love Alexander McCall Smith. He has never failed to capture my attention and sustain it without flaw till the last pages of his book. When first heard that Jill Scott would be playing fearless, Mme Ramotswe I was excited. Mainly due to my obsession with her, yes it is quite normal to love her to that extent, and partially in the hope that her being so close to us (South Africans) might be the inspiration for her to drop a show within our borders. That time will come soon though, putting it out there for the universe to embrace as Mme Ramotswe embraces any mystery that comes her way.

I'm looking forward to seeing this series- Jill Scott conquering more, artistically.

Koffman's 'Days gone by' reinvented into Scott's 'Slowly Surely'

Canadian jazz musician and composer Moe Koffman, was notably not a jazz purist. It is written (wikepedia.com) that his ability to change styles made him the scorn of his peers. But perhaps it was this flexibility and diversity that truly inspired the samplng of his 'Days gone by' in Jill Scott's 'Slowly Surely'.

Looking forward to the day Jill will light up our South African stage

Ever since she had us asking 'Who is Jill Scott', we've been pining for her visit. Wanting for her to light us up, as only she can. This performance of 'Rolling Hills', taken from BET.COM, is evidence of the sweet possibilities such an opportunity would bestow on us. And it would leave us, her South African fans, blessed to have shared such a precious moment.

Jill's 'Shame' Video

Jill's personality and diva attitude is contagious in this video. It makes one want to catwalk the street, past construction workers oblivious to intrusive whistles and attempts at attention.

Doesn't the opening remind you of yesteryear's beat circles and boys flowing, attempting to topple each other off pedestals? I like her constant references to the culture that groomed us - Like 'Love Rain' references to shell top Adidas.

Jill, penning the script for my love

Jill Scott has always given me the perfect soundtrack for my love, making me wish I had come up with those eloquent words to say to my lover. It's perfect how 'Not like Crazy' resonates - he knows who he is. This song describes how in awe he leaves me.

Not like Crazy - Beautifully human

What you do is crazy babe
Not like you belong in an asylum
Crazy babe,
Like the sun in the morning
And the moon at night
Like the rain falling from the sky
Like the trees growing from the ground
I’m astounded babe
By your love for me
And your touching me
And your trust in me
Like you do whoo whoo whoo whoo whoo whoo whoo whoo

Jill Scott's Grammy accolades

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Jill_Scott%27s_Awards_and_Nominations

50th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Press Room
In This Photo: Jill Scott
Singer Jill Scott poses with the Best Urban/Alternative Performance award in the press room during the 50th annual Grammy awards held at the Staples Center on February 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (February 10, 2008 - Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images North America

http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/K3BnT7kwwwh/50th+Annual+GRAMMY+Awards+Press+Room/XbpXnNRQBdM/Jill+Scott

Light of the Sun

Jill Scott's 4th album, 'Light of the Sun' is her first to make it on Billboard's number 1. Not too bad for an artist that has faced some challenges in the past few years, a divorce, single motherhood and leaving her longtime record label to start up her own.

An interview taken from the Philledelphia Enquirer:

Question: So The Light of the Sun is your first album to make it to number one on the Billboard album chart. How did that feel?

Answer: I'm excited. . . . I feel it and I know it's happened. But it might be too much for me to really comprehend at the moment. To me, a record is not a few weeks' or days' journey. A record is a year, a year and a half. It's like: "Wow, we're starting at a good place." There's a lot of positive feedback. All those things are just incredible.

http://articles.philly.com/2011-07-24/news/29809944_1_lyzel-williams-jill-scott-longtime-record-label

"Shame" - behind the scenes

A behind the scenes view of Jill Scott's 'Shame' from 'Light of the Sun'. Shot at Cecil B Moore Recreation Centre, which Jill frequented as a child.

Mahavishnu Orchestra - You Know You Know (1971)

Jill Scott's 'Real Thing' from Words and Sounds vol 3 features a sample of Mahavishnu Orchestra's 'You know you know'. This rock influenced song is one of the best affirmation of authenticity.

Video's sourced from YouTube.

Jill Scott reads at The White House poetry night

Despite the controversy leading towards her appearance at the White House, Jill Scott wasn't dettered and refused to be defined by pundits pulling the race card. Her social commentary is well delivered and elequont and refocuses on what affects us all- HIV/AIDS.

What is your favourite Jill Scott Collaboration?

These are some of my favourite Jill Scott collaborations. Vote if you agree and comment if you feel any other song should have made it to this list.

Click here to take survey

Jill Scott ft. Anthony Hamilton- So In Love (Official Video)

Jill Scott's style #1

Image sourced from loft965.com



Many of us look forward to Jill Scott's public appearances, seeking sartorial and hair inspirations. This is definately one of her best examples of flaunting a full figure in a sexy and stylish way.

Jill Scott Nothing Is For Nothing Def Poetry

Jill Scott & George Benson- "Summertime"

George Gershwin must be pleased with this reincarnation of his great composition.

Def Poetry: Jill Scott

Jill Scott "The Way"

The Way - Jill Scott
"Who is Jill Scott? - Words and sounds vol1

Cause tonight my man's comin through
We gon' have to connect some other day
As much as I like to shake my thang on the dance floor
I got another freaky dance that way in mind
Tonight Im gonna beat the high score.

Is it the way, you love, me baby?
Is it the way, you love, me baby?
Is it the way, you love, me baby?
Is it the way, you love, me baby?

Meeting Jill Scott

The first time I met Jill Scott was on Oprah's show. It was a show on a new brand of loveliness, talent and flair - Neo Soul singers. Sharing the episode was India Arie, Mary Mary and Alicia Keys. The person who made the deepest connection with me was Jill Scott.

I loved her street smartness in "Getting in the way", her rawness, authenticity and lyrical delivery in "He lives me - Lyzel in E Flat". She injected much needed inspiration in us - that beyond being able to sing eloquently, one can achieve more by capturing us with really good song writing.

J I L L S C O T T - Jilltro

This love,
pure and authentic love.
Deep and filling love.
Strong and uncontested love...

Began on the cusp of child and young woman.
A voice soothing the chinks and cracks of low self esteem,
the unprettiness of blackness and thighs with thickness.

Love encouraging my voice to sing along,
The skill was not there but the experience and relevance was strong.
This love, makes you always the reference point of love, break ups, make ups,
sisterhood, motherhood, womanhood, LIFE.

When the words have left me... shaken, feeling attempting to describe in the most succinct and poignant of ways.
You name and claim me...

Not knowing this journey that began, I do know that its sustained and has been sustained by this love.