Jill Scott
Jill Heather Scott was born on April 4, 1972, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was raised in a challenging environment, growing up in North Philadelphia with her mother, Joyce Scott, and her grandmother, who was affectionately known as "Blue Babe". From a young age, Scott demonstrated a talent for words and performance, learning to talk early and later honing her skills as a performance poet.
Her artistic journey began in the 1990s, where she made a name for herself in the spoken word poetry scene. Her ability to blend poetry with music allowed her to stand out, and she quickly became a notable figure in the soul music genre.
In 2000, Jill Scott released her debut album, "Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Vol. 1," which showcased her unique blend of soul, R&B, and neo-soul. The album received critical acclaim and established her as a prominent artist in the music industry. Over the years, she has continued to release successful albums, earning numerous awards and nominations, including Grammy Awards, and further solidifying her place in music history.
Jill Scott is recognized for her deep, rich vocal quality and her ability to convey emotion through her music. Her lyrics often reflect themes of love, empowerment, and self-identity, resonating with a wide audience. Her work has not only brought fans back to her sounds but has also influenced emerging artists in the soul and R&B genres.
In addition to her music career, Scott is also known for her work as a model, poet, and actress. She has appeared in several films and television shows, further showcasing her talents beyond music.
Jill Scott remains a significant figure in the music industry, celebrated for her contributions as a singer, songwriter, and performer. Her journey from a young girl in North Philadelphia to an internationally recognized artist exemplifies her dedication to her craft and her impact on the genre of soul music.
Beautifully Human - Words And Sounds Vol. 2
Mixed By – Serban Ghenea
Producer – James Poyser
Recorded By – Ryan Moys
1:20
A2 I'm Not Afraid
Mixed By – Serban Ghenea
Producer, Recorded By – Omari Shabazz
3:26
A3 Golden
Bass – Harold Robinson
Drums – Darrell Robinson
Mixed By – Serban Ghenea
Piano – Pete Kuzma
Producer – Anthony Bell
3:52
A4 The Fact Is (I Need You)
Guitar – Jimmy White
Mixed By – Serban Ghenea
Producer, Recorded By – Pete Kuzma
4:38
B1 Spring Summer Feeling
Arranged By [Strings] – Larry Gold
Bass, Keyboards, Producer, Programmed By [Drum Programming] – Kelvin Wooten
Engineer [Assistant] – James Tanksley
Guitar, Producer – Raphael Saadiq
Mixed By – Serban Ghenea
Recorded By – Gerry Brown, John Tanksley
Recorded By [Strings] – Jeff Chestek
4:49
B2 Cross My Mind
Mixed By – Serban Ghenea
Producer, Recorded By – Darren Henson, Keith Pelzer
4:44
B3 Bedda At Home
Guitar – Frankie "Vegas" Romano
Keyboards – Johnnie Smith
Mixed By – Serban Ghenea
Producer – Carvin Haggins, Ivan "Orthodox" Barias
Recorded By – Frank Sutton
4:22
B4 Talk To Me
Arranged By [Horns], Trumpet – Nicholas Payton
Bass [Acoustic] – Adam Blackstone
Drums, Congas – George McCurdy
Flute, Saxophone – Brice Winston, Rex Gregory
Guitar – Kevin Henson
Mixed By – Serban Ghenea
Piano, Producer – James Poyser
Recorded By – Ryan Moys, Tim Day
Saxophone – Darryl Reeves, Samir Zafir
Trombone – Rick Trolsen, Stephen Walker, Steve Suter
Trumpet – Clyde Kerr, James Weber, Leon Brown
4:44
C1 Family Reunion
Guitar – Frankie "Vegas" Romano
Keyboards – Johnnie Smith
Mixed By – Serban Ghenea
Producer – Carvin Haggins, Ivan "Orthodox" Barias
Recorded By – Frank Sutton
Vocals [Additional] – Allen L. Irvin, Andre Dandridge, Carvin Haggins, Heaviyn, Ruscola
5:13
C2 Can't Explain (42nd Street Happenstance)
Bass – Pino Palladino
Keyboards, Producer, Programmed By – James Poyser
Mixed By – Serban Ghenea
Producer – Jimmy White
Saxophone – Chris Farr
Trombone – Jeff Bradshaw
Trumpet – Matt Cappy
4:39
C3 Whatever
Guitar – Chris B (3)
Mixed By – Serban Ghenea
Producer – Rupert "PNutt" Frost
4:26
C4 Not Like Crazy
Arranged By [Strings] – Larry Gold
Mixed By – Serban Ghenea
Producer, Recorded By – Pete Kuzma
Recorded By [Strings] – Jeff Chestek
3:58
D1 Nothing (Interlude)
Mixed By, Producer – Andre Harris, Vidal Davis
Mixed By, Recorded By – Vincent Dilorenzo
1:29
D2 Rasool
Bass [Fender], Mixed By, Producer – Vidal Davis
Guitar, Mixed By, Producer – Andre Harris
Mixed By, Recorded By – Vincent Dilorenzo
3:05
D3 My Petition
Arranged By [Backing Vocals, Vocals] – Jason Boyd
Bass, Guitar, Mixed By, Producer – Andre Harris
Drums, Mixed By, Producer – Vidal Davis
Electric Piano [Rhodes] – Omar Edwards
Mixed By, Recorded By – Vincent Dilorenzo
Recorded By – Jon Smeltz
4:12
D4 I Keep
Bass – Pino Palladino
Engineer [Assistant] – John McGlinche
Mixed By, Producer – Andre Harris, Vidal Davis
Mixed By, Recorded By – Vincent Dilorenzo
4:14
D5 Still Here
Guitar – Dave Manley
Mixed By – Serban Ghenea
Producer – Andre Harris
Producer, Recorded By – Pete Kuzma
4:01
Label: Hidden Beach – E2 92773
Format: 2 x Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 2004
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Neo Soul, Contemporary R&B
Jill Scott's Beautifully Human: Words & Sounds Vol. 2 is widely praised as a soulful, personal, and sophisticated follow-up to her debut, showcasing her poetic lyricism, vocal range, and smooth blend of R&B, soul, and jazz, with standout tracks like "Golden," "Cross My Mind," and "Family Reunion" offering relatable narratives, though some found it slightly less impactful than Vol. 1 or too ballad-heavy, it remains a beloved classic for its mature artistry and joyful depth.
The album delves into love, vulnerability, and everyday life with candid lyrics, making listeners feel like they're in her personal space.
It features lush, warm production, incorporating jazz, funk, and classic soul influences (reminiscent of Minnie Riperton) with enhanced instrumentation, though still rooted in her signature style.
Scott's poetic roots shine, with tracks like "Cross My Mind" effectively being poems set to music, earning a Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance.
Standout Tracks: "Golden": An empowering, irresistible anthem; "Cross My Mind": A devastatingly honest look at a complicated relationship, winning a Grammy; "Family Reunion": Captures the joy and pathos of family gatherings; "My Petition": A powerful, politically-tinged love song; "Whatever" & "Spring Summer Feeling": Praised for their groove and vibe.
Many call it a masterpiece, a classic, and a gorgeous evolution, solidifying her as a top-tier soul artist. Reviewers emphasize her superior musicianship and lyrical depth compared to peers. Some felt it had fewer immediate hits than the first album or leaned too heavily on slow ballads, but most agree it's a grower.
Overall, Beautifully Human is celebrated for its heartfelt authenticity, musical richness, and mature exploration of life, proving Jill Scott's continued growth and inspiring artistry.