Join Jill Scott and Billboard's Gail Mitchell as they dive into the inspiration behind her album "To Whom This May Concern" and her exciting collaborations.
- February 13, 2026
AceShowbiz - In an engaging conversation with Billboard’s Gail Mitchell, Jill Scott explores the profound themes and inspirations behind her latest album, To Whom This May Concern. The discussion touches on the generational influence of her music and her collaborations with artists like Too $hort, J.I.D, and Tierra Whack.
Gail Mitchell expresses her excitement, saying, “I’m just so thrilled and jazzed, and I can’t even think of enough adjectives to describe how I feel sitting here next to this three-time Grammy Award winner.” With the release of To Whom This May Concern, Jill Scott returns to the music scene after a significant hiatus.
“Oh my god. I can’t even remember the last time, it’s been a very long time,” Scott responds, reminiscing about her journey. Gail Mitchell notes that this moment feels like a full-circle experience since she covered Jill Scott's debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Volume 1, on the front page of Billboard years ago. “I was there for that, and now I’m back here for this, which I don’t know if you mind me saying, but it’s kind of like a rebirth,” she adds.
The anticipation surrounding To Whom This May Concern resembles that of Scott's first album. When she announced the album on social media, fans erupted in excitement. “Was that the reaction you expected?” Mitchell inquires. Jill Scott admits the overwhelming response was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. “Honestly, it’s been like a whole process,” she shares. “Initially, I felt pregnant, and I felt tired of holding it.”
Scott elaborates on the fear of presenting her work to the world, comparing it to a parent releasing their child into the world. “The idea of giving your baby to the world and seeing what they’re going to do with it is very, very scary,” she confesses. However, she finds solace in the album's title, To Whom This May Concern, which signifies a release from her anxieties. “This is for the people it’s for,” she explains, believing that the right audience will resonate with her message.
As the countdown to the album’s release began, Jill Scott experienced a whirlwind of emotions: “I feel flustered, I feel excited, I feel tired, I feel thrilled. It’s all that.” Her candid reflections on the creative process and the emotional weight of returning to the music scene resonate deeply with her fans.
In her conversation with Gail Mitchell, Jill Scott not only shares her excitement about her new project but also acknowledges the impact of her music across generations. The forthcoming album promises to deliver the soulful sounds and heartfelt lyrics that have made her a beloved artist.
Stay tuned for more insights from Jill Scott as she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her musical journey.