The Breakfast Club - Best of full interview: Jill Scott On Divine Timing, Honesty, Healing + New Album 'To Whom This May Concern'

Episode Date: April 7, 2026

Best of 2026 - Best Interview - Jill Scott On Divine Timing, Honesty, Healing + New Album 'To Whom This May Concern'. Listen For More!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakfastClubPower1051FMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Morning everybody It's DJ NV Just hilarious Charlemagne Nagy We are the Breakfast Club Lawn LaRosa's here And we got a special guest In the building

The legend The icon has returned To bless us with her presence Once again Ladies and gentlemen Jill Scott is back Welcome How you feel?

Thank you thank you Thank you How do you feel, Miss Jill? Excited Mm-hmm Excited First album in a decade 10 years

That's what I hear To whom it makes You tell me that Yes sir By the way I love the way you release music because it feels like you release music when you feel like you want to when the spirit moves you how do you know when it's the right time to release me because i have too much and then i um it lets me relax when it's not finished i keep tweaking touching touching

tweaking finding new flavors seasonings musicians producers and when it's done it leaves me alone and then i can just listen and i have so much that i could just listen to I knew I was done. It's like, okay. Now I can create. So people would assume that you stopped recording for a little bit and then you just started recording recently, but you've been recording this whole time.

I mean, it doesn't stop. It's going to show up. I mean, what are you going to do? I do record, but I don't, I just go when I feel like it. Or for no intention, just because I have to get it out. Other than that, you know,

it's not like I'm thinking about an album until it's done. Are you like a comedian? Like, you know, comedians always say they got to stop and live a little life before they get back on the stage. Are you like that? Absolutely. Yeah, yeah, I got to make dinner. I got to go grocery shopping.

I got to see my mom. I got to have her put me in my place a little bit, you know, raise my kid, do stuff. Other than that, what are we talking about? I saw you talking about when you took the time off and how intentional you are with just being a mom in that time that you took off. And then explaining to your son about, like, why you got to get back to work and teaching him that. How has it been now that you're back out on the road and you're doing all these things and getting back into the swing of things?

Well, he's 16 now. Mm-hmm. And I didn't have to explain anything to him. He knew. He was in the studio with me. You know, he's the one that suggested J-I-D. He's the one that suggested Tierra Wack. You know, he's been a part of the whole process.

So you got him working. So he's an A-N-R. He is. He is an A-N-R. Absolutely. We'll see what else he can do. Right now, he's a scuba diving, cross-country

singing, writing person thus far. All of that. Yeah, thus far. I'm just watching to see, you know, what I could do. You know, how I can help out with the thing.

Does he know how special his mom is and how powerful his mom is? Well, he loves me, you know. Like whether I do well or if I, you know, what I have or don't have, he loves me. You know, we love each other. Yeah, you're special and powerful to him in ways

that we would never understand. You was mom. I love him. I appreciate him. I respect him. Try to help him in any dream that he has. And I don't even know what that'll even mean. I don't know.

I don't care. As long as he's happy and he can take care of himself financially that matters to us, I'm straight. Like, he's a good person. He's so funny. He's cool. So I'm glad he suggested J.I.D. I was, we listened to him.

You know, like this is our music in the kitchen. This is what Jet and I do when we have time together. And he said, Mom, why don't you call J.I.D.? And I was like, I don't know him, Jet. And he's like, just DM him. And that's what you did? Yeah. And like minutes later, he texted back like, what's up, Queen?

What you want? What you want to do? And I was like, huh, well. He said, send it. And within 24 hours, he sent his verse back. Wow. And when I tell you, I asked him specifically, I said, I need you to paint a picture with words.

This is what I require of the emcees that I love and the emcees that I put on my projects. I need you to paint pictures. Less than 24 hours. Bars. You can see it. You could taste it. He painted. Brilliant.

So proud of him and so happy that he's on my project. So what made you put Ab Sol on Old Tiniki? Because I feel like old to Nikki would have been such a personal record to you That you would want to keep that to yourself What made you reach out to Absoe? Because Nikki Giovanni inspired writers She inspired poets And Absol is an ill-M-C

Absolutely He's so thought-provoking I have to go back and listen again and again And then I pull out books and, you know I pick up Wikipedia or whatever You know to find out exactly what he's talking about because he's that thoughtful, he's that prolific. He's had quite a life experience,

and it represents in his writing deeply. So when I did Ode to Nikki, she's the first poet that I ever found out about at school, black poet, black woman, and it was just awesome to see myself on paper like that. My people, my neighborhood, you know, my love on paper. So when I did O. to Nikki, she had just passed.

Absol seemed like the right guy to me. I mean, no, he sounds great on it. He does sound great on it. I just wanted to know the meaning because I'm like, that's a big compliment for Absol. Because we spent a lot of time talking. We clicked really easily. So we talked about the Celestine prophecy,

like within minutes of just talking to each other and moved on from there. So, yeah, he was the right person for me to choose. Mm-hmm. So you look so happy. Thank you. Like you look so glowing. I've been watching your rollout, right?

I've seen you with a DMU and I seen you doing a lot of pressing. You just look and feel like a positive vibe. I feel good. I did something that I really wanted to do. And it means a lot to me. And I have an opportunity to share it and perform it in front of people that will be looking at me like I look at them. And I get a chance to travel some more and make some money, you know.

But you even like even when I see you do these interviews. You're blushing. It's like it's like you're overly love. I love it. Even when you got here this morning, you said, what time do you guys get here in the morning? But you were smiling and happy about it. Like, I love it.

And I love to see artists like that, that loved the craft. You can tell when the artist has to do something for money or when an artist has to do something because the label is requiring it or management is required. Then you can tell when somebody just loves putting out music. Which out of albums every 10 years.

She doesn't do anything because the label wants her to do. I know. That's what I'm saying. You can tell the difference. Even your rollout felt like a hook. Yeah. Like I saw you, you went from Gilly. in Wallow, then I saw you on Angie Martinez,

then eventually you started doing, like, you were posting like the letters on your Instagram and kind of explaining the project and I'm like, this just feels like I'm being ushered into like a whole new world of things. That was the plan. I have a new publicist. I think she's absolutely wonderful. Her name was Erica

Trucker, Tucker, I think she's fantastic. But we had a whole other idea like two days before we started doing the rollout. Two days before, before I just was like hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on. We're talking about beautiful people.

We're going to put beautiful people out as an introduction to the album. Because really, that's who I'm calling. I'm calling the people that light up from the inside. You know, that love, love. Yeah, love, love, that are, again, financially

respectful to their lives. Make sense? Okay. And so if that's the intention, this is the call out, well, let me represent the people that have been so beautiful in helping me with this project.

You know, it's all been organic. I met a guy at a party. He was like, I'm two shorts, engineer. And I was like, I believe you. That record, the church going to be mad at you. Oh, yeah. Possibly.

That's like part two, a Drusky skit. Possibly. It's the church in the education system, too, though, right? Could you mention education in there as well? Yes, and the pharmaceutical. Yes, big pharma. Yeah. You ain't lied, though.

I know. You didn't lie. And even just the choice to go get too short to come on there and describe pimping. The mentality of a pimp. What is it? So we're clear. I'm not saying anything. I'm not trying to be mean to you.

What I want to be mean to somebody for it. That's not it. This is what it is. Right. This is what it is. And I have a thoroughbred pimp to tell you so, to give you all the information that you need. And this has been brought to you by education because I want you to know.

Are those records easy or hard to create? Easy. Really easy. The musicians name is Kari Martine. I met him when he was like a kid at the studio. now he's he played every instrument on that every instrument right right okay he gives me this music it feels like it feels like um like the players ball it feels like it's pampy it's it's uh phala it's like revolutionary at the same time and i was like yeah okay what am i going to talk about

this is what i want to say i say preacher man what you're trying to do Trying to get this money Is that all you do When mama ain't got squat But you take that toe When you ain't good for the people I ain't moved Where's the universities

Where's all the food for free? People can't pay the bills But you're still riding around In the coop de ville Biggest pimp of the year Uh-huh So how's always When you meet two shorts, what do you say?

You met as an engineer. I met Too Short at something. He's just a part of me. I don't even know when I didn't know Too Short. He's in hip-hop's DNA. Yo, is that what that is? Absolutely. Like immediate bread through.

Okay, that's what it is. Okay, okay, I don't feel too crazy. But I met his engineer at a party. He said, I'm a producer, and I also engineered for Too Short. I just believed him. I just believed him. just believed him. I just believed him. So I gave him my number. We exchanged numbers.

I called him. He sent me music. He sent me off of the back. And he sent me pressure. Wow. When I say organic, like just allowing the things to be what they are, I'm talking to David Banner. You know, that's my dude. And we're talking, he's been giving me music forever. He just keeps the inspiration churning, right? So he's, we're talking. And I said, I got that. this track. I wanted to feel like, I wanted to feel like a marching band. I wanted to feel like

HBCU marching band. That's what I want. That's what I want. He said, why don't you call trombone Shorty? You got his number? Yeah. Send it to me. I called Easy. He went in and cut 480 tracks. Why would you do such a thing, sir? Why would you do such a thing? And he's just like, I love you. That's a great intention. Listen, the way that it's working, I couldn't have planned it. Like, even the day that it's, you know, come out, it's, it's February, 13th. 13th, yeah, 2-3, 1-3. No, February 13th, got it?

I don't get it, but. Okay. On the 20, wait, 26th year, right? 26. Nobody else in the room got it? Yes. Two, thirteen, thirteen times, no. Nope.

You ain't got it either. It's as simple as simple could be. I love, I call myself the queen of grand simple things. Two, four, one and three, two and six, wait, two and six, eight,

Right. Two, four, eight. Just as simple as can be. These are the things that I look for. Just what things that all add up, basically. I am, after reading the Celestine prophecies, I am driven. I am driven. It's a path.

I just follow it. Signs are obvious and evident. And I say, yes. Whether I, you know, my number is four. two is obviously so I'm always looking for a four I'm looking for the right energy

and Friday the 13th kind of felt good to me I don't know and it's the day before Valentine's Day I could have released it on Valentine's Day but I like this I'm hoping people will listen and and like have something to talk about

most people would have stayed away from Friday to 13. Why? She's playing Jason. She's killing these holes. Listen. But when you talk about the Celestian prophecy, it's like, to me, I've always seen your aura. Like, when you talk about following the divine, like, you always had that divine energy, that divine presence. Like, that's why we've always gravitated towards you. It's a confirmation of what I already knew. Got you. Okay. It was a stamp. So when I'm not reading it, I'm listening to it, it's just a good story.

Like, like, any folklore, I would say, or Bible or Torah or Holy Quran, they're filled with stories that teach us how to live a life. And obviously you get to choose how you do the thing. With the Celestine prophecy, it taught me that I'm already doing the things that I need to do. Like I always look for beauty No matter what situation I'm in Where is the beauty? It's some There's got to be something

And then you find it The mud around your boot Is rich And it's kind of like Mushy and Something about it is a little satisfying So you step in the mud a little bit more My boots are muddy

But my spirit feels good So I follow these things. There are nine insights. The studio that I was working out of has, I've worked there many times, but it's been changed over and over again. It's always closing down and starting again. So I'm in the middle of Celestine Prophecy, and I'm going to the studio because I've decided to take the month

and just go every day, like, finish. And I'm walking up and I look, and they put that new sign on the studio in its eye in C, I-I-I-T-E studios. I was like, Insight Studios, okay, okay. I'm headed in the right direction. Don't give up.

These are the things that I look for. Like little signs that are actually really big ones. And here I am with you. I've spent a while. So if everything is a sign, do you ever see a sign that says, I'm not going in that direction? I'm not going there. Or management, let's not do that because that.

does not feel right. It's not as easy. It's abrupt. It's harsh. It's a jerk back. And I haven't really know. I don't know how to like navigate that part yet. But I will get,

I will get away. I will get away. I've learned that too. Then when the spirit says no, when your whole energy says no, what are you doing? Don't talk to this person. I remember talking to somebody at a party.

And I was like, I got COVID all in my face and I was like, see, girl, everything makes so much sense now because one of my favorite records on the album is pay you on Tuesday, right?

And it's so funny because my niece had put out a tweet yesterday and she put a few young black and gifted get away from niggas and niggas shit ASAP, right? And I just thought that was hilarious. And then I heard Pay You on Tuesday, but now I'm like, oh, she's staying away from the poor me energy type. I mean, now that I hear you talk about the book so much,

I'm like, oh, that's why she wrote that record. Part of it. Part of it, yeah. Part of it. And I know I keep saying financial, but I am really over us spending and buying things that we can't afford. For who, for what?

It's so many things to do, to taste, to see, places to be. Like, I just don't see how it profits us to, you know, I like nice stuff too. I really do. But I buy the stuff that I can afford. And somebody else was like, you could afford, you don't know what I could afford.

And you don't know what I want. But you act your wage. I do. I do. I do. I think it's a wise decision. I save properly. I invest.

I really want to switch out of this poverty mindset or the lacking mindset. of some, you know, my family break away from these things. I'm not interested in doing that anymore. I want to grow. And I want to make a whole lot of money. Like a whole lot. And I'm going to do great things with it.

Enjoy it. I already do. Enjoy the money I have. I do dope shit on a regular. I really do. It's been so nice. Oh, my God. You know, my son went to Tanzania to get his school with certification.

Wow. That's amazing. That's a fly. Tanzania is beautiful. I was like, I've never been. I went to Zanzibar and Tanzania. I want the Zanzibar and Tanzania.

I've never been, but he has, like, yes. But that's the most important thing, right? When we get to a place where it's like, none of this matters, you just want your kids to be happy. Whatever it takes to be happy. Like I tell my daughter and my son, I don't care what you do. If you want to do nails, if you want to do hair,

if you want to do sanitation, as long as you're happy. Life is too short. Joyful. Happy is flea. eating. Joyful. Joyful. Look for it.

That's an insight as well to constantly look for the joy. Taste of food. Taste it. Feel the water. It's nice. And it sparks creativity. But I can't afford to eat that, Jill, and I can't afford to go there to swim in that water.

So can you loan me something? Let me get 10,000 real quick. I've learned this. If someone wants to borrow something from you, give them a job. If they do the job and do the job well, then you're showing me something. I'm going to give you a small

reimbursement contract. I'm going to say $25 a month. Fair? Yes. You don't pay the $25. I don't know how when it's going to stop. It's going to stop if you're consistent. If you're consistent. If you're not consistent,

never have to worry about me again. You never have to ask me anything again. Because this was a contract. It didn't have any interest. This was respect. So I enjoy helping people, but I have to see what they want. I have to see what they're doing. I got to see something.

You got to show me something. You can't just tell me a dream. Okay. When did you get to that point in your life? Because I saw you talking to Angie Martinez about that, right? And setting these boundaries. But then I also hear you talk a lot about like you carry so much for your family for a long time because you were trying to like y'all were trying to get out of the situations that you guys were in.

And I think that there's like a sometimes there's like this tug of war of like I'm able to help so I want to help. But at the same time I got to set these boundaries. When did Jill Scott say I didn't did enough, I got to stop this? Now. Now. Something had to happen. I turned 50. And the light popped on again.

Yeah. That's what happened. Time creates wisdom. You know, if you're paying attention. If you're not paying attention, it just creates age. But, yeah, I've been paying attention. And I know that that doesn't make me feel good. To watch people do things that are outside of their particular space, financial space, like going on a cruise, okay? going on a cruise, but you didn't pay the mortgage. I can't help you with that. And the fact that you would ask me to is ridiculous. You made a choice. That is your choice. It wasn't like something happened, like, you know, the car broke down or, you know, the tuition is behind. It's nothing like that.

And even if tuition is behind, how do they're doing? what activities are they in because it's mine and I can share with you as I seem fit and deem fit it might seem harsh but I don't know it feels right to me I feel better I don't feel way down by people's stuff

I don't think that's harsh and also what about when you give somebody money for mortgage but then you go see them on a cruise after they just ask you from me from me I didn't get invited to the crew what is nigger blues to you? That's his favorite song, by the way. It's called Pay You on Tuesday.

I have a lot of favorite records, but that record was hit for me yesterday in a real way. I got a lot of favorite record on that, but that one really would be. Music is medicinal. It'll hit you when you need it. So what do you mean by? Like, what does it do for you?

Man, for me, it just put things in perspective based off what you're saying, because you're saying a lot of that throughout the song. singing, but it's also it's like, I don't want no more nigger blues. Stop putting your problems on me. I can wake up in the morning and be good. And then by the end of the week, I'm feeling way down.

And then when you realize why you're way down, it's because you're trying to help everybody else with day shit. I don't want no more makeup. It's exhausting. Yes. It's exhausting. I love to inspire. I want people to do better.

But if they don't want it, what am I supposed to do? Just keep pouring into an empty well. I can't do it. The things that you do don't benefit you. So why do I have to? Damn. That's a bar. Mm-hmm.

It is. It's really mentally heavy, too. Especially depending on where you come from. Like, I've, your song with a tear whack. It's so filly. It's so, like, arts, filly. And I love tear whack. But just hearing you say that makes me think about, like,

a lot of people who come from, like, particular neighborhoods, families, whatever, that mental weight we never, Some of us never let that go. Like I used to I turned 50. Right. I got family number 65 and plus that are like literally aging themselves because they're still holding on to that. I got to do everything for everybody. Yes.

It's not benefiting us. It's like what are we being loyal to? That line, you know, all skin folk and kinfolk. Not all people are your people. That's right. Got to search out for your people and weed them out. respectfully, you know, or disrespectfully.

They just have to go. They can't stay to take enough space. A girlfriend of mine had asked me about what to do. She said she wanted a man. And I was like, hmm, maybe make some space for one. A physical manifestation

of a dream or an idea that you want, it becomes real. Make room in your closet. Take the lamp down on the other side of your bed and take the stuff out of it. It might sound crazy to some. Try it. Make space in your life for what it is that you want. And you'll see it every day, the fact that there's a space and watch. Just watch. Just trust I see. I love you. Okay Well, I'm going to make space in my bank account And I'm going to manifest

If that money come in Get another account Get another account Did your friend ever get the man? Hmm They're very happy Oh good At this stage in your life

What does honesty and music require That it didn't demand from you When you was in like your 20s and 30 What is it required now? Mm-hmm I don't know what it requires. I know what I require. What do you require?

Uh. Canadian women are looking for more. More to themselves, their businesses, their elected leaders, and the world are at them. And that's why we're thrilled to introduce the Honest Talk podcast. I'm Jennifer Stewart. And I'm Catherine Clark. And in this podcast, we interview Canada's most inspiring women. Entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, politicians, and newsmakers, all at different stages of their journey.

So if you're looking to connect, then we hope you'll join us. Listen to the Honest Talk podcast on I Heart Radio or wherever you listen to your podcasts. Why hasn't a woman formally participated in a Formula One race weekend in over a decade? Think about how many skills they have to develop at such a young age. What can we learn from all of the new F1 romance novels suddenly popping up every year? He still smelled of podium champagne and expensive friction. And how did a 2023 of, event called Wag Ageddon, Change the Paddock Forever.

That day is just seared into my memory. I'm culture writer and F1 expert Lily Herman, and these are just a few of the questions I'm tackling on no grip, a Formula One Culture podcast that dives into the under-explored pockets of the sport. In each episode, a different guests and I will go deeper into the wacky mishaps, scandals, and sagas, both on the track and far away from it, that have made F1 a delightful, decadent dumpster fire for more than 75 years. Listen to No Grip on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A silver 40-caliber handgun was recovered at the scene.

From IHeart podcasts and Best Case Studios, this is Worshack, murder at City Hall. How could this have happened in City Hall? Somebody tell me that. July 2003, Councilman James E. Davis arrives at New York City Hall with a guest. Both men are carrying concealed weapons. And in less than 30 minutes, both of them will be dead. Now, everybody in the chambers duct. A shocking public murder.

I scream, get down, get down. Those are shots. Those are shots, get down. A charismatic politician. You know, he just bent the rules all the time. I still have a weapon. And I could shoot you. And an outsider with a secret.

He alleged he was a victim of flat down. That may or may not have been political. That may have been about. That's sex. Listen to Rorschach, murder at City Hall on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, I'm Jay Shetty, host of the On Purpose podcast. My latest episode is with Noah Kahn, the singer-songwriter behind the multi-platinum global

hit stick season and one of the biggest voices in music today. Noah opens up about the pressure that followed his rapid success, his struggles with mental health and body image, and the fear of starting again after such a defining moment in his career. It's easy to look at somebody and be like, your life must be so sick. Man, you have no clue. Talking about the mental illness stuff, it used to be this thing that I was ashamed of. I'm just now trying to unwind this idea that I have to be unhealthy physically or in pain in some emotional way in my life to create good music. If someone says that I did a good job, I'm like, yeah, I'm good. Someone says that I suck. I'm like, I suck. Getting to talk about this

is not common for me. Right now I need it more than ever. Listen to On Purpose with Jay Chetty on the IHartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I require a certain amount of rest. I want to be in the best venues. It has the best sound. I like a two bedroom or definitely a two-bathroom hotel suite. time with my people like my people

I've known them forever they're like friends they're not like friends they're the best of friends time with them and then I and then I love to do my job so it's not even like I feel like I'm required to do anything by anyone I set my space

I said it before I'll say it again you work hard in your 20s you work smart in your 30s You work how you want to in your 40s. You work when you want to in your 50s. And you work if you want to in your 60s. And I'm in my how I want to phase of my life. So how I want to is more than likely I will be having residencies instead of running all over the country. Come to me.

Come to me. Let me give you a stage that I've created that I don't have to pick up and move from space to space. You know, and in, you know, just come see me. I'll let you know in plenty of time, you know, so that you can come and I'll create based off of the space that I'm in. This is where I am now. This is what I require. And then I would love listening ears.

People that actually listen to what's being said and the musicianship of the album, you know, that part. Like I hope to inspire bass players like crazy. I hope to inspire MCs like crazy to start, I don't know, telling stories, painting pictures, in big grand scopes, you know. So to whom this may concern requires these things, and that's where I am at this point. the title feels like a like a boundary and a release in a way

why did you come up with that title for whom it may concern because it's to whom this may concern it is to whom this may concern you'll know if it's for you you'll know and then I thought about this because I thought maybe that was limiting I thought about this the other day

that I didn't understand Billy Holiday when I was young I didn't understand the tone of her voice I didn't understand the things that she was talking about. I didn't get it. It's like, why I didn't make such a big deal about this lady until I got my feelings hurt? And then I played Billy Holiday, and I was like,

oh, that's what this is. And you're relating to me in this space. So it could be the same thing for a lot of people. I don't know. But to whom this may concern is for to whom this may concern. We'll know. I can't wait to see your faces. That makes so much sense because like, you know, I can't wait.

I think about like, you know, older records of yours like blessed, right? And when you first heard it, it's a good record. But when you're actually in that space, oh, later in life, oh, my God. It just hits different. It just hits different. You get to that point, you're like, and I know what I know. Do you think about that when you're creating? Like, I want to make sure that people understand it when they're at their lowest moment,

at their highest moment at that moment? I don't know if I could do that to myself. I try my best to be as clear as possible, and I know that I speak in poet, but I try my best, and then I just, you know, have to release the baby. Go ahead out in the world and see what happens. You know, I put a lot of good intentions,

a lot of prayer, a lot of love, a lot of hours, lots into the project. So this baby's been loved. I think you can hear that. I know. I can hear it. And we'll see who gravitates towards it. I'm excited to see them.

I really am. I was going to say that's the, on the start of the album, you talk about you can't wait to see the people. Just now when you said it before this last time, you kind of got emotional when you said you can't wait to see people's faces. What is that feeling that I'm like since as you say, like, you can't wait to see the people show out for this? It's a dream. It's a dream. I've seen it. I've seen it every time I sing beautiful people.

I just see thousands and thousands of people. And they're up, and they're up there too, as far as I can see. And I get to see these faces looking back at me. I don't know how I'm going to make it through that, but I'll do my best. and I don't know how I'm going to make it through A Shea either. She hit so different. Me and one of our producers was talking about that record earlier. She was asking me one of my favorite records on the album.

She said, A She She, A Shee, A She. I was crying during the recording. Andre Harris sent me the music and I was like, this is a prayer. This is a prayer. Now, what shall I say to my beautiful people? Man, I don't know how I'm going to ever get through that song. They'll probably have to sing it for me. I just don't know.

I don't know. I've seen you do some amazing singing when you was crying. I remember years, years, this is 20 plus years ago. I've seen you in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Sugarwater Festival. You hit a high note so crazy. Like literally a tear came down your face like in Denzel and glory. It just sat there for a second. And you didn't miss a beat.

So I don't think you'll miss a beat. We'll see how this goes. On the hook of a be great, you say I'm going to go ahead and be great. Yeah. Do you have times when you feel like you're not great already? It's internal. And it's not for anybody else's... It's not for anybody else.

You're great, my great. It's all great. Yeah, I'm saying. But I'm gonna do my great. I'm gonna, you know. Yeah. Do I have... What was the question?

Like, do you ever feel like you're... Do you have moments where you feel like you're not great already? Like, I don't know. Because I can't imagine Joe Scott having imposter syndrome ever. Oh, thank you. I'm sure I feel insecure and scared and all the things that human beings feel I mean I know I do um there was there at time I didn't think I was being great I don't remember when you say I'm gonna go ahead and be great you just talking about everything in all the

things you know what I said all my life I wanted to do good I wanted to be good I wanted to feel free of a history that made me cry and stump my stride so I changed my mind I doubled down on that the opinions of other people couldn't like my life or deter my sight nor wrong my rights or delay my flight. I'm flying high now up above on the clarity of love. I only get what I put into it.

I spend my sweet time where I deemed fit. I got one life. I'm going to let my glow show. Baby, look at this. The embodiment of soul glow. I admit, paint my own pictures, gifts on gifts on gifts. Let the load lift, let the words shift. I ain't here to live in fear or just plain old exists.

I'm going to go ahead and be great. So I want people to play before they go in their audition. I want them to play before they go in their job interview. I want them to play before they propose. Before they take their test. Before they take the test. There's so much affirmations here. Like the whole, like, it felt like,

like, I feel like living my life, like, it's golden. It's like a song that you play when you want to feel good to. Like, that's like my go-to, like, easy affirmation song. But when I was listening to this, I'm like, you got like the first three songs, first two songs are just straight out the back. And then you're just going off with the affirmations. And other things. Is that what it is?

It felt, I don't know if, like, it's kind of like the sort of the opening song, what is it? A dope shit. that kind of felt like how you was like just listening to Auntie right I felt like I was sitting down and somebody was like I'm tired of you come here come have a conversation let's really talk

because what's going on it felt like that and then when we go into the second song Be Great it's like it's already there and I don't told you and I'm not going to tell you again and then beautiful people is like the people have finally got it and now they like all come together and it's just this big march and push back against like this I just like it's like a world phenomenon like everything's switching you can see it yeah it's like it just

continues and continues and continues So maybe it's more of a movement Not affirmations I'll take it I'll take it It's I was made an auntie for a reason And I'm going to do my job Period

No I wonder when you do records like pressure When you do records like me for Is that When you do the actual record Is that when the closure comes or do you have closure before in order to do the record? I've never thought about it. I don't know if I'm looking for closure necessarily.

I need to say it. I need to say it. It is true. I need to blah, get it out. I think that's how I feel about that. Yeah. And then when I listen to it, it becomes an affirmation for me because I've said it.

And I was like, yeah, you said that. Because that's what it is. That's exactly what it is. it is. Yeah. You ever went too far and was like, let me take this out. Man, many, many times. Really? Many times. Many times. I typically write the thing before I get into the studio so I can find how it feels

when I get in there. Or I already know how it feels. It wasn't something, I don't know if I necessarily went too far. Let me be clear. I just said some shit I probably should. to say. That might be too far, but go ahead. I don't know. It was the right thing. And when I listened to it, I'm like,

yep, that's right. You know, that was, that was real there. But I probably shouldn't have shared it. You went hard on this album. Oh, yeah, I did. You say you married a bitch. Yeah.

That's pretty, that's pretty. That's pretty far as. I wonder than that. I got pretty self-explanatory. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I think I just needed to get stuff out to, you know, music is healing for the artist as well, supposed to be.

What's the moral compass with that? Is it yourself saying, no, is it your son? Is it your homies? I haven't had that. It didn't come up. Nobody said anything. You know, and my son listens to everything. And we talk about everything.

Yeah, so it didn't come. Nobody said, hey, you probably shouldn't say that. Nobody did. and I don't know if I would agree or disagree about it. You just see how everybody's going crazy about squeezing my meat? It's a song called Don't Play. Yeah, but I didn't see people going crazy about it. Oh, boy, I did.

They were like, squeeze my meat. And I was like, she said, squeeze my meat. She was going, squeeze my meat. And I was like, I did. They're not used to that from you yet at this point. It's a new generation of people who just be on Twitter. I'm just confused. Maybe you all can help me out here because I would love to know.

I've heard lyrics that. Oh, way worse. Lob on my knob, like corn on the cob. They're singing about eating ass now, Jill. I heard. Yes, I heard. I heard. I heard I listen to a lot of music.

And because I listened to a lot of music, I was just like, what exactly is so. radical about squeeze my meat. They're not real Jill Scott fans. But beside being a fan or not, like, what's radical about that? I just thought, I'm missing something. Probably the way you sung it. When you sing

it with such, you know, because it sounds amazing. So you might be just randomly finding yourself singing it, even as a guy. You know what I mean? I also think it's, too, like with the new generation, they get it different ways. Like, you want to say it? Yeah, go ahead. Is it that a cat's a minute you sing? I'm sure I will at some point. The end of the disparate

them with me and I'll just be coming around the corner squeeze my meat. You better never sing that if you're in the bathroom with me, bro. I'm just saying that might can happen, that's all. I think it's the fact that you got to say, squeeze. They said it was they was deeming the big ariola music. I heard that too. Yeah.

It's a big ariola music. Yeah, they said because basically if you don't know what to do with it, don't come over here. That's the conversation. And I think it's just right now in music, you either get stuff like that very straightforward to the point where it's not sensual. And that has always been you to be able to communicate those type of things

in a very unique way, right? But there is a new generation of like creators and artists who are listening to this and discovering your ability for the first time. And they just think it's so powerful and forward. And I'm like, welcome. That's what I'm talking to people. Like people like that. Like I hate people that.

I don't want to have to, don't know, I don't want to catch up with you. Okay. Like we over here celebrating Jill Scott because of who, Jill Scott is that always has been. I don't have time to explain the greatness of Jill Scott. You know, catch up in your own time. Fair enough.

They'll get there. Catch up in your own time. Right. I ain't got to explain it. They'll get there. Life will happen. And then there I'll be. You're loving 90.

With so many stories to tell. So many life experiences to share. So many lessons learned. So much music. There was a skit on here, too. I forget where it comes in at. You're like talking to someone. and then it goes into a song.

And I was hoping that we would get more of that type of thing. Kind of like what Jasmine Sullivan did, hotels. Just because of what you said, like, we know so much about you, but I know that there's a lot more to hear. And I don't know, I'm older. I just was like, I wonder if she'll ever do that where we just get to hear her talk through her, like, experiences of things.

And then we go back to the music after that. Well, I don't know. I did listen to Viola Davis's book and just, my God. I could listen to that woman. That story was so powerful, so impactful. I think if I were going to do that, it would probably be a book. You know, I have a lot of dreams. Does that mean a book is, in the works or something?

I know a publisher if you need one. Thank you. You know, you're so interesting. You mentioned David Banner a lot. To me, I don't know, y'all have similar spirits. I don't know, like sometimes I hear you talking, I hear David Banner and then now I'm hearing David Banner

sometimes I hear of Joe Scott but I never thought about that until I've heard you mention him in the last couple of years I heard you mention him in the last couple of years. I'm like they're the same person kind of energy wise thank you we click you want to expound what would I say about David Banner

um hmm he is really like I said this early earlier, but he's really, really kept me inspired. Sending me music, sending me music from other people as well, not just himself, like not just trying to get on the album, like sending me other musicians stuff. Like that's a lot.

That's a lack of id, okay? Like, love that. And he's amazing for resources as well. We buck heads often And I tell him I'm not scared of you, David Graham You know, and he likes that So we're That's my brother from another mother

Yep I can see that And I think he's beautiful That part too Do you think healing is louder or quieter At 50? Quieter internally But very vocal outside

Gotcha It shows up into music. Yeah. Gotcha. Yeah. How are you? 47. That's it.

Yeah, be 48 this year. Born in 19708. Baby. Right there. But I feel the same way you feel. I like being, I like just growing. Like, you know, feeling, you feel more unapologetic about who you are every day. And you realize how much more it is for you to learn.

And how much that you have to unlearn. The unlearning part. Practice, practice, practice, practice. practice practice. What did you have to unlearn? That was so difficult? I had to unlearn doubting myself. I had to learn to trust the process. I think for the last few albums I had been like trying my best like trying, trying. Like you don't have to try. You don't have to try. All you got to do is realize.

Shout out to Bilau. But that's all you got to do. And that is like this freed me. and I have so much, I have so much music, y'all. It's not even funny. In so many different categories, which is exciting to me. And I don't know, you know, this one, I'm here. See? I got to stay right here because there's so many things.

And I'm excited about them all, but I have to stay right here with to whom this may concern. I put a lot of love in this thing I cannot wait for people to listen with their listening ears I actually think about the words and have conversations and I don't know

by the time they get to to be honest I really hope that they're in full swing that was my intention Is there a song on this album that represents a boundary that you used to ignore but now you protect it no matter what? I'd have to look at the song list

can you think of one let me see you got dope shit be great beautiful people off the back north side disclaimer pay you on tuesday pressure me for the math or universe lifting me up don't play to be honest right here right now i say sincerely do probably me for right no maybe pressure no no i love all my life everything gets you where you're going if i change something then what would happen who would I be. You know, I am, I am literally baby mama number four. Four is my favorite fucking number. I'm always going to find it. The silver lining, the joy, the beauty, and the thing, you know,

but you go through stuff and that's life. And you just, you know, I'm on the other side of everything, which is good. Now, the job is to get myself in, in, sense. side of everything to tell the story properly on stage. That was you looking forward to the motion. I'm looking forward to it. It's therapeutic. It's terrifying. So scary.

Oh, I'm coming to see you on Valentine's Day. I will be right there, me and the wife. Nice. Absolutely. No, I'm feeling stuff out. So you're coming to a feel out. My last question, when it's all said and done, what does peace look like for Jill Scott?

And did this album bring you closer to whatever that is? Life is bringing me closer to my piece. And my kid doing well for himself and my mother living so comfortably and she's happy. My private, my personal life, It's solid. I love my home.

I love my friends. I have beautiful friends, y'all. You would fuck with them. Anybody would. Like, they're so dope. So many levels of it. There's not a lot of them, but they're powerful. I'm, I'm, I'm, you know,

I say you're happy, you say you're joyful, and people get upset about it. I feel sorry for that, for you. people are upset about you saying that people are upset about other people feeling joy and being happy yes they do it all the time I see it

yes yeah I don't know what it is I don't care what it is it's not my bag to carry I'm gonna let this little light of mine shine and that light gonna irritate some demons and others you see what I'm saying

that's what I'm saying that's what I'm saying I have a force field I put it on it goes under my feet above my head anytime I think about it or I just put my force field on and I walk through my life we're superheroes

we can do really anything we want anything we can imagine you just need the power to do it the power is love the power is sincere friendships the power is guidance my mentor is outside somewhere

like having that is is and anybody can attain it anybody at any time in any state of their life can get all of the things my mentor sometimes life will be a little stressful she'll come in swinging swinging like like boys in the hood swinging she'll kick it's a physical manifestation of a spiritual thing can't happen and then she says woo and I love that I'm I'm

I'm I'm like damn I'm really like I got everything I ask for I got everything I ask for praise God amen oh my God

oh my God everything wow it's okay feel that that's what I've been I'm feeling all interview. I'm like something, she, there's a feeling here. I just don't know what it is.

But I'm so glad that you in this space. You deserve it. You worked hard. Ma'am. For a long time. You've been literally like the Jill Scott my whole life on 34. I just want you to know what you mean to so many people. Like I hope you know that we really love you and we value you.

We appreciate you. And even you putting out new music means so much. Like this is an event. Like, oh my God, Jill Scott putting up putting out new music. Like that matters. A lot of people that put out music, I can take it and leave it. Some people put out music, the world stops from me. That's right.

And that is what you're doing, to whom they make a sign. I hate to be redundant. But I'm going to say it again. That in the time when Marvin Gaye was the highest, there were albums that hit number one and stayed number one for weeks. and the time with Shaka Khan I love you wherever you are Shaka Khan

so much had number five on some chart there was some one two three and four that were doing way better than that but who do we remember who do we talk about who do we still go see

it's you know this thing is all secular you're going to get you're going to get a bunch of other things in the water as well. But sometimes, sometimes you get a prince. Sometimes you get a Michael Jackson. Sometimes you get a teddy pendergras

and a Stephanie Mills and a Phyllis Hyman. Oh, Lord, the list. And we remember them and we carry them and we play their music in our house and we live by it and we reference it. And that's what my goal was. I wanted to have a career like Frankie Beverly and Maze. And somebody else would be like, well, what do you mean,

Frankie Beverly and Maze? Not everybody knows them. What Frankie Beverly and Mace could do 25 years without having an album is sell out an arena. And everybody's going to show up in white, and everybody's going to sing with all of their hearts, arms in the air. That's what I wanted for myself. And I had.

Yes, you do. I might have to take a nap. Ladies and gentlemen, Jill Scott. The album is out today. Make sure you're buying you. We're making the service out right now. We appreciate you so much. I hope you get that nap.

Yeah. No, that's divine. Go get that nap. You deserve it. Your soul deserves it. Oh, my goodness. Here we go. All right.

It's Jill Scott. It's the Breakfast Club. Good morning. Hold on. Every day I wake up. The breakfast club. You're all finished or y'all's done. 10, 10 shots fired in City Hall building.

How could this have happened in City Hall? Somebody tell me that. A shocking public murder. This was one of the most dramatic events that really ever happened in New York City politics. I scream, get down, get down. Those are shots. A tragedy that's now forgotten. End of mystery.

That may or may not have been political. That may have been about sex. Listen to Rorschach, murder at City Hall, on the... IHart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Lori Siegel, and this is Mostly Human, a tech podcast through a human lens. This week, an interview with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. I think society is going to decide that creators of AI products bear a tremendous amount of responsibility to the products we put out in the world.

An in-depth conversation with a man who's shaping our future. My highest order bit is to not destroy the world with AI. Listen to Mostly Human on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or a world. wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Hey, I'm Jay Shetty, host of the On Purpose podcast. My latest episode is with Noah Kahn, the singer-songwriter behind the multi-platinum global hit Stick Season and one of the biggest voices in music today.

Talking about the mental illness stuff, it used to be this thing that I was ashamed of. Getting to talk about this is not common for me. Right now I need it more than ever. Listen to On Purpose with Jay Shetty on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get. Get your podcasts. Hey, it's Nora Jones, and my podcast playing along is back with more of my favorite musicians.

Check out my newest episode with Josh Grobin. You related to the Phantom at that point. Yeah, I was definitely the Phantom in that. That's so funny. Share each day with me each night, each morning. Listen to Nora Jones is playing along on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.