The Breakfast Club - Breakfast Club Classic: Jill Scott Talks Writing Mature Lyrics, Making ‘Big Areola Music’ And More

Episode Date: June 29, 2026

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreakfastClubPower1051FMSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Here's something that should not be as complicated as it is. Getting a racist statue removed. And here's something that should be a whole lot easier than it is. Getting a new one put up in its place. I'm Akela Hughes. And Rebel Spirit Season 2 is about both of those things. As I was watching these statues come down, I was thinking about what it meant

that I grew up in a majority of Black City in which there were more homages to enslavers than there were to enslave people. Listen to Rebel Spirit Season 2 on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Morning, everybody, it's DJ NV, Just Hilarious. Salameen the guy, we are the Breakfast Club.

Launlerosa'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 feeling? Thank you.

Thank you. How do you feel, Ms. Jill? Excited. Excited. First album in a decade. Ten years. That's what I hear. To whom it may concern.

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 music? Because I have too much. And then 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 stop 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 gonna show up I mean what are you gonna 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've 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 kids. 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 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. 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.

You know, he's been a part of the whole process. So you got him working. So he's an A&R. He is, he is an A&R. Absolutely. We'll see what else he can do. Right now he's a scuba diving, a 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 or if I you know what I have or don't have he 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 as 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 don't 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 Jett and I do when we have time together. And he said, Mom, why don't you call J.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 minutes later, he texted back like, what's up, Queen?

What you want? What you want to do? And I was like, 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 could 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 Absol on O.

to Niki? Because I feel like O'DonDickey would have been such a personal record to you that you would want to keep that to yourself. What made you reach out to Absol? Because Nikki Giovanni inspired writers. She inspired poets. And Absole is an ill-M-C.

Absolutely. He's so thought-provoked. 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 owe 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 old Chiniki, 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 So you look so happy Like you look so glowing I've been watching your rollout right I've seen you with a demu 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 when I see you do these interviews,

you're blushing. It's like you're overly loving. I love it. 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. I love it and I love to see artists like that, that love the craft.

You can tell when an 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 of music. Put out 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. Like I saw you, you went from Gilly and 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, forgive me. I think she's fantastic. But we had a whole other idea, like two days before we started doing the rollout.

Two days before I just was like, hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on. We're talking about beautiful people. If 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, if that's the intention, this is the callout, 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.

It 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. Yeah, 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 Martin. I met him when he was like a kid at the studio. Now he played every instrument on that. Every instrument. Right. Right. Okay.

He gives me this music. It feels like, it feels like, like the player's ball. It feels like it's pimpy. It's a 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. And you ain't good for the people. I ain't moved. Where's the universities? Where's all a fool for free?

People can't pay the bells, but you're still riding around in the cooped a bill. Biggest pimp of the year. Uh-huh. So how, so when you look, 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. I 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 a lot of. 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 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? Wow. Why would you do such a thing? And he was 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 February, 13. 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. 2.13 times? No. No. You ain't got it even. 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's all that up basically I am after reading the Celesteine 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 have something to talk about. Most people would have stayed away from Friday to 13th. Why? She's playing Jason.

She's killing these holes. But no, 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've 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, um, 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 some. And then you find it.

The mud around your boot is, is right. rich. And it's kind of like mushy and something about it. It's 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 and it's I-N-C-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. That's been a while. It's been a while. So if everything's 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 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 why you got got you calling it? Got COVID

all in my face and I got COVID I was like see girl everything makes so much sense now because you know 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 niggies 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 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. 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 can afford. You don't know what I could afford. And you don't know what I could afford. 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. I enjoy it. I already do. Enjoy the money I have. I do dope shit on the regular. I really do. It's been so nice. Oh, my God.

You know, my son went to Tanzania to get his school for certification? Wow. That's amazing. That's so fly. Tanzania is beautiful. I was like, ah! I've never been.

I went to Zanzibar and Tanzania. I went to 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, 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 fleeting. 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 that 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, you 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.

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Hey, I'm Hoda Kotby, host of the podcast, Joy 101 with Hoda Kotby. Okay, if you know me, you know this. I'm always searching for inspiration, for support. and useful tools to help maximize joy. So this podcast lets us uncover all of that together. We're going to have these meaningful conversations with the world's most fascinating people. Like when actress Olivia Munn shared how she overcame fierce health challenges

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We just have to find it. Listen to Joy 101 with Hoda Kotby on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. My first guest is Paris Holtin, Shakira, Luke and Yerrin, Samira and Grace. I'm so excited on a bouncy bed You have surprises, many surprises Welcome to Sweet 305 where the group chat comes to life What a f*** It's like a way of saying like,

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or wherever you get your podcasts. 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 got. were in and I think that there's like a sometimes there's like this a 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 Joe 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? You're going on a cruise, but you didn't pay the mortgage. I can't help you with that. I can't 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 or it's nothing like that and even if tuition is behind how them grades how are they doing what activities are they in because it's mine and I can share with you as I seem fit and deemed 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. He'd been saying that. No, I got 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. Okay. 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 as you're 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. 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 It is It's really mentally heavy too Especially depending on where you come from Like I've Your song with a Tierra Wack

It's so Philly It's so like arts Philly And I love Tierra Wack But just hearing you say that It 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 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 ain't kinfolk. Not all people are your people. That's right. You got to search out for your people and weed them out respectfully. Mm-hmm. You know, or disrespectful.

they just have to go they can't stay to taking up 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 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 try to Auntie. 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? I don't know what it requires. I know what I require. What do you require? I require a certain amount of rest. I want to be in the best venues that 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 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.

You know, 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 residences 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. And 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, No, 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 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's casting a wide net. 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? 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, 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, I see thousands. and thousands of people, 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 were talking about that record earlier. She was asking me one of my favorite records on the album. And she said, I say, I say. 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 were crying. I remember years, 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 or you feel like you're not great already? It's internal. It's not for anybody else's,

it's not for anybody else. You're great, my great, It's all great, you know what I'm saying? But I'm going to do my great. I'm going to, you know, yeah. Do I have, 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 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. Was there a time I didn't think I was being great? I don't remember. When you say, I'm going to go ahead and be great, you're just talking about everything and all the things. You know, 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 believing that the opinions of other people couldn't like my life or deter my sight, nor wrong my rights, or to lay. 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 live. Let the words. shift I ain't here to live in fear or just plain old exist I'm gonna 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 when before they propose before they take their test before they take the test so much affirmations here like the whole like it felt like like I feel like living my life like it's going is like a song that you play when you want to feel good too. 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 affirmations. And other things. Is that what it is? Listen. And you're there. For heart-wrenching knockouts. The world's biggest stage. And breathtaking triumph.

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Stream it all live on TSN Radio. Available on IHeard Radio. I love the sounds. The buzzing from the stadium. The chanting from the fans. The announcers calling the place. Soccer. Football. It's home.

Why do I watch the World Cup? That's like asking me, why do I breed? I inherited that fandom from my mom. I like watching it with my dad. It's a connecting force. From Futuro Studios, I'm Fernanda Chavari, and this is American Football, a show about soccer culture in the U.S. and its underdog roots. We go beyond the game to the people and the stories that make it great.

A soccer game is a festival. It's just a game. It's your culture. I took an elbow to my head, which cracked my skull. It is an American game. The Brazilians don't like hearing that, though. Are they the only ones that don't like that? Nobody likes that.

As we get ready for the Men's World Cup this summer, listen to American Football as part of the MyCultura podcast network, available on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, I'm Hoda Kotby, host of the podcast, Joy 101 with Hoda Kotby. Okay, if you know me, you know this. I'm always searching for inspiration, for support, and useful tools to help maximize joy. So this podcast lets us uncover all of that together. We're going to have these meaningful conversations with the world's most fascinating people.

Like when actress Olivia Munn shared how she overcame fierce health challenges that she never saw coming. I've gone through breast cancer and then helped my mother through breast cancer, and that was more difficult. There's a lot of people who understand postpartum depression. I was not prepared for postpartum anxiety. Olympic champ Sean Johnson revealed why she had no choice but to be a gymnast. There was something about gymnastics that was intoxicating to me. It's given me a belief that we all have one of those treasures inside of us. We just have to find it.

Listen to Joy 101 with Hoda Kotby on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. My first guest is Karis Hilton, Shakira, Luke and Yerrin, Samira and Gracie! I'm so excited for it! You have surprises, many surprises. Welcome to Sweet 305, where the group chat comes to life.

What a fuck. It's like a way to say, like, hello, my God, hello, my God, hello, my brother. What a! Look, never I've ever been talking to nobody. Except with my kids, my kids, my kids, if you know. Yes.

I'mmaid. Uff. That's incredible. Yeah, the telenovela. You're the only person I know that loves a yellow starburst. It's laminated. No, there's someone. I'd like to collaborate with this person.

This is Sweet 305. Listen to Sweet 305 with Lele Pons as part of my Cultura podcast network on the IHart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. I don't know if it's like, it's kind of like the, the, So the opening song, what is it? A dope shit. That kind of felt like a, 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've 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. Yes. It just continues and continues and continues. Oh, yes. Yes. So maybe it's more of a movement, not affirmations. Ooh, I'll take it.

I'll take it. It's, 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 that, when you do that, 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. 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 shouldn't have said. 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 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. Yes. That's pretty, that's pretty far as I wonder what with that. Can you go farther than that? I got pretty self-explanet.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I think I just needed to get stuff out, too. You know, music is healing for the artist as well, supposed to be. What's the moral compass with that? Is it yourself saying now? 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 it. 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 doing, 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 I heard I heard I listen to a lot of music And because I listen 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. No, but what, 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 know what I'm saying? Is it?

Yeah. Go ahead. Is that you're saying? I'm sure I will at some point, the end of the spirit of more meat. 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, they 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. I was like, well, okay. 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 about people like people like that's 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 They'll catch up. I don't have time to explain to you 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 got to explain it. They'll get there. Life will happen. And then there I'll be your 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 like comes in that. 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 on hotels. Just because of what you said, like I know 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 as. book and just my god i can listen to that woman that story was so powerful so impactful um i think if i were going to do that it'd probably be a book you know i 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 know you're so interesting you mentioned david banner a lot to me y'all i don't know y'all have similar spirits. I don't know, like sometimes I hear you talk and I hear David Banner, and now I'm hearing David Banner, sometimes I hear Joe Scott,

but I never thought about that until I've heard you mention him in the last couple of, sorry, I heard you mention him in an Angie Martinez interview, and you mentioned him here now, and I'm like, they're the same person kind of, energy-wise. Thank you. We click. You want to expound? Oh. What would I say about David Banner?

Hmm. He is really, like I said this 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 Bannon. 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. Yeah. Yeah.

How are you? 47. That's it. Yeah, you're 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. Mm-hmm. The unlearning part. Mm-hmm. 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 have 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 I 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 it, 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?

Mm-hmm. 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 inside of,

of everything to tell the story properly on stage. That's what you're looking forward to the most. 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 or 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'd say you're happy.

You say it 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 going to let this little light of mine shine and that light going to 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 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 she's fighting off whatever 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 to get everything I ask praise God amen oh my God oh my God everything wow it's okay feel that That's what I've been 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. Ma'am. 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 our 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. Like a lot of people that put out music, I can take it to 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 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 a bunch of 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 pendergrass 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 buy it and you're making sure you straight out right now. We appreciate you so much. I hope you get that nap. Yes, 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.

Thank you so much. Chantay. It's that time to put on your jersey and wave your flag, whoever you root for. Why do I watch the World Cup? That's like asking me, why do I breed? And it's beautiful. The guys are young and cute and fit. It's not just a game.

It's your culture. I like watching it with my dad. It's a connecting force. From Futuro Studios, I'm Fernanda Chavari, and this is American Football, a show about soccer culture in the U.S. and its underdog roots. Listen to American Football on the IHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Joy is essential and it's also elusive, but now there's a new and exciting way

to start your journey toward a more joyful existence. Joy 101. It's a new podcast hosted by me, Hoda Kotby. If you're craving inspiration to maximize your joy, tune into these candid, uplifting, and moving on-air chats. your free IHeart Radio app. Search Joy 101 and listen now. Joy 101 with Hoda Cotby is presented by CVS. My first guest is Paris Hilton, Shakira, Luke and Yerrin. Have surprises? Many surprises. Welcome to the Sweet 305 podcast where the group check comes to life. What? You're the only person I know that

loves a yellow starburst. It's lemonade. This is Sweet 305. Here, Oversharing is encouraged. Listen to Sweet 305 with Llelepon's on the IHartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, this is Chuck from Stuff You Should Know, and we're submitting our most sciencey episodes for your peer review with our new stuff you should know doing science playlist. Out now. You want to know about Occam's Razor? Simplest explanation is usually the right one? We got you covered.

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