Review

To Whom This May Concern is Jill Scott’s first studio album in ten years, following 2015’s Woman. In the intervening years, she has remained active through collaborations and guest appearances, notably with Alicia Keys and Ty Dolla Sign, among many others, while also building an impressive acting résumé across film and television. Originally from Philadelphia, Scott initially trained as a teacher before transitioning into spoken word performance and live poetry readings of her own work, foundations that continue to inform her songwriting. Released on 13 February 2026, the album was preceded by two singles: “Beautiful People” (22 December 2025) and “Pressha” (9 January 2026). Issued via Blues Babe Records, the 19-track collection runs just under 58 minutes. “Beautiful People” features backing vocals from Nashville-based trio The Shindellas and Claude Kelly. Built around a smooth, funky bassline and laid-back wah guitar, the track radiates warmth. The combination conjures images of sunshine and lazy afternoons - the musical equivalent of lying on a Caribbean beach without a care in the world. Norf Side, a rap track featuring the brilliant Tierra Whack flows like a John Travolta strutting down 86th Street in Brooklyn at the start of Saturday Night Fever. The drum track is kicking, bass funky. An ode to chilled days in the north side of Philadelphia and the feeling of being at home amongst her people. “Pressha” is one of the standout tracks on the album. Major seventh chords, a wandering, sliding electric bassline, subtle trumpet stabs, and a gently ticking hi-hat create a lush, refined soundscape. The production is sleek and unhurried, allowing Scott’s voice to glide across the arrangement. Ase really shows off Jill’s vocals. The range and depth is beautifully accented by some deep basey backing vocals. The only issue is that it's too short, but considering the total length of the album we can't complain too much. Pay you on Tuesday calls out the permanent lazy excuse givers, who use their circumstances as an excuse not to try. Rendered in a jazz-blues style with muted trumpets and a vocal delivery that nods toward pioneers like Ma Rainey, the song carries both bite and sophistication. Overall, To Whom This May Concern is the kind of album you can sink into. It’s warm, assured, and mature. It marks a welcome return for an artist who has now been shaping the musical landscape for over two decades, ever since her platinum-selling debut Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 in 2000.