I can bob my head to a good trap beat, get my entire life to the most commercial of pop and lose myself in the strings of an acoustic indie song. I'm here for it all, but there is something about soul music that just connects more tightly. There's a raw truthfulness and a depth that happens at the intersection of gospel and rhythm and blues. Few artists consistently execute that magic quite like Jill Scott.
With a vocal range that defies gravity, no one serves vulnerability, strength, anguish, joy, reverence and IDGAF quite like Jill. She's our girl—our auntie, sister and bae. Jill Scott is all of us. She stands regally in her beautiful, contradictory womanness, and in doing so, frees us to do the same. Anyone who has ever had the privilege of seeing her perform live knows that Jilly from Philly delivers her entire soul on the stage.
Here are 10 reasons why Jill Scott should be lauded as the greatest soul singer of our time.
1. She SANGS!
When it comes to range, control and sheer vocal ability, no one is messing with Jill. Do your Googles. The receipts are everywhere.
2. She makes it look easy.
Photo: Giphy
Keep your elaborate sets and choreographed acrobatics. Give Jill a mic with a band, alongside a few lit candles, and you're in for the performance of your life.
3. She’s authentic.
Jill is the down-to-earth, unpretentious woman in us all, just looking for genuine connection, good conversation and maybe “A Long Walk”.
4. She has time for petty.
Come for her if you want to… Jill has time, and hands, for anyone “Gettin' In The Way” of what she’s feeling.
5. She has a word for the haters.
Haters gon’ hate. In “Hate On Me”, auntie Jill invites them to do just that.
6. She’s conscious.
In “My Petition”, Jill lays it on the line for every black person trying to navigate this dysfunctional relationship with America.
7. She's grown and sexy.
Get into this “Crown Royal”.
8. She says no to eff boys.
Sometimes it's more easily said than done, but Jill's “Slowly, Surely” can teach us how to walk away from confusing, misusing and abusing love.
9. She tells it like it is.
When things don't work out as planned, “I Think It’s Better” to face facts, rip off the bandage and just tell the truth.
10. She's J.I.L.L. S.C.O.T.T.
Still confused about who she is? Tell 'em, Jill!
I rest my case.
Photo: Rebloggy
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