It’s been a hot minute since we’ve heard from the neo-soul artist Jill Scott. Nonetheless, she’s back in the spotlight and coming back harder than ever. In a recent interview with Ebony magazine, the “Blessed” songstress talks about why she took the role of Gayle in the upcoming romantic comedy “Baggage Claim” and working on two albums. R&B fans will be shocked to hear her response on the state of R&B music too.
Read a few excerpts of the interview below.
On why she said yes to the role in “Baggage Claim” …
The script was good. I felt like anybody could be a part of this cast. It didn’t have to be an African-American cast, it could have been anybody. It was just a really good story, because who can’t identify with trying to find love? Everybody’s looking for love and you want to love somebody and be loved in return. I think a lot of us at this point—late 30s and early 40s—are ready. And the cast, you can’t beat that! When I was told who was cast, I was like, “Just get me in it!” Somehow, someway, I wanted to be a part of this.
On working on two albums …
I’m working on two albums at the same time, and it’s proving to be a lot more challenging than I initially thought. But I’m still in it to win it. I’ve completed most of the Lullaby album that I did with Robert Glasper and John Roberts—my son’s father—and it was literally the best number I’ve heard in my life!
The Lullaby album is not like any lullaby you’ve ever heard, and they’re all original pieces.
Then I’m working on a studio project with David Banner and 9th Wonder and Leo, and I have been going back and forth. He’s been on tour, so it’s been a little challenging, but we’re writing and… I don’t even want to say who I’ve done a song with because I don’t want to ruin it for you. I’ll just say it’s a California rapper.
On the state of R&B…
I don’t know that there is any R&B music right now. Is there? I don’t know. I just know what I like. I’m paying attention to Robert Glasper because it’s creative and different, and if there is any R&B music, it’s coming from him. It’s got some jazz and some funk and it’s, you know, real music. It’s really musical. There’s a lot of pop, and some of it I really enjoy. I’m loving J. Cole’s record. I’m still sweating The Game’s record.
Check out the full interview at Ebony.com and be sure to head to theaters September 27 for “Baggage Claim.”