Subsequently, she collaborated with Eric Benet, Will Smith, Lupe Fiasco, Common and broadened her performing experience by touring Canada in a production of the Broadway musical Rent. Signed to Steve McKeever's newly formed Hidden Beach Recordings label, she released her debut album Who Is Jill Scott: Words and Sounds Vol. 1 in July 2000. The following summer she released Experience:Jil Scott 826+ after she released the single "A Long Walk." Scott continued to gain more recognition, eventually earning a Grammy nomination in early 2003 for Best Female Vocal Performance for "A Long Walk". Jill Scott also won a Grammy award at the 2005 Grammy awards for Best R&B Solo Vocal Performance, Male or Female.
Jill Scott appears in David Chappelle's Block Party performing with The Roots and Erykah Badu.
Scott released a new album, entitled Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2 in 2004. Her book of poetry, The Moments, The Minutes, The Hours was released in April 2005.
Recently, Scott was prominently featured on hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco's 2006 single "Daydreaming" which also appeared on a new Scott collection called Collaborations on January 30, 2007.
The Collaborations collection served as "an appetizer" for her next studio album, The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3 released September 25, 2007. A clip of the title track was released on a bonus disc from Hidden Beach Records and included with Collaborations. The lead single, "Hate on Me", gained airplay in May 2007 with a video released in mid-July. In advance of the album's release, Hidden Beach released a 17-minute album sampler through their forums. Interspersed between the dozen songs previewed on the sampler was a personal explanation from Jill for the inspiration behind some of her songs.
Jill Scott is also an accomplished actor, appearing as detective Precious Ramotswe in the BBC's dramatisation of Alexander McCall Smith's series of books: "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency". Scott also appeared as "Sheila" in the Tyler Perrry film, "Why Did I Get Married" (2007) and its sequel, "Why Did I Get Married Too" (2010) .
The Roots
Jill Scott Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What's your name girlfriend?
Girlfriend, what's your name?
My name is J-I-L-L S-C-O-T-T
Jill Scott representin' North Philly y'all
J-I-L-L S-C-O-T-T
Jill Scott representin' lovely
Show your love, ladies and gentleman
Show your love for Miss Jill Scott
Representin' Philadelphia, ya know what I mean
The Roots crew, that's what I'm talkin' 'bout
The song "The Roots" by Jill Scott is an expression of her identity and pride in representing her home in North Philadelphia. In the first verse, she introduces herself and spells out her name, emphasizing her individuality and creativity as an artist. She then goes on to declare her love for North Philly and the "lovely" qualities it represents, perhaps referencing the community's resilience and strength despite the challenges it may face.
The chorus of the song is an invitation to the audience to show their love and support for Jill Scott and the Roots crew, a Philadelphia-based hip-hop group that she frequently collaborated with. The song serves as a tribute to her hometown and the people who have supported her throughout her career, and an assertion of her place within the hip-hop community as a proud and talented representative of North Philly.
Overall, "The Roots" is a celebration of identity, community, and love, showcasing Jill Scott's unique voice and her commitment to representing her roots with passion and pride.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, yeah yeah yeah, yeah, yeah
Excitedly acknowledging the audience and getting them pumped up for the performance.
What's your name girlfriend?
Asking for the name of the person, in a friendly and casual manner.
Girlfriend, what's your name?
Reiterating the question and emphasizing the importance of knowing each other's names.
My name is J-I-L-L S-C-O-T-T
Spelling out her name for everyone to know and remember.
Jill Scott representin' North Philly y'all
Proudly identifying herself with her hometown, North Philly.
J-I-L-L S-C-O-T-T
Repeating her name to ensure that it sticks with the audience.
Jill Scott representin' lovely
Associating herself and her music with the positive qualities of being lovely and beautiful.
Show your love, ladies and gentleman
Asking the audience to show appreciation and support for herself and her art.
Show your love for Miss Jill Scott
Specifically asking the audience to show love and respect towards herself, as an artist and performer.
Representin' Philadelphia, ya know what I mean
Highlighting her connection to Philadelphia and the pride she takes in it.
The Roots crew, that's what I'm talkin' 'bout
Acknowledging and referencing the popular hip-hop band and musical team, The Roots.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jill H. Scott, Tarik L. Collins, Ahmir K. Thompson, Scott Spencer Storch
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Laketomp
Bradford Thornton All that being said, what does that have to do with my opinion?
You have no idea what respect is let alone the ability to perform it.
You yourself aren't a professional, you just listen to other people talk and regurgitate what someone else says. I don't care about the technical aspect of it, I DIDN'T CLAIM TO KNOW HOW IT'S DONE. IT'S NOT MY CONCERN, I ACTUALLY DON'T CARE.
I was simply trying to convey my appreciation for how well this track was performed live.
I'm guessing that you have low self-esteem and a need to constantly tell people what you "think" you know, in order to validate yourself.
You've done a poor job here because you stated your not a professional, you know some people who are...... NO ONE CARES. And you are arguing OPINIONS, which by definition are based on perception, so everyone is right, but you're too ignorant with low self-esteem to realize your entire response to my initial statement is a moot point. Smh. . . Get a life sir. I won't read or respond to you again. This is stupid.
@mimi294
jilly made it a classic, Ms, Badu made it a hit....both so worthy of respect! i love it!
@psudoplays254
mimi294 this comment. I don't think it could be better articulated. Well put.
@usedbyjesus
Jill made it period ..she wrote the hook. Erykah couldn't use this on the battle
@alilcomedy5226
WELL SAID. I AGREE
@wuddahbaker6509
Jill created it ... she wrote it....
@mimi294
at the time Jill was unknown except underground - it would have never been a radio hit if Ms. Badu didn't sing it...actually it was never released as a single with Jill on it...just the roots live had it. stellar song in all regards.
@trinityanderson7988
In 100 years when they ask what is hip hop?
THIS.
THIS IS HIP HOP.
@mamawinterborahae7629
Trinity Anderson FACTS ! This is HIP HOP! WELL SAID MY FRIEND, WELL SAID
@fabchick8159
Spot on!!!
@yama5182
Trinity Anderson A...AMEN!!!