Jill Scott, the renowned R&B artist from Philadelphia, celebrates her 53rd birthday today. With over 25 years in the music industry, Scott has established herself as a major figure in R&B. She is best known for her iconic “Words And Sounds” series and her recent return in February 2026 with her sixth studio album, “To Whom This May Concern.”
The album’s lead single, “Pressha,” has gained significant traction, even reaching the top of the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart in March. Scott’s extensive discography showcases her versatility, with hits like “Gettin’ In the Way,” “A Long Walk,” and “Golden.” Her collaborations also highlight her ability to blend genres, featuring artists such as Lupe Fiasco and Anthony Hamilton.
B-Side Musical Gems: Jill Scott
In honor of her birthday, El-Balad presents a selection of Jill Scott’s best deep cuts, showcasing the talent behind her mainstream hits. These B-side gems reveal another side of Scott’s artistry, from album tracks to soundtrack contributions.
Top B-Side Tracks
- “The Rain” (with Will Smith) – 1999 – Album: Willennium
- “8 Minutes To Sunrise” (with Common) – 1999 – Album: Wild Wild West: Music Inspired By The Motion Picture
- “It’s Love” – 2000 – Album: Who Is Jill Scott?: Words and Sounds Vol. 1
- “Said Enough” (with The Isley Brothers) – 2001 – Album: Eternal
- “One Time” (with Eric Roberson) – 2001 – Album: Down to Earth: Music From the Motion Picture
- “Sweet Justice” – 2001 – Album: Experience: Jill Scott 826+
- “Kingdom Come” (with Kirk Franklin) – 2001 – Album: Kingdom Come: The Soundtrack
- “Sometimes I Wonder” (with Darius Rucker) – 2002 – Album: Back To Then
- “Slide” (with Jeff Bradshaw) – 2003 – Album: Bone Deep
- “Can’t Explain (42nd Street Happenstance)” – 2004 – Album: Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2
- “God Bless the Child” (Cover) (with Al Jarreau and George Benson) – 2006 – Album: Givin’ It Up
- “Let Me” (with Sérgio Mendes and will.i.am) – 2006 – Album: Timeless
- “Crown Royal” – 2007 – Album: The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3
- “Rasool (Live in Paris)” – 2004 – Album: Live in Paris+ (released in 2008)
- “Until Then (I Imagine)” – 2011 – Album: The Light of the Sun
- “Wake Up Baby” – 2002-2004 – Album: The Original Jill Scott from the Vault, Vol. 1
- “Calls” (with Robert Glasper) – 2013 – Album: Black Radio 2
- “I Adore You” – 1999-2000 – Album: Golden Moments
- “Beautiful Love” (featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) – 2015 – Album: Woman
- “The Math” – 2026 – Album: To Whom This May Concern
These selections offer a glimpse into Jill Scott’s extraordinary musical journey. As she celebrates her birthday, fans can explore these hidden gems that reflect her enduring impact on the R&B genre.
