2026 might have just started, but it’s already looking like it’s going to be a good year! That’s because the one and only Jill Scott has made it official that she has a new album on the way. The set, titled To Whom This May Concern, will be the singer-songwriter’s first full-length album since her 2015 set Woman. But Jilly from Philly isn’t making us wait to hear what she has in store as she offers up the album’s first single “Beautiful People” to get us ready for what she’s putting down.
For “Beautiful People,” Jill works once again with Om’Mas Keith on the production tip. He gifts her with a sound reliant on rhythm guitar, bass, keys, drums and congas that’s a beautiful blend of ’70s soul, modern R&B and jazz. In other words, it’s quintessential Jill Scott.
The cut begins with Jill speaking with her mother Joyce Alice as the two anticipate what her new album will be. As the volume on the groove turns up, we’re eased into the song and greeted by Jill’s signature poetic lyrics. She sings of her people and a love for one another that transcends and transforms all it touches.
“This ain’t a happenstance or a whim / Our love is continual continuously continuing / Saint or sin / It’s deeper than,” she sings on the lead verse. “Our love is bigger than time or race / Our love is rhythm and charm / It resonates / In every space / It fills the place.”
The song feels like a return to form for Jill, which bodes well for her new project. And she’ll be in good company on the album as well. In addition to Om’Mas and her loving mother, To Whom It May Concern will feature several collaborators throughout its runtime. On the production side, we’ll hear contributions from the likes of Camper, Adam Blackstone, DJ Premier, Andre Harris, Trombone Shorty and more. In addition, the set will boast featured guests Too $hort, Ab-Soul, J.I.D. and Tierra Whack.
You can look for To Whom This May Concern to arrive just in time for Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 13th and pre-save the album to your streaming service of choice right now. Listen to “Beautiful People” right here and then head below to check out the album’s beautiful artwork created by visual artist Marcellus Lovelace.
