Released on February 13th, 2026 via The Orchard, ‘To Whom This May Concern‘ is the sixth studio album from singer, songwriter, and poet Jill Scott. The album marks her first full-length release in nearly a decade, following 2015’s ‘Woman‘, and arrives after a milestone period that included a sold-out tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut, ‘Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1.’ That 2000 release established her as a defining voice in modern soul and earned her widespread critical and commercial success.
The reaction to recent single ‘Pressha’ and the sold-out tour quash any hint that Scott is going to find herself left behind in the modern jazz scene and, as the pulsing tones of opener “Be Great” glides out of the speakers, it’s very apparent that this important album is going to hit the right notes with modern jazz affecionados. “Beautiful People” follows that and, while it continues this classy return, the slow, smouldering track shows that ‘To Whom This May Concern‘ is going to be an album of many shades and moods.
Possessing a voice that is as comfortable intimate as it is filling every last space in the room, Scott continues through the almost spoken word and quite sumptuous “Offdaback” before “Norf Side” whips up the tempo a notch or two with Scott putting in an rival-slaying vocal performance. It would be fair to say that, by this point in the album, and the first interlude, the soul legend has delivered an album which, for fans of both her music and quality soul in general, is as mouthwatering as it is satisfying.
The “Disclaimer” sees Scott playfully warns that, if you dance along and you “get your shit shook”, the soul singer is in no way liable! Again it sets the vibe for the second part of this album. She’s not wrong either, as “Pay You Next Tuesday” is a slice of pure sass from the soul singer and is followed by the album’s stunning recent single “Pressha”.
Joining Jill Scott throughout the album are a plethora of handpicked collaborators each adding their own magical touch to their respective tracks. Trombone Shorty joins on “Be Great” while Tierra Whack joins Scott as her partner in crime on the aforementioned album highlight “Norf Side”. Elsewhere Too $hort joins Jill on the upbeat “BPOTY” while Ab Soul and JID round out the collaborations on “Ode To Nikki” and “To B Honest”. Much like the album as a whole, each of the collaborations fit the mood and tempo of their respective tracks never sounding out of place or overshadowing Jill more just adding some extra flavour to what is an already tasty collection of songs.
Much like her work in TV, poetry and film, the themes of this album are built around connection, community, and lived experience making this an album that pours honesty from every genuine, heartfelt moment. “Aint no shame in my game, I’m here to stay,” calls out Scott on “Right Here Right Now” and, listening to this album, it would be hard to dismiss that claim. An album of quality from someone who, at this stage of her career, knows how to deliver top quality material and, in “To Whom This May Concern”, not only has Jill Scott returned, she’s making sure that the rest of a pack that her music has heavily influenced, knows it.
Pre-order your copy of ‘To Whom This May Concern’ from https://missjillscott.com/
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