The first time the soulful notes of Jill Scott graced my ears, it felt like stepping into a world reserved for the truly initiated – “Grown Women Music,” as it were. As a young teenager navigating the digital realms of my parents’ WiFi, I was captivated by the sultry sounds of Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1. Jill Scott, affectionately known as ‘Jilly from Philly,’ poured her heart into every riff and run, painting a vivid picture of Black love, self-love, and womanhood. It was an awakening, a sonic baptism into the depths of neo-soul. Years later, Erykah Badu’s Certainly became another essential piece of this musical tapestry, its hypnotic bassline and the Baduizm album becoming the soundtrack to introspective autumn evenings, further immersing me in the healing power of neo-soul.
When Swizz Beatz and Timbaland announced the highly anticipated Verzuz battle between neo-soul queens Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, excitement rippled through the music community. This wasn’t just another face-off; it was a celebration of two iconic women and their profound contributions to music. The Verzuz stage was set for a sonic spectacle, a back-to-back showcase of their greatest hits. For three glorious hours, Erykah and Jill delivered a masterclass in soul, drawing in a peak audience of 775,000 viewers, all united in appreciation for their artistry.
Jill Scott commenced the evening with a poignant tribute to her poetic roots, reciting the words of Nikki Giovanni, setting a tone of artistic reverence. Erykah Badu joined in, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and mutual respect, reminiscent of a heartfelt reunion between old friends. This genuine warmth and shared history permeated the entire event, making viewers feel like privileged guests to an intimate exchange.
When Erykah Badu selected You Got Me as her opening song, Jill Scott’s reaction was pure joy. A radiant smile lit up her face as she swayed to the familiar rhythm. This moment held deep personal significance for both artists. You Got Me, a Grammy-winning hit for The Roots featuring Erykah Badu, was co-written by Jill Scott. With visible gratitude, Jill reminisced about performing the song live in Erykah’s stead when Erykah was delayed in traffic. She recounted the pivotal moment at 27 when, after a slight exaggeration to Questlove about her songwriting experience, she penned You Got Me. This leap of faith, she declared, “changed everything,” expressing immense pride in having written for Erykah. The online response was immediate, with viewers expressing feelings of peace and groundedness, a testament to the space of kinship that Erykah and Jill cultivated. This exchange of admiration established the evening’s spirit – a celebration of neo-soul titans in a transformative musical experience.
During a period of global quarantine, music became an even more vital source of connection for Black communities across the diaspora. From initiatives like No Signal Radio, featuring vibrant clashes and celebrations of Black music history, to intimate digital performances by legends like Teddy Riley and Babyface, Black artists dominated the digital landscape. This era saw a resurgence of musical “battles” as lighthearted yet powerful showcases of artistic legacy.
Erykah vs. Jill transcended the typical Verzuz format. It wasn’t about competition; it was about communion. Viewers were captivated by two Black women redefining the very essence of musical clashes, transforming it into a lesson in sisterhood, legacy, and uninhibited expression. Between songs, they shared intimate stories, anecdotes that breathed deeper life into the music we cherish. These were the untold narratives, the hidden gems behind the songs, shared as if gathered around a warm fireplace. Erykah and Jill offered glimpses into moments of triumph, vulnerability, and resilience. They paid homage to a lineage of Black women artists, including Mary J. Blige, whose influence sparked the iconic drum pattern of On & On, as well as Billie Holiday, Queen Latifah, and many more. Jill also acknowledged the poets who shaped her artistic voice, such as Langston Hughes, Sonia Sanchez, and James Baldwin. The contributions of musicians and producers like George Duke, J Dilla, Robert Glasper, and Andre Harrell were also celebrated for their pivotal roles in shaping neo-soul.
In a moment of profound appreciation for Erykah, Jill Scott’s words resonated deeply: “Thank you for not being afraid.” This Verzuz celebration underscored the importance of community and the legacies forged by Erykah and Jill. Their journey highlighted the power of Black sisterhood, paving the way for those who came before and inspiring generations to follow, particularly in an industry often dominated by ego and hypermasculinity. The key takeaway from this Verzuz moment is clear: prioritizing love, tenderness, and mutual admiration fosters fearlessness, inviting others to embrace their own boldness. Jill Scott’s songs, showcased in this Verzuz and throughout her illustrious career, are a testament to this very fearlessness – a legacy of soulful expression, empowerment, and unwavering authenticity.
