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A mature R&B vocalist who excelled most with slower, sensual material ("Slowly, Surely," "I'm Not Afraid," "My Love") and was versatile enough to pack plenty of punch with anthems of pride and self-empowerment ("Golden," "Family Reunion," "Hate on Me"), Jill Scott grew up in north Philadelphia and began her performing career reading her own poetry. She was heard by Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson, drummer in the Roots, who invited her to join the band in the studio, resulting in the co-composition "You Got Me," a 1999 Top 40 pop hit that actually featured Erykah Badu instead of Scott herself. Subsequently, she collaborated with Eric Benet, Will Smith, and 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 label, she released her debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1, in July 2000. One of the most favorably reviewed R&B albums of the year, the set peaked withi...