Jill Scott, the Grammy-winning singer from Philadelphia, has revealed details of her first album in over a decade, To Whom This May Concern, set to drop on February 13, 2026. The project features collaborations with artists like Ab-Soul and Tierra Whack, alongside producers including DJ Premier and Trombone Shorty. She previewed it with the single 'Beautiful People,' honoring her supporters during her time away from music.
Jill Scott shared the news of her long-awaited return to music on January 2, 2026, via Instagram, announcing To Whom This May Concern as her sixth studio album and first full-length release since 2015's Woman, which topped the Billboard 200. The 19-track LP, distributed through The Orchard, explores themes of connectivity, humanity, and collective experience, blending soulful storytelling with revelation and a full musical spectrum.
Scott expressed gratitude to fans in her post: 'Finally my new album entitled TO WHOM THIS MAY CONCERN drops Feb. 13th!!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE and THANK YOU for your patience and your listening ears... Much Love, Jilly from Philly.' She also highlighted the collaborative spirit, writing, 'Creating takes a village. I’m sharing my beautiful people most literally.' The lead single, 'Beautiful People,' pays homage to those who supported her during her hiatus, with artwork featuring her mother, Joyce Alice, whom Scott credited for instilling creativity: 'She gave me creativity like you hand somebody an embroidered napkin.'
Guest artists include Ab-Soul, J.I.D., Tierra Whack, and Too $hort, while producers such as Andre Harris, Adam Blackstone, Om’Mas Keith, Darhyl Camper, Seige Montracity, Trombone Shorty, Eric Wortham, DW Wright, and VT Tolan contributed. In a December appearance on Million Dollaz Worth of Game, Scott described the album: 'It’s a lot of living in this album. It’s a lot of revelation. Musically, it’s a full spectrum. Had some wonderful musicians come in. I feel touched all over, literally.'
This release follows a milestone year marking the 25th anniversary of her 2000 debut, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, and a sold-out North American tour in 2023. Scott, known for her spoken-word roots and Soulquarians ties, has also acted recently, appearing in a 2025 episode of Abbott Elementary and upcoming in Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Again?. The album's cover, designed by visual artist Marcellus, evokes poetry and joy through vivid imagery.