Editing Jill Scott (section)

== North Philadelphia Childhood ==

Jill Heather Scott was born on April 4, 1972, in Philadelphia, growing up in the North Philadelphia neighborhood of Kingsessing. Raised primarily by her mother and grandmother, she developed early interests in poetry and performance that would eventually merge with her musical abilities. Her grandmother's influence was particularly important, introducing her to gospel music that would inform her later vocal style. The neighborhood's challenges and culture shaped her worldview, providing material for songs that would address urban experience with poetry's precision.<ref name="henderson">{{cite book |last=Henderson |first=Errol |title=Neo-Soul: Taking Soul Music into the Twenty-First Century |year=2004 |publisher=University Press of Mississippi |location=Jackson}}</ref>

Scott attended the Philadelphia High School for Girls and later Temple University, where she studied education before deciding to pursue a career in the arts. Her early work as a spoken-word poet led to performances at Black Lily, a weekly open-mic event that The Roots produced in Philadelphia. These performances, which combined poetry with musical backing, caught the attention of Questlove and others who recognized her potential. The Roots connection would prove crucial to her career development, linking her to musicians who could help realize her artistic vision.<ref name="scott"/>

Her work with The Roots included contributing to their album "The Roots Come Alive" and collaborating on songs including "You Got Me," which won a Grammy Award. These collaborations introduced her to audiences who might not have encountered her poetry performances, while demonstrating that her talents extended beyond spoken word to encompass singing that could hold its own alongside established artists. The Philadelphia music community that nurtured her development was preparing her for the solo success that would follow.<ref name="henderson"/>