Jill Scott is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and poet who became a prominent voice in the neo-soul movement. Born on April 4, 1972, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she began as a spoken-word artist in local venues before signing with Hidden Beach Recordings. Her debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds, Vol. 1 (2000), earned critical acclaim and included the hit A Long Walk. She followed with Words and Sounds, Vol. 2 (2004) and The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3 (2007), showcasing her intimate storytelling and warm, soulful vocal style. In addition to music, Scott has pursued acting on stage and screen, appearing in various film and television projects and continuing to contribute to the arts with her poetry and performances.