When Jill Scott speaks, the culture listens. And when she announces her first album in more than a decade, it instantly becomes one of the most significant moments in contemporary R&B and neo-soul.
The Grammy-winning singer has confirmed that her long-awaited project, To Whom This May Concern, will be released on Feb. 13, 2026, just ahead of Valentine’s Day—a strategic and symbolic choice for an artist whose music has long soundtracked love, healing, and emotional honesty.
For fans who have waited patiently since 2015, the announcement marks the end of an era of silence and the beginning of a powerful new chapter.
A Decade-Long Absence Ends
Scott’s last studio album, Woman (2015), debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, cementing her place as one of the most commercially and critically respected voices in soul music. Since then, she has remained visible through touring, acting, and cultural commentary—but new recorded music has been notably absent.
In an era where artists often release albums annually, a ten-year gap is monumental. Scott’s return signals intention, not nostalgia. This is not a comeback for relevance—it’s a re-entry on her own terms.
An All-Star Creative Lineup
Part of what makes the announcement major news is the breadth and caliber of collaborators attached to the project. To Whom This May Concern features verses from Ab-Soul, J.I.D, Tierra Whack, and Too $hort, blending generations and regional sounds in a way few artists can authentically pull off.
Behind the boards, Scott assembled a heavyweight production team including DJ Premier, Adam Blackstone, Om’Mas Keith, Camper, Andre Harris, and Trombone Shorty, among others. The lineup alone suggests an album rooted in live musicianship, hip-hop soul, and genre-crossing experimentation.
With 19 tracks and the already released lead single “Beautiful People,” the album promises depth, range, and storytelling—hallmarks of Scott’s career.
A New Business Chapter
To Whom This May Concern also marks Scott’s first release outside of Atlantic Records, arriving via The Orchard. The move reflects a broader industry shift toward artist autonomy and signals Scott’s desire for creative and business control at this stage of her career.
Her announcement message to fans captured that sentiment clearly: gratitude, patience, and mutual respect—values that have defined her relationship with listeners for over two decades.
More Than Music
Scott recently described the album as “a lot of living” and “a lot of revelation,” suggesting deeply personal material shaped by experience, growth, and reflection. In December, she told Million Dollaz Worth of Game that the project represents a full musical spectrum and a level of fulfillment she had never imagined.
The timing also matters. Scott remains culturally relevant through acting roles, including a 2025 appearance on Abbott Elementary, and an upcoming role in Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Again? Her creative voice continues to evolve beyond music, making this album feel like a culmination rather than a restart.
Why It Matters
Jill Scott’s announcement isn’t just about a release date—it’s about legacy, patience, and artistic integrity in an industry driven by speed.
For neo-soul fans, R&B purists, and a generation raised on her words, To Whom This May Concern represents a rare moment: a master returning with something to say, and the time to say it properly.
