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Jill. Mary. Alicia.
Black MUSIC Month is on it’s way and the three R&B singers are all over ESSENCE’s June Cover.
Ladies First: Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and Jill Scott
Hip-hop may be dead, but R&B is alive and kicking with artists Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and Jill Scott holding it down
By Regina R. Robertson
Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys
Rounding up three multiplatinum, Grammy-winning chart-toppers is no small feat, especially when they’re stationed in different cities and different time zones. Did we mention that one of them was on tour (Mary), one had just come off tour (Jill), and the other was between tours (Alicia)?
For us, Alicia, Mary and Jill are the truth and the light in R&B. During the past year, they, along with other female singers, have bumped the ’hood boys off the top of the charts. No offense, . fellas, but it’s always ladies first here. As the following excerpts from individual chats with each artist reveal, when it comes to penning hits, embracing success, and keeping ahead of the curve, it’s always about the music.
Essence: One thing you all have in common is that you each had a debut album that was a phenomenal success. How do you feel when you hear those songs now?
Mary J. Blige: It’s been about six months since I’ve listened to What’s the 411? I was in Japan working out, and when I heard it, I could definitely feel my youth, but I could also hear that I’ve always had an old soul. When I think back to that time, I remember that I was singing to escape. I understand that some people are stuck in that place, but I firmly believe that if you don’t evolve and grow, you will die.
Essence: From the outside looking in, it seems that success has been yours since day one, but there probably were, and are, disappointments. How do you cope when a project doesn’t pan out?
Jill Scott: This is life, and if something doesn’t work out, then it wasn’t meant to. I feel that there is a divine plan in all things. All I can do is the best I can do, and if it’s well received, then, yeah. If not, I hope life will give me an opportunity to try again. Do I challenge myself? Absolutely. But beat myself up? I just can’t do it.
Essence: Have you ever regretted folding to pressure from record labels?
Alicia Keys: In the beginning, I didn’t understand the concept of boundaries. I wanted to make sure the music was heard, but there’s a price you pay for that. I did everything and anything to promote my first album, like flying from New York to Los Angeles and back on the same day, which was a bit excessive.
Essence: Have you figured out the ingredients for the perfect song?
Mary: Yes, but I won’t tell. [Laughs] For me, it’s about being real and honest. And the lyrics have to be relatable.
Jill: Oh, I wish I knew. I think Ne-Yo knows. I think Carvin Haggins, who does a lot of writing for Musiq Soulchild, has the ingredients, too. My songs are mostly about life experiences, about being human and falling and getting back up. About loving and losing.
Essence: But aren’t those the ingredients right there?
Alicia: It’s always a bit of a mystery. A song should deal with a widely understood emotion, have a really strong, clear explanation of that emotion and a great melody that makes you want to sing it at the top of your lungs. Then the music should evoke the same feeling as the lyrics. Somewhere within all of that lies the perfect song.
For our complete interview with Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys and Jill Scott pick up ESSENCE’s June 2008 issue now on stands.
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Well I have been waiting for this issue for the past few months and I am glad to see that is the big 3. I have always loved Mary J since 1992 and Jill Scott since her beginnings in Philly, and of course Alicia. I will get multiple copies for reading, reference and one to put away for safe keeping. Jill is my ultimate favorite and I am looking forward to see her at the Hampton Jazz Festival next month. Keep up the good work Jill, I am right there with you!!! Whats up Philly, Jersey!!
My gurl has done it again!! Jill deserves to be in one of the top three R&B singers. She has blessed so many people with her awesome music. My blessings go out to u Jill, keep it up!!!!!!!!!!!!
[...] Grammy-winning chart-toppers Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, and our very own Jill Scott! Read a preview of the interview with all three ladies and hear how they feel about their 1st album’s debut success, how they [...]
Oh my I luv it!!!! These ladies look beautiful. Of course my favorite girl is Jilly, but Mary is next in line. If yall didn’t see Mary in concert you missed a treat. Her and Jay killed it!!! I gotta go get my copy of this.
Is it true you are coming to houston on july 3rd to the verizon theater. I thought i heard that on the radio i had just turn to the station and thats what i heard an dgot excited , but i can’t find any information on that, I so sad : < i’m your biggest fan. When are you coming here, I really want to see you live i live in the houston area
When are my girl Jilly come to Florida in concert.To the Dale the Low.
I want your clothes so I can be gorgeous and not pregnant-looking. You look amazing.
Jill is the best. Jill’s music is such an inspiration to me. Jill’s music is sexy, sensual, and inspirational to me as a proud black woman. Jill deserves such much more credit for her music. Cant wait to see her in AC!!!
Hey Jill,
Still loving your music. When I hear it, I think about your childhopod friend, Chee-Chee. If you speak to her/see her anytime, please tell her I said hello and that she’ll always be on my mind.
Take care
Hi,Jill.i really like u’re music and the almbum its very phenomenal,inspiring and brilliant .
hi……I’m rocco’s mom aka rokbottom he took me to your show in november 7th @ the TLA and you were the best present ever for me! could you tell me where did you get that long crystal like RING that you had on that night? You looked SPECTACULAR!!!!!!!!
Dear Jill:
I know that you are a busy woman and so many people write in to you and I’m just another letter among many. I just need to tell you how inspired I am by you. How proud I am of you. How much I love to hear you sing.
There isn’t anything you put out that I don’t have. Keep putting out the hits and I will keep buying and supporting you.
I am so happy for you on your engagement….YOU GO GURL!!!!! Can’t keep a good woman down.
I have yet to be able to see you live in concert but that is a dream of mine and one of these days I know it will become a reality.
Love You Gurl…Your #1 Philly Fan