This debate deprive from R&B’s subgenre, Neo-Soul. Let’s shine light on two debuts that made quite an impression: Baduizm and Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, by Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, respectively.
Baduizm found it’s way to R&B listeners first in 1997. Despite going up against stiff competition such as Share My World and Butterfly, by Mary J. Blige and Mariah Carey, respectively, Erykah’s Afrocentric image and musical style would be undeniable.
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“On & On,” the album’s first single, speaks on spirituality which reflects the teachings of the Nation of Gods and Earths or the 5 percenter.
“Next Lifetime” would touch on spirituality in forms of reincarnation. Erykah tells the story about a love interest that despite the mutual attraction, the two can’t be together due to her relationship status. “I guess I’ll see you next lifetime” suggests.
The album was promoted by aforementioned singles “On & On” and “Next Lifetime.” In addition, “Otherside of the Game” and “Apple Tree.”
Like Brown Sugar and Urban Hang Suite, by D’Angelo and Maxwell, respectively, Baduizm was accredited for laying the foundation for Neo-Soul, helping the subgenre gain more commercial popularity.
Baduizm peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album would go 3 times platinum (over 3 million copies sold).
Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 came three years later, however, at perfect timing. The same way spirituality influenced Baduizm, spoken word would play the same role in Who Is Jill Scott? Jill’s talent was on full display in the opening track.
“I love to write poetry, I love to sing. I love to write poetry, I love to read my poetry, but basically what I live for is, um (love, love),” Jill spits on “Jilltro.”
Spoken word could be heard in “Exclusively” as well, however, the album was not filled with Maya Angelou type poems over smooth R&B instrumentals. The streets of Philly would come out of Jill in “Gettin’ In the Way,” a track involving her man’s old fling causing mischief in a way she obviously disapproves of.
“Sister girl, I know you don’t understand/but you going have to understand he’s my man now/What you had is gone, our thing is sweet/Our thing is stronger than any lie you can tell on me/He knows my heart and that’s the part/Yo roots are dug up so you might as well give up/I see your intentions, you can’t handle the truth/He let you go a long time ago now it’s time to turn him loose.” -Jill Scott
The album was promoted by singles, “Love Rain,” “The Way,” “A Long Walk,” and the aforementioned “Gettin in the Way.”
Although “He Loves Me (Lyzel In E Flat)” was not a single, it became a fan favorite. It was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 2003 Grammy Awards.
Who Is Jill Scott? earned a Grammy nomination for R&B Album of the Year. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and number 17 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album reached 2,500,000 in US sales which earned 2 times platinum (over 3 million copies sold) status.
Personally, Baduizm and Who Is Jill Scott? both are a pleasurable listen. Apparently, R&B fans feel the same. Their record sales and accomplishments on the charts were nearly identical. Between the two, which one you guys enjoyed the most?
Erykah Badu’s ‘Baduizm’ or Jill Scott’s ‘Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol.1’?
[Polls Are Closed!]
Jill Scott – Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol.1 – Unanimous!
Erykah Badu – Baduizm – 0%