Mike Ragogna: The Light Of The Sun: A Conversation With Jill Scott

Mike Ragogna: Hello, Jill. You have the #1 album in the country with The Light Of The Sun, and you feature Anthony Hamilton on your latest single, "So In Love." Can you give us some background on how your duet came about? Jill Scott: Hi Mike, yeah sure. I got a phone call from a very dear friend, Charles Whitfield, who was working with Anthony (Hamilton) and he told me he had something for me. I got the song and, immediately, I fell in love, before I even heard Anthony's voice. I was like, "Oh yeah, that feels like summer." So, by the time Anthony started singing, I was in. I was really excited to be a part of something that felt so good. MR: You guys blend so nicely together on that recording. JS: Thank you. Anthony is wonderful, he is really one of my favorite vocalists of today. MR: Now, you're no stranger to collaborations, that's how you got your first break with Questlove, right? JS: Well yeah, Questlove from The Roots came to a poetry reading and asked me if I wanted to try and write songs. I said okay and I went in with Scott Storch and hung out for about ten minutes and came out with, "You Got Me," which The Roots and Erykah Badu won a Grammy for. MR: You didn't get a Grammy, but you've got bragging rights, which is cool. JS: It was the first thing I had ever done in the music industry and particularly as a writer. I was so railed. I couldn't get over the fact that I was walking down the street and hearing this Grammy award-winning singer, singing my words and the melody I created. I thought this is good I want to keep this up. MR: What is your creative process? JS: Now, I have a new process, I just want to have fun. So, I call in great musicians and we basically just play. Some people may call it a jam session, I'm not quite sure what it is. We go in and we have fun, and that's basically the gist of it. MR: Is that how you approached The Light Of The Sun? JS: That's the way I've been creating as of late. I used to sit with a pen and a paper and plow through. As a writer, I felt like that's what I needed to do, but now, I'm treating myself more as an MC. I just freestyle and, typically, I come out with an entire song, and that's been a very fun experience. I will say things I don't expect to say. MR: A couple of songs -- particularly "Some Other Time" -- it's rap, but it's more like spoken word poetry, meaning your rap style is poetic. When you rap, is that your intention, to be more about accenting spoken word? JS: <a href="http://www.custompersonalityjerseys.com/custompersonalityjerseysnhlcustomjerseys-c-1187_1232.html"><strong>custom NHL jerseys</strong></a> Yeah, I don't treat it as I'm rapping. "MC" is "microphone controller," and a microphone controller can change the feeling depending on what they say and how they say the line. That's how I treat myself -- nobody knows about all that yet. As a vocalist, that's how I approach it. I'm poet and a writer first, it's imperative that I say something interesting. MR: And you're saying something interesting in my favorite track, "When I Wake Up." My interpretation is you can't wait to get over the break-up, and you're going to remember the good things when it's time. JS: Exactly, and that was a freestyle. I called some great musicians -- Adam Blackstone, Eric Wertheim, Randy Bowland, and Spanky McCurdy, who is now on tour with Lady Gaga. We just had fun, and to tell you the truth, it started at 1 o'clock in the morning and ended at 5. By the time we were done, we had, "When I Wake Up," "Le Boom Vent Suite"...oh my goodness I can't think of them all. It was such a great experience. MR: Then there's your duet with Doug E. Fresh, "All Cried Out." JS: I had been trying to get a hold of Doug E. for about 3 months, he is very hard to contact. Finally, he came to the studio in L.A. and we hung out for a little while and talked and got to know each other a bit, then went into the booth. I got on one mic, he got on the other, and history. MR: His mouthganics are terrific. Plus, you throw on a tack piano to change it up. When you listened to that track back, what was your thought? JS: I thought "fun"! That's a sound you don't really hear that often, it's kind of a ragtime sound. Then, when I heard the melody, it just felt very ragtime to me. I said, "Let's add some piano there and take it back, remind people that there are so many different kinds of music over the course of the world's existence," so that's what we did. Working with JR Hutson, my co-executive producer on this record, gave me a really huge freedom. One, he doesn't have an ego and two, he is super talented. Anything I ask for -- I need a guitar riff, I need a funky bass line -- he is jumping on the bass, he is jumping on the keys to find it. There is a huge difference (from those) who push buttons, with no disrespect at all. But musicianship, I don't ever want to go away. MR: It seems like now is a time when people need to know their technology, but they also need to know how to work their instruments. We've come out of this fog of people mainly operating machines. JS: Yeah, music can't die. There is something so powerful about someone grabbing a guitar and making music out of nothing and nowhere, creating sounds that touch the soul and light the spirit, capture the mind and make you imagine and see things. It's a wonderful craft and art. MR: Let's talk about some of the other songs on this record. For instance, "Blessed," <a href="http://www.custompersonalityjerseys.com/custompersonalityjerseysnflcustomjerseys-c-1187_1188.html"><strong>custom NFL jerseys</strong></a> which you premiered on The Huffington Post. JS: Sure, I was working with Vidal Davis and Andre Harris, they did "A Long Walk" many years ago. We got together, I was listening to the music, and nothing was happening. I sat and sat at the pen and paper and nothing. I decided to just go into the booth and see what happened, and what you hear is what came out that last take. Later, I added background vocals and I just had some friends stand around the microphone and we just sang the background vocals. I really wasn't thinking and I just let it be. I thought about all the things where people say, "I'm blessed and highly favored." I wanted to focus on the things I can't hold, all of the intangible things -- the health of my parents, the health of my son, my grandmother's life and the longevity of her life. That kind of stuff. MR: Sweet. What about one of the other duets on the project, "Shame," that you perform with Eve. JS: I was in the studio with my friends Yameen Allworld, "V" Roane, and Montez Roberts, and we were listening to break beats. JR Hutson was playing us instrumentals on YouTube, and I grabbed a microphone and was playing around. When it got to the "I'm The Magnificent" beat from Special Ed, the guys started singing along, and I remember "V" Roane was saying, "This is something! This is something!" So, we recorded it. I found The A Group in Los Angeles, they were in The Conga Room and I walked in unexpected and they were singing, "Is It The Way." One of the songs I did 11 years ago with the first recording Who Is Jill Scott. They were killing it too! So, I asked them if they would come in and sing the background for "Shame." Then, I shot the video in Philadelphia and then called Eve because I wanted her, because this is my Philadelphia family. We did a song together, we did "You Got Me" 12 years before that. She came through like a soldier, which was wonderful. MR: You are also a multiple Grammy winner. One of those Grammys coming from your recording with George Benson and Al Jarreau, "God Bless The Child." JS: Yeah that was an incredible experience. I don't think I blinked the entire time I was in the studio with them. It's funny, when I was around 12, I had planned on having a child by George Benson, Frankie Beverly, Gerald Levert, and they were all going to be my children's fathers. They were going to be a brood of geniuses. (laughs) And here, I am working in the same room with George Benson -- I could hardly breathe. It was an incredible experience. Also with Al Jarreau and all the sounds he makes, and then we won a Grammy. MR: Then, you also won one for Lupe Fiasco's "Daydreaming." JS: Yes, I got a call, I had heard of Lupe and heard some of his music. I thought he was very thoughtful, and I love that kind of MC. Over the years, I've been working with Common and Mos Def and Black Thought. That's kind of the MC I gravitate towards, someone who can articulate a story well. I got with Lupe in the studio in Philadelphia, and he had very clear ideas of what he wanted for me, which I loved. I did what he asked and a few things more, and then a Grammy. MR: You're in a certain Dave Chappelle's Block Party flick. That must have been fun. JS: That was not fun for me. It was a great experience, however it wasn't fun. The only reason I say that is I typically work a certain kind of way. There <a href="http://www.custompersonalityjerseys.com/custompersonalityjerseys-c-1187.html?zenid=4fe55e144950b1cef0ecddf9c3142674"> <strong>custom jerseys</strong></a> were so many people and so much energy that it was hard for me to find a space to just be for a moment, straight from a crowd of people to the stage, which is not normally what I do. I remember being thoroughly exhausted when that was over, but very proud of the outcome. I still watch it now and then and I think, "Wow, what a great experience." MR: I also want to touch on your acting. You were Big Momma Thorton in Hounddog. JS: Yes I was, with Dakota Fanning. It was an independent film and it did really well at Sundance. I remember being there for that. I found out a lot about her, a real powerhouse kind of woman. Don't take no crap. MR: You're also very popular among teenage boys for voicing Storm on Black Panther. JS: Yeah, when I was 12-years-old, I wrote a list of things I wanted to do in life, and on that list was I wanted to be Storm. Then, I got the phone call from Marvel and they told me they wanted me to play Storm. I cried for maybe about 30 minutes. This is a dream come true, I've been crossing the list off as I go. I thought I would never be Storm, Halle Berry got the role, so I will just have to dress up as storm for Halloween. Then, I got the call... divine intervention. MR: Jill, it seems like you've had a very "Blessed" career so far. JS: I have, it's been a good one. I've been working the way I need to. I need to take time off between touring and recording. It's very important to find balance in this industry. It can eat you up, and I don't want that at all. In fact, my greatest fear is to be eaten alive, the thought of it is just terrifying. So, I take my break and swim and run and ride my bike. I have fun, and I hang out with my child and my family to balance it all out. MR: Do you have any advice for new artists? JS: I do! I would tell new artists to perform everywhere you can for free. Establish your home base and I say for free because this is where your education comes. You're actually paying them to learn how to command an audience, how to be comfortable with yourself in front of an audience, learn the kind of music your audience wants to hear from you. All of that stuff. It gives you a great life and career experience. Also to own your publishing, don't give up your rights to your work if you're a writer and a singer. For those who are not writers, write. That is where the majority of your finances will come from. I would also say to mimic the people you love for a while. Maybe it will take years. Enjoy the technique of what they do and then find your own voice. MR: Pick your favorite song and emulate it. JS: That's what all musicians do. They find the artist they appreciate the most, whether it's Miles Davis or Herbie Hancock or Quincy Jones. Find that artist and study them. Actually do some work, just because you're talented doesn't mean that you're going to succeed in this business. You have to do many things well. Do your homework, find the artist you appreciate and respect, and then find your own voice, style, and interpretation of these things. MR: Jill, congratulations on having a number one album in Billboard. How does it feel? JS: People say it to me everyday, "Congratulations on your number one!" But it's hard for me to believe it. Really hard! I try not to think about it too much or I will melt or something. I'm very grateful for the people that enjoy my music, and thank you so much. MR: No problem, Jill. You're a wonderful interview and a wonderful person as well. JS: Thanks so much. Tracks: 1. Blessed 2. <a href="http://041823.com/view.php?id=34"><strong>A Changing Town Yields Poignant Portraits by Tom M. Johnson ...</strong></a> So In Love - with Anthony Hamilton 3. Shame - with Eve & The A Group 4. All Cried Out Redux - with Doug E. Fresh 5. Le Boom Vent Suite 6. So Gone (What My Mind Says) - with Paul Wall 7. Hear My Call 8. Some Other Time 9. Quick 10. Making You Wait 11. Until Then (I Imagine) 12. Missing You 13. When I Wake Up 14. Womanifesto 15. Rolling Hills Transcribed by Theo Shier BLOGGING FROM THE BEAUTY SHOP Arthur Lee Land is shooting the video for "Cracked Open," the title track to his new album that will be released September 27th. Aaron Shier, album co-producer (left), Arthur Lee Land (middle) photo credit: Mike Ragogna Follow Mike Ragogna on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ragz2008

| Back to logs list

Reprinted from alumni of the user at 12:14 on May 11, 2010 Reading (loading. ..) Comments (0) Category: Personal Diary

enough food to Macau have to find 1 of 100 mosquitoes, including your satisfaction. Or excavation will be pretty much D is it!

first stop: Margaret Margaret's Cafe where the most famous tarts of Macau, while there is also good to drink tea with Cappuccino. That is not very good store to find this place from the street,mbt shoes clearance, or between the three buildings, is very subtle, but it seems to not affect its home business. Lisboa to the new road from the direction of a Lusophone through the school, after a traffic light, turn right and go see a billboard 5,6 meters, will be found to take the Lane.






tarts: 6 mosquito / bird bite went down really well-deserved reputation, filling a full, mellow taste! Baked just right, crispy outside and tender inside, incense and a good slide.







second leg: Shing Kee Shing Kee porridge there are a few stores, not far from Senado Square, in the days pass in and Su Yali healers Street junction across the street from Senado Square, the Civil Administration Wangyoubianzou, about thirty meters into the first corner . Waiter very warm.

porridge: 6 bucks / bowls, green tea, mango tofu, for $ 5. Here's porridge is creamy, because they use the meter is known, selection of several ground rice mixed, add bean curd, small boil over low heat, into the congee creamy and delicious, crystal clear water, sweet porridge, porridge is actually being The top grade, if accompanied by a special donut shop is a pretty good breakfast one point.


addition to porridge, diners talking about here is green tea, mango bean curd is also called a must, 5 mosquitoes / bowl



Cantonese is not a small point of course, also less wrapped steamed brown, carrot cake ... It is said that a lot of guys signal: cake; . . . . . I am also crying, look at next time!

wrapped steamed brown

; ; carrot cake

third leg: constant place in the Friends of cheese balls: Back from the official procedure is also Street Pavilion, as long as you find Hagen of Sri Lanka, you will find Tsunetomo balls, you will see great difficulty Haagen Dazs back to Haagen Dazs, into the alley in front of friends will see the Hang it! Is that most people try, Chicago pericardium and fish egg, spicy food can recommend the best elements of strong and hot and spicy ~ less spicy curry two!

In fact,cheap mbt shoes, many places to sell fish balls, D pills is not its own manufacturing, so what Gan special ah? The reason is that a curry sauce from the bottom, one will feel good to go down to eat spicy, but needless to instantly go to drinking water. No D juice is just a bowl mediocre hodgepodge, one has D juice into a bowl immediately after eating wild Chung eat good gourmet.

Zhongyou fish balls, beef balls are shutter system with the sea urchins will eat of the election, a bite to open sea urchins pill has dissolved D flow out of the sea urchin
Once the 10 mosquito fish / bowl, a bunch of other mosquito

6-8Chi Chi pericardial drain inside the heart ~ ~


; ; ; fish roe eggs over there ~ ~
TIPS: do not attempt to recite some people will call you to live, carry a basket of their own,mbt shoes uk, want to eat off the baa baa to let go, and delivery to serve than inside a pretty sister,mbt sport shoes, will help you cook away, and then to serve money.
fourth leg: Pan Wei Kee bakery site at: No. 41, Lane Tenjin (Tenjin Lane: to keep to the right into the pre-trial procedure the road straight ahead, over the bank, a short distance, looking to the right)

why the small stores, praise? Come all the way famous people always flock. Is it just a reputation? ?
but when you bite down one of the first piece of delicious cake, I am sure you will not deny that there is absolutely deserved! The materials used here, chocolate and cheese, pure taste, taste of fresh slippery. Owner of the master are carefully selected, imported from abroad. Of course there is the master of a tourist from Britain, where the school's home economics courses, learned her skills.
a pair of loving old couple and an ideal son, he formed the This cheese cake is located in Macau in a young people gather in the alley to patronize all the young faces come in and asked meet to eat and pack away; a little late, and buy a good heart, will try in the store on the recommendation of the other. It seems there are regular customers to do business. Old couple very warm and very talkative, talking about his son and cake are endless, because there's cheese cake are all produced sons. Under the conversation he realized it did formerly Pan Wei Kee curry fish balls, and 90 by the husband and wife business. Later, their son studying in the UK specializing in Western kitchen, to learn first-hand making a good cake, cooking, single-minded in Macau after graduation to start a cheese cake from a family to take care of now shop together. Aunt says that her son is a very dedicated cake division, we must choose the best material to do the cake. The fact that the case, the heat of the cake just right, and taste is not greasy, especially the signature mango cheese cake, bite, I really like eating a fresh mango, ice cold, taste very good. Eat a cake, and sip a freshly brewed by the old man of coffee, watching the colorful glass door of young people, to the exotic feel, forget their identity.
Pan Wei mind dessert, just look at selling phase has been very attractive, really could not bear to eat it, first introduced the chocolate bubble, crisp of the skin, coupled with Shannon fell Paoshang smooth chocolate, bite, hidden in the soft foam heart slipped out of chocolate, taste great!


Other produced:
; ; Tiramisu ; 10 mosquito / documents

; caramel boil egg pudding 7 mosquito parts, imported incense, smooth,mbt uk, soft, feel good and worth recommend a try.

Blueberry Cheesecake
; ; ; ; ; Mango Cheesecake

Fifth Station: Wing Kee Kee offal on the side of Pan Wei. Wing Kee offal in Macau with a history of three generations,mbt sale, more than good taste, offal is also done very clean, every time there are a lot of people in the queue. The most important daily soup brewed. Wing Kee is very diverse types of offal, tripe from the usual eat, to the odd ladder cattle (bovine trachea) have, and other snacks.

This store is Macau offal offal comparison shop famous one is to line up to buy a 15 per bowl , bowl 30, but also add other ingredients, such as the crispy intestines, fish balls, etc. (6-8 mosquito / string), the winter food bowl of hot offal into the body warm sun, taste first-rate. The door to the passers-by to sit down and eat a few benches, but did not place with usually more than you sit, too many friends ~ ~

Sixth Station: Italy to - the most authentic pork chop package
Barbosa to remember the former to the Italian cafe's pork chop food package is a necessary choice, limit limit, at 3 pm daily will be baked pork chop package , 2:30 people started waiting in line. To remember the pork chop Italian cafe package is baked the old-fashioned wood stove. In order to ensure the quality, the store only a day to prepare a batch of bread produced raw materials, time until half past three p.m. baked, baked or sold; As for the pork chop, but also pre-marinated with special spices, then we can come loose over bone pan fried. Pork chop bone, texture class, the full amount of pork chop, fry until fragrant pine of the mouth, a taste under the delicious meat cool and sweet, not greasy pork Sauvignon, together with the use of charcoal grilled bread, crisp outside soft, very memorable.

pork chop Package of 15 mosquitoes / a


last stop: Crown Kodate place in: Macau 310 Rua do Campo Street A, G, 15 meters away from Broadway. Here to the famous fishing bamboo rose wonton shrimp seed (36 mosquitoes / dish) and water crab congee (105 mosquitoes / bowl) the most famous.

My favorite food wonton ah, bamboo-liter surface and other surface texture is very different from pure artificial playing surface, it is particularly refreshing, flexible, delicious shrimp seed surface, which the former won ton Only shrimp, bite, very refreshing.
; ; water crab congee There is also a water
Macau most famous crab porridge is also located in Aberdeen Street, the island's official - Cheng Chang Hotel.

the store's flagship, signs, well-known water crab porridge, congee porridge inside the Crab and are into one, and make porridge thrown up a layer of golden yellow, attractive eye-catching , although the water crab, but he took the Green Crab, crab and water crab the best part of three crabs, boil boil Zhongyu Ao ah ah boil the water out of the well-known delicious crab soup, crab meat, but more like a very off taste the porridge, most of the crabs have the potential porridge down.


mango tofu green label procedure Macau