Jill Scott grew up in north Philadelphia and began her performing career reading her own poetry. She was heard by Amir, drummer in the Roots, who invited her to join the band in the studio, resulting in the co-composition "You Got Me," a Top 40 pop hit in 1999. Subsequently, she collaborated with Eric Benet, Will Smith, and Common and broadened her performing experience by touring Canada in a production of the Broadway musical Rent. Signed to Steve McKeever's newly formed Hidden Beach Recordings label, she released her debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, in July 2000. Experience: Jill Scott 826+ appeared the following summer and hot on the heels of the "A Long Walk" single. Scott's starpower soared over the next year, eventually earning her a Grammy nomination in early 2003 for "Best Female Vocal Performance" for "A Long Walk." Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds, Vol. 2 followed in 2004. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide