No More Hidden Beach For Jill Scott; Grammy Winner Enters Deal With Warner Bros. Records

Getting off her record label has been a long time coming for Jill Scott, but it looks like now she can finally see the light – literally.

The Grammy Award-winning R&B diva is putting the finishing touches on her eagerly-anticipated album, 'The Light of the Sun,' which was due for release last year. A messy legal battle with Hidden Beach Recordings (who released her four opuses since 2000) delayed the project.

Now comes news that Scott has entered into a distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records. The unique relationship with the iconic label plans to bolster the Jill Scott brand into the next phase of her multi-dimensional career, which encompasses the film, television and literary industries.

'The Light of The Sun' now has a release slated for later this year.

"I've always looked to empower my fans through my message of love, independence and strength," Scott said in a statement released yesterday. "A lot has gone on in my life since my last album, so I'm extremely excited to share the new music with all of the people that have supported me these past ten plus years. This album is very revealing, and I can't wait for everyone to hear it."

The Philadelphia native gave fans a sneak preview of her new music during last year's 20-city national arena tour with Maxwell. There's more from where that came from as Scott was recently announced to headline the upcoming Essence Music Festival alongside Kanye West and Mary J. Blige in July.

According to sources close to the project, it will be more "hip hop and rock inspired."

"Jill Scott is a masterful performer with a proven artistry across film, TV and music," offered Warner Bros. Records Co President/CEO Todd Moscowitz. "We are thrilled at the prospects with this partnership and eager to steward the next phase of this incredibly-talented artist's career."

Eric Benet, Michael Buble, Kandi Burruss, Gucci Mane, Seal and The Black Keys are currently associated with the legendary music company.

"As the music industry evolves, the relationship between artist, management and label is constantly changing," commented Shawn Gee of Sports & Entertainment Financial Group, Scott's longtime business partner. "Foregoing the traditional formula and strategically creating a true partnership amongst us all, I have to commend Warner Bros. for recognizing Jill's worldwide brand and acting on it".

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