Best Of: Jill Scott / Riz Ahmed
Fresh Air Podcast Recap
Published:
Duration: 48 min
Guests: Jill Scott, Riz Ahmed
Summary
The episode features Jill Scott discussing her first album in a decade and her career influenced by her family and early experiences in music. Riz Ahmed talks about his new series 'Bait' and the theme of balancing public and private lives, as well as his connection to Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'.
What Happened
Jill Scott returns with her sixth studio album, 'To Whom This May Concern,' marking her first release of new music in a decade. Her single 'Pressa' achieved notable success by reaching number one on the Billboard adult R&B airplay chart. Discovered by Questlove of The Roots, Scott's career took off in Philadelphia's spoken word scene, leading to her debut album 'Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1' going double platinum and earning three Grammy nominations.
Jill Scott has not only won three Grammys but also made significant strides in acting, appearing in HBO's 'The Number One Ladies Detective Agency', BET's 'First Wives Club', and Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married?'. She credits her grandmother for introducing her to God and imparting a lasting influence on her life. Her mother, a former dental hygienist, showcased her resilience and skill by renovating an abandoned house, influencing Scott's music with her diverse tastes.
Riz Ahmed discusses his new series 'Bait', which follows a British Pakistani actor navigating the challenges of auditioning to be the next James Bond. The show mirrors his real-life experiences of balancing his public persona with private realities, illustrated by an incident where he was banned from a local supermarket the same week he was cast in 'Star Wars'. Ahmed's journey from pirate radio to acting highlights his versatility and his roots in northwest London.
Ahmed's adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' brings a fresh perspective set in London's South Asian community. He was first introduced to 'Hamlet' by his English teacher, which resonated with him as he felt like an outsider growing up in Wembley. Ahmed asserts that 'Hamlet' is a story of resistance against oppression rather than one centered on themes of suicide, drawing parallels to his own life experiences.
The term 'Bait' in Ahmed's series carries multiple meanings, from its British slang connotations to its deeper implications in Urdu, Arabic, and Hebrew. The layered title reflects the multifaceted nature of his character's journey in the spy thriller, serving as a metaphor for traps and loyalty. Ahmed's own name had been mentioned in discussions about the next James Bond, adding a meta layer to the series.
Jill Scott's songwriting began with The Roots' hit 'You Got Me', initially recorded by Erykah Badu. Touring with The Roots, she performed the song live, earning recognition for her vocal talents. Her ninth-grade public singing debut set the stage for her future in music, highlighting the impact of her mother's and grandmother's musical influences, ranging from Millie Jackson to Jehovah's music.
Key Insights
- Jill Scott's new album, 'To Whom This May Concern,' marks her return to music after a decade, with its lead single 'Pressa' topping the Billboard adult R&B airplay chart. Her career began in Philadelphia's spoken word scene, discovered by Questlove.
- Riz Ahmed's series 'Bait' explores the duality of public and private lives, as seen through the lens of a British Pakistani actor auditioning to be James Bond. The show's title carries multiple meanings across different languages, adding depth to its narrative.
- Riz Ahmed's connection to Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' reflects his personal experiences with themes of cultural identity and resistance. His adaptation places the story within London's South Asian community, offering a new perspective on the classic play.
- Jill Scott's upbringing in North Philadelphia, influenced by her mother and grandmother, played a significant role in shaping her music and career. Her mother's diverse interests and renovation projects inspired Scott's artistic expression.