Jill Scott recently sparked a lively debate after naming Chris Brown as the “King of Pop” during an interview with UK content creator cleanheartedkidd. Her response, “Who's the King of Pop? Chris Brown,” quickly drew attention online, with fans and critics questioning whether Brown had earned a title long associated with the legendary Michael Jackson.
The singer later addressed the backlash on social media, clarifying that her earlier answer was influenced by jet lag and an early schedule. Scott wrote, “OH! Baby, that BS title is a consensus. I obviously wasn’t in the mood. If I was asked again, when I hadn’t been up since 3 am, fighting jet lag, I’d say Prince.”
Scott’s clarification reignites discussions around music legacy and influence in R&B, soul, and pop. Her choice of Prince highlights the lasting impact of the late Purple One, a musician celebrated for his visionary artistry, showmanship, and songwriting genius.
Jill Scott honors Prince as the true 'King of Pop.'
Scott didn’t hold back in her tribute, emphasizing Prince’s multifaceted talent: “He is EVERYTHING, Dancer, opulent musician, visionary, divine songwriter, showman. Keep your war. Bigger ones 2 fight.”
These comments reinforce her long-standing admiration for Prince, which she first expressed publicly in a 2004 interview with MTV News, calling herself a “huge Prince fan” and describing their relationship as a “dream come true.”
OH! Baby that bs title is a consensus. I obviously wasn’t in the mood. If I was asked again, when I hadn’t been up since 3am, fighting jet lag, I’d say Prince. He is EVERYTHING- Dancer, opulent musician, visionary, divine songwriter, showman. Keep your war. Bigger ones 2 fight. pic.twitter.com/zSLR6F6XoC
— ⭐Jill Scott⭐ (@missjillscott) January 17, 2026
Her shift also reflects the broader conversation in hip-hop and R&B about influence versus fame. While Michael Jackson is widely recognized as the King of Pop, Scott’s acknowledgment of Prince underscores the singer’s global legacy in music innovation.
The change of decision comes amid Scott’s history of defending controversial figures in music. In 2024, she made headlines for comments portraying Brown as “flawed” despite his history of violence, drawing comparisons to her mother’s ex-husband, whom she described as both “mean” and “awe-inspiring.”
This pattern illustrates Scott’s tendency to separate artistry from personal conduct, a discussion often debated in hip-hop and R&B circles.
Fans reacted positively to her update, many praising her for choosing Prince while acknowledging the challenges of celebrity discourse on social media. Her candid approach resonates with younger artists and fans navigating debates about music icons and their legacies.
Scott’s decision to publicly switch her “King of Pop” answer reinforces the importance of context, timing, and perspective in celebrity commentary. By centering Prince, she not only honors his artistry but also invites fans to celebrate the broader contributions of influential musicians across genres.