Grammy Award–winning singer and actress Jill Scott has just entered a distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records, according to a press release. Through this deal, she will release her highly anticipated fourth studio album, The Light of the Sun, later this year.

“I’ve always looked to empower my fans through my message of love, independence and strength,” Scott said in the statement. “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 10-plus years. This album is very revealing, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.”

Scott just recently finished a very successful 20-city national arena tour with singer Maxwell, and is now preparing to headline the upcoming Essence Music Festival alongside Kanye West and Mary J. Blige. She is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on the album.

Warner Bros. Records co-president and CEO Todd Moscowitz added, “Jill Scott is a masterful performer with a proven artistry across film, TV and music. We are thrilled at the prospects with this partnership and eager to steward the next phase of this incredibly talented artist’s career.”

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