Earlier this month, the Hip-Hop infused Neo-Soul songstress Jill Scott celebrated the 15th anniversary of her debut album, 2000’s Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1. With it, she answered her own question, and the album’s platinum-selling status suggested that few were left unfamiliar with her name. She quickly became a Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter; the LP picked up a nod for “Best R&B Album in 2001,” while three of its singles were nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in three consecutive years (“Gettin’ in the Way” in 2001, “A Long Walk” in 2002, and “He Loves Me [Lyzel in E Flat]” in 2003). Now Jilly from Philly is a celebrated actress, a mother, and humanitarian and on July 24, she will be releasing the aptly titled Woman, her fifth effort and her first in more than four years. In anticipation for the future and celebration of the past, Scott sat down with Okayplayer to revisit her Hidden Beach Records debut and its legacy.

When asked about her most striking memory about the recording process, Scott remarks on her humble beginnings. “What I remember most is definitely how broke we all were. Sharing sandwiches and walking to the studio,” she shares. Despite the financial limitations, however, the recording process marched forward. “It was crazy late nights. We all had jobs at the time and were trying to keep our heads afloat while still making the record. It was magic.”

Scott goes on to disclose her personal feelings about the album’s most memorable song (“He Loves Me”), the differences in creating her debut versus Woman (“It was a little harder this time. In fact, it was a lot harder…”), and where she’ll be going next (“Taking walks, hanging out with friends, dancing, being silly”).

Read: “Who Is Jill Scott?” — Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of a Stunning Debut

Related: Jill Scott Gets Closure…and It Does NOT Come With Breakfast (Audio)