Jazmine Sullivan

Jazmine Marie Sullivan, born on April 9, 1987, is an American R&B and soul singer known for her powerful vocals and introspective songwriting. Throughout her career, Sullivan has garnered significant recognition, including two Grammy Awards, a Billboard Women in Music Award, and two BET Awards. In 2022, Time magazine honored her by including her on their list of the 100 Most Influential People.


Hailing from Philadelphia, Sullivan made her debut in 2008 with the release of her first album, "Fearless." The record achieved considerable success, topping Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and earning platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). "Fearless" produced four singles, including "Need U Bad" and "Bust Your Windows," both of which reached the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "Need U Bad" notably became Sullivan's first and only number one hit on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.


Following the success of "Fearless," Sullivan released her second studio album, "Love Me Back," in 2010. The album received positive reviews from critics for its musicality and depth.
After a hiatus, Sullivan returned to the music scene by signing with RCA Records and releasing her third studio album, "Reality Show," in 2015. The album marked a significant milestone in her career as it became her first record to reach number one on the Top R&B Albums chart.


In 2021, Sullivan released the critically acclaimed EP titled "Heaux Tales," which features the single "Pick Up Your Feelings." The EP showcases Sullivan's storytelling prowess and her ability to delve into complex themes with authenticity and depth.
Throughout her career, Jazmine Sullivan has consistently demonstrated her prowess as a vocalist and songwriter, earning her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim within the R&B and soul music genres.


Jazmine Sullivan was born to Don and Pam Sullivan, with her mother being a former backup singer for Philadelphia International Records. When Jazmine was five years old, her father became a curator for the city's Historic Strawberry Mansion in Philadelphia's Strawberry Mansion section, and her family moved into this historic landmark.


She graduated from the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts in 2005, where she specialized in vocal music. Sullivan's musical journey began in the children's choir as a contralto and later continued in the adult choir. Initially, her exposure to secular music was limited, but her talent and passion for singing flourished during her time at the performing arts school.


At the age of fifteen, Jazmine Sullivan signed with Jive Records and began her journey in the music industry. She recorded an album during this time, but unfortunately, it was never released, and she was eventually dropped from the label. However, Sullivan continued to pursue her passion for music and contributed vocals for Kindred the Family Soul's song "I Am", as well as background vocals on other tracks.


During a recording session, Sullivan met rapper Missy Elliott, who later became a significant collaborator. Missy Elliott went on to produce the majority of Sullivan's debut album, "Fearless," and also worked on tracks for her second album, "Love Me Back." Sullivan also collaborated with producers Cool & Dre on a song titled "Say I," which was eventually given to Christina Milian for her album "So Amazin'."


Sullivan's breakthrough came with the release of "Need U Bad" in May 2008, featuring additional vocals by Missy Elliott and Sandy "Pepa" Denton of Salt-n-Pepa. The song topped the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart for 34 weeks and marked a significant moment in Sullivan's career.



Her debut album, "Fearless," was released on September 23, 2008, featuring compositions and production from Sullivan herself, along with Missy Elliott, Salaam Remi, and others. The album debuted at number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart and number 6 on the Billboard 200. Singles like "Bust Your Windows" and "Lions, Tigers & Bears" further solidified her presence in the music industry.


"Fearless" received critical acclaim and earned Sullivan a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song for "Bust Your Windows." The album achieved platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and sold over 510,000 copies in the United States alone.


Jazmine Sullivan's return to music in 2014 with her album "Reality Show" marked a significant moment in her career. The album, inspired by her observations of reality television during her hiatus, comprised 14 songs and featured production from Key Wane and Salaam Remi.



The lead single from the album, "Dumb," featuring Meek Mill, was released on May 12, 2014. It made its debut on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, signaling Sullivan's comeback to the music scene. Following "Dumb," the second single, "Forever Don't Last," was released on September 16, 2014. This single performed well, peaking at number 10 on the Adult R&B Songs chart.



Sullivan's return to music with "Reality Show" demonstrated her resilience and commitment to her craft. The album allowed her to showcase her talent and creativity once again, garnering attention and acclaim from fans and critics alike.

References

1.  https://www.vibe.com/features/vixen/what-the-10-best-neo-soul-artists-have-been-up-to-280377/amp/
2. ^ "Jazmine Sullivan Is on the 2022 TIME 100 List | TIME". May 23, 2022. Archived from the original on May 23, 2022. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
3. ^ "Jazmine Sullivan Birth Chart Horoscope, Date of Birth, Astro". birthcharts.astro-seek.com.
4. ^ Ellis, Stacy-Ann (January 13, 2015). "The Psychology of Jazmine Sullivan". Vibe.
5. ^ Vibe. Vibe Media Group. July 1, 2008.[permanent dead link]
6. a b [1] Archived August 27, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
7. ^ "Jazmine Sullivan performs "Accept What God Allows" on Apollo". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved January 14, 2015.
8. ^ Iandoli, Kathy (August 5, 2008). "Jazmine Sullivan: More Than the Next Lauryn Hill". allhiphop.com. All Hip Hop. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
9. ^ Kindred The Family Soul - Surrender To Love (CD liner notes). Hidden Beach Recordings/Epic Records. EK 86491
10. ^ Sullivan, Jazmine, 1987- James, Stori. Sincere, Josephine. Bremner, Freedom. Crockett, Alison. Cooper, Damon. Maiysha. Suter, Alexis P. S.Maily. Miata, Mia. (2004). Soul in the city. Glory Records. OCLC 320957015.