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Jazmine Sullivan
Jazmine Sullivan
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Jazmine Marie Sullivan (born April 9, 1987) is an American R&B singer and songwriter. She has won two Grammy Awards, a Billboard Women in Music Award, and two BET Awards over the course of her career. In 2022, Time placed her on their list of the 100 Most Influential People.[2]

Born and raised in Philadelphia, she signed with J Records to release her debut studio album, Fearless (2008). It peaked at number six on the Billboard 200, topped the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Two of its singles, "Need U Bad" and "Bust Your Windows", peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100; the former became Sullivan's only number one song on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Her second album, Love Me Back (2010), peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200 and saw further critical praise. After a three-year hiatus, Sullivan signed with RCA Records (successor to J Records) to release her third album, Reality Show (2015). Met with continued success, it peaked at number 12 on the chart and earned three Grammy Award nominations. Her fourth studio album, Heaux Tales (2021), debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and was met with widespread critical acclaim, supported by the platinum-certified singles "Pick Up Your Feelings" and "Girl like Me" (featuring H.E.R.).

Life and career

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1987–2006: Early life

[edit]

Jazmine Sullivan's parents are Don and Pam Sullivan.[3] Her mother was a former backup singer for Philadelphia International Records.[4] When she was five years old, her father landed a position as a curator for the city's Historic Strawberry Mansion in the Strawberry Mansion section of Philadelphia, and her family moved into the historical landmark.[5]

Sullivan is a 2005 graduate of the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts where she was a vocal music major.[6] Sullivan began singing as a contralto in the children's choir, and later in the adult choir. Sullivan's exposure to secular music was initially limited.[7]

2003–2009: Career beginnings and Fearless

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Sullivan performing live at a concert in Columbia, South Carolina in 2008.

At fifteen, Sullivan signed to Jive Records. She recorded an album, which was never released, and she was eventually dropped from the label.[6] Sullivan provided vocals for Kindred the Family Soul's song "I Am", as well as background vocals on the song "Party's Over", and the title track to their 2003 debut, Surrender to Love.[8][9] She first met rapper Missy Elliott during the session; Elliott went on to produce both the majority of her debut album, Fearless, and tracks on Love Me Back. Sullivan wrote and recorded with producers Cool & Dre a song titled "Say I"; it was given to Dre's then-girlfriend Christina Milian for her third album, So Amazin'.[10] The song became the lead single, peaking at number 13 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs as well as reaching number 21 on the Hot 100 chart.[11] Sullivan's breakthrough song, "Need U Bad", was released in May 2008.[12] The song, featuring additional vocals by Missy Elliott and Sandy "Pepa" Denton of Salt-n-Pepa, later debuted at number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was on top of the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs for 34 weeks.[13]

Sullivan's debut album, Fearless, was released on September 23, 2008.[14] At the time, she wrote and composed many of its songs and served as the album's executive producer alongside Missy Elliott, Salaam Remi, and Peter Edge.[15] The album received production from Elliott, Remi, Stargate, Carvin & Ivan, Jack Splash, and Fisticuffs.[16] Fearless debuted at number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums and at number 6 on the Billboard 200.[17][18] Sullivan followed her début single with the release of the second single from Fearless, "Bust Your Windows", which reached number 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her most successful single on that chart to date.[19][20][21] "Bust Your Windows" appeared on the first season of the Fox hit television show Glee and was also nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Song.[22][23][24] In 2014, Stevie Wonder claimed he considered "Bust Your Windows" a classic song.[25] "Lions, Tigers & Bears" was released as the album's third single in December 2008. It scored her third consecutive top ten on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, reaching number 10, and garnered some mainstream success by reaching number 74 on the Billboard Hot 100.[26] Sullivan later pursued success in the United Kingdom and she first released "Dream Big" as a single in the UK in February 2009.[27][28] The song was released as the fourth and final single from the album in April 2009.[29] The album has a platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America and has sold more than 510,000 copies in the United States.[30]

Sullivan performing live in February 2009

Sullivan was featured on a song entitled "Smoking Gun" with Jadakiss on his third studio album The Last Kiss.[31][32] The song was influenced by a family friend, Devonte Wongwai, from New York City, who wanted to hear the duo on a record. She was also a supporting act for fellow American R&B singer Maxwell on his 2008 US tour and was the opening act for Ne-Yo's 2009 Year of the Gentleman Tour.[33][34] She additionally appeared on Ace Hood's second studio album, Ruthless, on the song "Champion".[35] She went on to headline a few dates with Ryan Leslie, before participating in the Essence Music Festival in June 2009.[36] In the same year Sullivan appeared in commercials for Cotton Incorporated.[37] Additionally Sullivan made a guest appearance on Snoop Dogg's tenth studio album, Malice n Wonderland, on the song "Different Languages".[38]

2010-2011: Love Me Back

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Sullivan began working on her second album, Love Me Back, in 2009.[39] Producers contributing to the album included Missy Elliott,[40] Lamb, Ne-Yo, Anthony Bell, Los da Mystro, Ryan Leslie, and Salaam Remi,[41] who was also a major contributor to Fearless. Songs recorded for the album include "Love You Long Time", "Don't Make Me Wait" (a tribute to Prince), "Redemption", "Excuse Me", "Good Enough", and the reported sequel to "Bust Your Windows" titled "You Get On My Nerves", which was co-written by Ne-Yo.[40] The album was completed in June 2010 and released on November 30, 2010.[39][42] The album debuted at number 17 on the Billboard 200 and sold 57,000 copies in its first week.[43]

In an interview with National Public Radio, Sullivan explained that the album was about her personal experiences, stating:[44]

"It's very therapeutic for me at times to just sit down and write lyrics and music, As I look at all of the songs that I've written, I see now that some of them have been a little too personal. When I was younger, I was very quick to react. 'Bust Your Windows' shows that part of me, but now I feel like I'll think about my reaction and take my time, and react 10 seconds later, I live life and it gives me the material to write for the next album."

The album's lead single, "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)", was released on July 10, 2010.[45] The song debuted at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100.[46] The music video for the song premiered on August 30, 2010.[47] The song would later be nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 2011. The album's second single, "10 Seconds", was released to radio airplay in late September, and debuted at number 15 the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[48] The song was released for digital download on October 25, 2010.[49] An accompanying music video was later filmed and was released on November 12, 2010.[50]

In early December 2010, Billboard honored Sullivan as the 'Rising Star' for 2010.[51] Later she announced that she was working on her third studio album.[52] In January 2011, Sullivan announced via Twitter that she was indefinitely leaving the music industry, saying, "I promised myself when it wasn't fun anymore I wouldn't do it. And, here I am. I'm not saying I won't ever sing again in my life because I don't believe that. But in this moment… right now… [I] got some things to figure out".[53] On October 7, RCA Records announced it was disbanding J Records along with Arista Records and Jive Records. With the shutdown Sullivan (along with all of the artists previously signed to the three labels) were removed from the label and later redirected to RCA, all being moved to that label's roster.[54][55]

2014–2019: Return to music and Reality Show

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In 2014, Sullivan returned to music with the announcement of her new album, Reality Show. In an interview with Billboard, Sullivan described her return as inevitable, saying she "...can't escape [her] calling".[56] She based her album Reality Show on watching reality shows during her hiatus, which inspired the namesake. The album consists of 14 songs, and features production from Key Wane and Salaam Remi.[56] The lead single, "Dumb", featuring American rapper Meek Mill, was released on May 12, 2014.[57][58] The song debuted at number 45 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay.[59] The second single, "Forever Don't Last", was released on September 16, 2014.[60] It peaked at number 10 on the Adult R&B Songs chart.[61]

On January 13, 2015, Jazmine Sullivan released Reality Show to widespread critical acclaim, with the album reaching number one on the Billboard R&B Albums and number two on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.[62] Reality Show sold 30,000 copies in its first week. Slant Magazine commented, "Despite what the rasp in her voice might suggest, Sullivan clearly sees herself as something other than R&B's next great queen of pain. Her central themes—love and self-image—don't stray far from genre convention, but her musical versatility and keenly observed characters make her one of the most captivating artists in R&B today."[63] The album earned Sullivan three Grammy Award nominations for Best R&B Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance ("Let It Burn").[64]

In 2016, Sullivan was featured in the visual album Endless by Frank Ocean.[65][66] Sullivan lent her vocals to four songs from the album: "Alabama", "Wither", "Hublots", and "Rushes". Sullivan was the lead writer for these four songs on Mary J. Blige's album Strength of a Woman, and sang backup vocals on the first three of them: "Thick of It", "Set Me Free", "Glow Up", and "Thank You."[67][68] She in partnership with fellow American singer Bryson Tiller released "Insecure" for the soundtrack for the second season of the HBO series of the same title.[69] Also in 2016 she performed the national anthem at the first game of the 2016 NHL Stadium Series at TCF Bank Stadium featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild. In 2019, Sullivan was featured on Pentatonix's Christmas collection The Best of Pentatonix Christmas on the group's cover of "Joyful, Joyful".

2020–present: Heaux Tales

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In August 2020, Sullivan announced the release of a new song titled "Lost One", marking her return to music.[70] Within hours of the announcement, the phrase "New Jazmine" trended on Twitter across the United States.[71] The song was released the next day along with the confirmation of her fourth studio album, Heaux Tales.[72] Sullivan released the second single, "Pick Up Your Feelings", on November 20, 2020.[73] Heaux Tales was released on January 8, 2021. With first-week sales of 42,000 copies, the album debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 chart and earning Sullivan her highest-peaking album on the chart.[74]

In February 2021, it was announced that Sullivan was nominated for the 52nd NAACP Image Awards, which took place on March 27, 2021. She competed with artists such as Beyoncé, H.E.R., Ledisi, and Alicia Keys for the Outstanding Female Artist category. On February 7, she performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" alongside country artist Eric Church at Super Bowl LV.[75] In May, she earned the first single gold certification of Heaux Tales with "Pick Up Your Feelings".[76]

On June 24, 2021, Sullivan released "Tragic".[77] On June 27, she performed "Tragic" at the 2021 BET Awards along with "On It" (featuring Ari Lennox).[78][79] She was awarded the BET Award for Album of the Year that night.[80]

Also in 2021, Sullivan teamed up with soul singer-songwriter Curtis Harding on the duet "Our Love", for the soundtrack of the Emmy Award-winning Netflix series Arcane.

Sullivan also recorded the ending-credit version of the song "Come To Your Senses" for the musical Tick, Tick... Boom!

In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Sullivan at number 182 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.[81]

Musical style

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Sonically, Sullivan's voice alternates between "modern productions" and a "1980s-influenced sound" which music critics say gives her "old-school hip hop sound".[82][83] Her voice type is mezzo-soprano.[84] InStyle said that she has a "raspy voice".[85] She describes her writing style as "flashbacks", in reference to her songs about failed relationships that were both physically and emotionally abusive.[86][87] Her music displays her responses to these relationships famously with her song "Bust Your Windows".[88] She likes to write about how she is feeling, which in turn, taking a day or up to a month to complete.[89] During the recording of the album Reality Show, Sullivan spent so much time revising and re-recording that the producers had to force her to release the album to prevent a delayed release.[90] Sullivan is well known for writing her own songs, which amplifies her substantial popularity from both critics and fans.[91]

Sullivan's song "Bust Your Windows" was listed at number 137 on National Public Radio's list of The 200 Greatest Songs By 21st Century Women.[92]

Personal life

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On May 11, 2020, Sullivan announced that her mother Pam had been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer in October 2019.[93][94] On Instagram she wrote: "If being your daughter has taught me one thing it is how to work with something ugly, painful even, and make it a work of art".[93] On July 24, 2023, Sullivan revealed that her mother had died two days earlier.[95]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

Concert tours

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Headlining
  • The Reality Show Tour (2015)
  • The Heaux Tales Tour (2022)
  • Europe 2024 (2024)
Co-headlining
  • Year of the Gentlemen Tour (2009)
  • The Serenade Tour (2024)

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Organization Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
Academy Awards 2023 Best Original Song "Stand Up" Shortlisted [96]
American Music Awards 2021 Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist Herself Nominated [97]
Favorite Soul/R&B Album Heaux Tales Nominated
Favorite Soul/R&B Song "Pick Up Your Feelings" Nominated
BET Awards 2009 Best Female R&B Artist Herself Nominated [98][99]
Best New Artist Nominated
J Award Won
2015 Centric Award "Dumb" Nominated
2021 Album of the Year Heaux Tales Won [100]
Best Female R&B Artist Herself Nominated
2022 Album of the Year Heaux Tales, Mo' Tales: The Deluxe Nominated [101]
BET Her Award "Roster" Nominated
Best Female R&B Artist Herself Won
Billboard Women in Music 2010 Rising Star Award Herself Won [102]
Grammy Awards 2009 Best New Artist Herself Nominated [103]
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance "Need U Bad" Nominated
Best Traditional R&B Performance "In Love With Another Man" Nominated
Best R&B Song "Bust Your Windows" Nominated
Best Contemporary R&B Album Fearless Nominated
2010 Best Female R&B Vocal Performance "Lions, Tigers & Bears" Nominated [104]
Best R&B Song Nominated
2011 Best Female R&B Vocal Performance "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)" Nominated [105]
2016 Best Traditional R&B Performance "Let It Burn" Nominated [106]
Best R&B Song Nominated
Best R&B Album Reality Show Nominated
2020 Best Traditional R&B Performance "Built for Love" Nominated
2022 Best R&B Performance "Pick Up Your Feelings" Won[a] [107]
Best R&B Song Nominated
Best R&B Album Heaux Tales Won
2023 Best R&B Performance "Hurt Me So Good" Nominated [108]
Best R&B Song Nominated
Best Traditional R&B Performance "'Round Midnight" (with Adam Blackstone) Nominated
NAACP Image Awards 2009 Outstanding New Artist Herself Nominated [109][110]
2016 Outstanding Female Artist Herself Nominated [111][112]
Outstanding Song "Let It Burn" Nominated
2018 "Insecure" Nominated
2021 Outstanding Female Artist Herself Nominated [113]
2022 Won [114][115]
Outstanding Album Heaux Tales Won
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional) "Girl like Me" (featuring H.E.R.) Nominated
Outstanding Soul/R&B Song "Pick Up Your Feelings” Won
Soul Train Music Awards 2009 Best New Artist Herself Nominated [116]
2017 Best Collaboration "Insecure" (with Bryson Tiller) Nominated [117]
2021 Song of the Year "Pick Up Your Feelings" Nominated [118]
Video of the Year Nominated
The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter of the Year Award Nominated
Best Collaboration "Girl like Me" (featuring H.E.R.) Nominated
Best R&B/Soul Female Artist Herself Won
Album of the Year Heaux Tales Won
2022 Album of the Year "Heaux Tales, Mo' Tales: The Deluxe" Nominated [119]
Best R&B/Soul Female Artist Herself Won

See also

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Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jazmine Marie Sullivan (born April 9, 1987) is an American R&B and singer-songwriter from , , renowned for her powerful, versatile vocals and songwriting that blends with , hip-hop, and traditional influences. Sullivan first gained prominence in the late 2000s after signing with , releasing her debut album Fearless in 2008, which debuted at number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and spawned the top-40 hit singles "Need U Bad" and "Bust Your Windows," the latter peaking at number four on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Her follow-up album, Love Me Back (2010), featured the number-three R&B single "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)," solidifying her reputation for introspective lyrics and emotive performances, though she took a hiatus from solo releases afterward to focus on songwriting for other artists. Returning with Reality Show in 2015, Sullivan earned critical acclaim and Grammy nominations, including for Best R&B Album, before her 2021 release Heaux Tales, a concept album exploring themes of self-love, relationships, and Black womanhood through raw narratives and collaborations with artists like Ari Lennox and H.E.R. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and won the Grammy for Best R&B Album at the 2022 ceremony, where Sullivan also tied with Silk Sonic to win Best R&B Performance. To date, she has secured two Grammy Awards from 24 nominations, along with a 2010 Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award, and has contributed to soundtracks and productions for artists including Mary J. Blige and Jill Scott. Since then, Sullivan has continued to perform at major events and festivals, including headlining the 2025 Blue Note Jazz Festival.

Early life and education

Family and upbringing

Jazmine Marie Sullivan was born on April 9, 1987, in , , to parents Pamela "Pam" Sullivan, a former backup singer for , and Donald "Don" Sullivan, who worked as a draftsman and later as a and tour guide at the city's . Raised in a musical household in , Sullivan grew up alongside her siblings, including a younger brother, in an environment steeped in creativity and faith. When she was five years old, her family relocated within the city to the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, where her father had secured his position at the historic estate, allowing the to reside on the grounds. This move immersed her in a culturally rich setting, though the area was known for its challenges, fostering a close-knit dynamic. Sullivan's early exposure to music came primarily through her mother's influence and the family's deep involvement in church activities, particularly at St. Andrew's Fellowship Baptist Church, where Pam Sullivan frequently sang and her grandmother served as an evangelist reciting poems. The household echoed with sounds, as Pam played recordings and encouraged young Jazmine's vocal experiments at home, laying the groundwork for her innate talent through informal performances and nurturing support.

Musical training and early influences

Sullivan attended the High School for the Creative and (CAPA), a focused on the , where she majored in and graduated in 2005. She began her studies there as a teenager, immersing herself in a curriculum that emphasized musical performance and development. Her formal training at CAPA built on an earlier foundation in from her family's church involvement, where she honed her vocal abilities through participation and informal practice. At school, she engaged in choral ensembles and jazz ensembles, refining her skills in ensemble singing and , which helped shape her versatile R&B and style. Sullivan's early musical influences were rooted in both secular and gospel traditions, discovered primarily through her family's church experiences and radio exposure. She cited and as pivotal figures who inspired the type of soulful, emotive music she aimed to create, drawing from their innovative songwriting and powerful vocal deliveries. Gospel artists like also played a key role, teaching her advanced vocal techniques such as runs and phrasing through listening and emulation in church settings. Additionally, her mother's record collection introduced her to artists including , Prince, , and , broadening her appreciation for R&B's emotional depth and rhythmic complexity. Sullivan's first public performances occurred in her pre-teen years, showcasing her prodigious talent at local venues and national platforms. At age 11, she made her television debut on , a renowned talent competition, where she performed gospel songs that highlighted her mature vocal control and stage presence. Around the same time, she appeared in a production of the musical , singing the song "" and demonstrating early theatrical vocal prowess. These experiences, including local talent shows in , built her confidence and led to opportunities at intimate venues like the Black Lily coffeehouse, where she performed original material and gained local recognition. By her mid-teens, Sullivan transitioned to professional pursuits, submitting demos that caught industry attention. She signed with around 2003 while still a CAPA , leading to recording sessions in where she collaborated with producers and even encountered . However, the label shelved her debut album project, and she was dropped in 2005, resulting in unreleased tracks from that era. This setback prompted her to refine her craft independently before securing a .

Recording career

2008–2009: Debut with Fearless

In 2007, Jazmine Sullivan signed a with , a division of , under the guidance of president Peter Edge, who had been impressed by her demo recordings. This deal marked a significant step following her earlier experiences with , allowing her to collaborate closely with renowned producers and , who served as executive producers on her debut project alongside Edge and Sullivan herself. These partnerships shaped the album's sound, blending with soulful elements drawn from Sullivan's roots. Sullivan's debut single, "Need U Bad" featuring , was released on May 13, 2008, and became a breakout hit, peaking at number one on the chart for four weeks. The track, co-written and co-produced by Sullivan and Elliott, incorporated influences through samples from Cornell Campbell's "Queen of the Minstrel" and Al Campbell's "I've Got to Get Your Loving," contributing to its infectious, upbeat vibe. It also reached number 37 on the , establishing Sullivan as a promising new voice in R&B. Fearless, Sullivan's debut album, was released on September 23, 2008, via , featuring 12 tracks that showcased her songwriting prowess and vocal versatility. Standout songs included "Bust Your Windows," a raw anthem of heartbreak and revenge that later earned Grammy recognition, and "Lions, Tigers & Bears," a vulnerable exploring self-doubt in relationships. The album's production highlighted Sullivan's ability to fuse classic soul with modern , with contributions from Elliott, , and others like . Commercially, Fearless debuted at number one on the chart and number six on the , selling 165,000 copies in its first week. It was certified gold by the RIAA on October 21, 2008, for shipments of 500,000 units, and has since sold over 517,000 copies in the United States, later achieving status in 2022 when including streaming equivalents. The album's success solidified Sullivan's entry into the industry, with "Need U Bad" and "Bust Your Windows" both certified by the RIAA in 2022. Critics praised Fearless for Sullivan's raw emotional delivery and impressive vocal range, with describing it as a "promising debut" that captured "the essence of with a soulful twist." The album received widespread acclaim, leading to Sullivan's first Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist at the in 2009, along with six additional nominations for the project, including Best Album. This recognition underscored her immediate impact and set the stage for her career trajectory.

2010–2013: Love Me Back and hiatus

In July 2010, Jazmine Sullivan released the lead single "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)" from her sophomore , a track that captured her frustrations with being trapped in unproductive cycles, drawing from personal and professional experiences in the music industry. The song, co-written by Sullivan and produced by , peaked at No. 3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, marking her strongest R&B showing since her debut era. Sullivan's second studio album, Love Me Back, arrived on November 30, 2010, via , largely helmed by production duo , who crafted its raw, introspective sound. The project featured standout tracks like the urgent breakup anthem "10 Seconds" and the vulnerable "," both highlighting Sullivan's emotive songwriting and amid themes of toxic relationships and self-reflection. Commercially, Love Me Back debuted at No. 17 on the , selling 57,000 copies in its first week, though it ultimately moved around 230,000 units in the U.S., a notable drop from the million-plus sales of her debut Fearless. Critics praised the album for its emotional maturity and authenticity, with outlets like noting Sullivan's growth in vulnerability, but its underperformance was attributed to limited promotion and shifting industry trends. In January 2011, Sullivan announced an indefinite hiatus from music via , citing disillusionment with the industry's pressures, an abusive relationship that left her emotionally drained, and a need for to rediscover her identity beyond performing. She elaborated in later interviews that the break stemmed from feeling unfulfilled and overwhelmed, including struggles with and tied to depression, prompting her to prioritize over career demands. During this period, Sullivan made only sporadic appearances, focusing on behind-the-scenes work such as songwriting for artists like Monica on tracks from New Life (2012) and contributing to sessions for others in the R&B scene.

2014–2019: Reality Show

Following a hiatus, Sullivan signed with RCA Records, successor to J Records, marking a fresh start for her career. She released her third studio album, Reality Show, through RCA on January 13, 2015. The lead single, "Dumb" featuring Meek Mill, premiered on May 12, 2014, and addressed themes of underestimation in relationships with a blend of R&B and hip-hop elements. The album's production involved collaborations with producers such as and Da Internz, emphasizing Sullivan's desire for creative control during sessions that spanned her recovery period. Tracks like "Vice" and "Masterpiece (Mona Lisa)" delved into self-empowerment and the complexities of romantic dysfunction, portraying authenticity through raw emotional narratives about , , and personal growth. Sullivan's songwriting highlighted mid-career consolidation, drawing from real-life experiences to foster a sense of unfiltered realism in . Reality Show received widespread critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of interpersonal struggles, earning an 8.1 out of 10 from , which praised its "unblinking honesty" and layered emotional depth. Commercially, it achieved modest success, debuting at No. 12 on the and topping the R&B Albums chart, while garnering a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Album in 2016. Promotion included a performance of "Dumb" at the 2015 and a limited U.S. tour, The Reality Show Tour, which ran from March to April 2015 across venues like the and Fillmore theaters. In the years following, Sullivan contributed to soundtracks and collaborations, including the 2017 track "Insecure" with Bryson Tiller for HBO's Insecure Season 2, reinforcing her influence in R&B storytelling. These efforts underscored her ongoing commitment to authentic narratives amid selective projects.

2020–2026: Heaux Tales and recent activities

In 2021, Jazmine Sullivan released her fourth studio album, Heaux Tales, on January 8 via RCA Records, marking her return to recording after a six-year hiatus. The project features collaborative tracks such as "On It" with Ari Lennox and "Girl Like Me" with H.E.R., while incorporating references to Rick Ross in its introspective interludes; it explores themes of sexuality, self-empowerment, and emotional vulnerability through a blend of R&B, soul, and gospel influences. Building on the raw honesty of her previous work like Reality Show, the album presents personal narratives from Sullivan and her circle of women, framed as "tales" that challenge societal expectations of femininity. Heaux Tales achieved significant commercial success, debuting at No. 4 on the chart with 43,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, marking Sullivan's highest-charting release to date. The album also topped the Top R&B Albums chart and earned widespread critical acclaim for its bold lyricism and vocal prowess. At the in 2022, Sullivan secured three wins: Best R&B Album for Heaux Tales, Best R&B Song for "Pick Up Your Feelings," and Best R&B Performance for "Pick Up Your Feelings" (tied with Silk Sonic's "Leave the Door Open"), solidifying her status as a leading voice in . On February 11, 2022, Sullivan issued the deluxe edition, , Mo' Tales: The Deluxe, expanding the original with five new songs—including "" and "Roster"—and additional interludes that deepen the album's conversational tone. Later that year, she launched the Tour, a 25-date North American run starting February 14 in , which sold out rapidly across multiple venues due to high demand following the album's acclaim. From 2023 to 2024, Sullivan focused on select collaborations and live appearances, including a feature on Wizkid's "Bad for You" from Morayo, showcasing her versatile songwriting in R&B and contexts. She also performed at festivals such as the 2023 Essence Festival and various 2024 events, emphasizing live reinterpretations of her catalog while contributing to projects like songwriting for other artists. Sullivan's mother passed away in July 2023. In 2025, Sullivan headlined major events, including a performance at the Essence Festival in July, where she delivered a high-energy set honoring R&B predecessors like Jill Scott and . Her October headline slot at ONE Musicfest featured an emotional dedication of to her late mother during the performance, coinciding with what would have been her birthday. As of November 2025, Sullivan has not released a new studio album, instead prioritizing live performances, collaborative songwriting, and reinterpretations of her existing material to connect with audiences. On January 8, 2026, Sullivan marked the fifth anniversary of Heaux Tales with a social media post thanking fans, which prompted celebrations among fans sharing their favorite tracks from the album.

Artistry

Musical style and themes

Jazmine Sullivan's music is primarily rooted in contemporary R&B, infused with elements of retro-soul, gospel, and hip-hop, creating a sound that bridges classic emotional depth with modern production techniques. Her debut album Fearless (2008) exemplifies this through polished pop-R&B arrangements that incorporate live instrumentation and retro samples, such as the 1970s soul-inspired strings in tracks like "Bust Your Windows," which evoke vulnerability and romantic turmoil. Over time, her style evolved toward a rawer, more confessional approach, particularly evident in Heaux Tales (2021), where trap-soul elements blend gritty hip-hop beats with soulful introspection to heighten emotional intimacy. Lyrically, Sullivan's work recurrently explores themes of empowerment, self-love, sexuality, and the complexities of romantic relationships, often drawing from personal and communal experiences of Black women. Songs like "Bust Your Windows" confront betrayal with unapologetic rage, highlighting motifs of vulnerability and revenge in love, while "Pick Up Your Feelings" from asserts boundaries and self-worth amid emotional exhaustion. Her narratives unflinchingly address how and beauty can be commodified for material gain, yet she approaches these topics with , emphasizing and agency rather than judgment. Sullivan's production signatures prioritize her commanding vocals through collaborations that favor emotional rawness over ornate layering, using unobtrusive arrangements to amplify lyrical candor. In albums like Reality Show (2015), producers mix vintage soul elements with contemporary drum patterns, allowing her voice to carry church-like intensity into everyday relational dynamics. This approach ensures intimacy, as seen in Heaux Tales, where sparse hip-hop-infused backings underscore confessional tales without overshadowing her delivery.

Influences and vocal technique

Sullivan's musical influences draw heavily from both gospel traditions and secular R&B icons, shaping her distinctive blend of raw emotion and genre fusion. Her early exposure to at St. Andrews Fellowship Baptist Church instilled a soulful, spirited vocal foundation, while artists like , , , and inspired her tone, riffs, and runs. She has cited and as key figures for their authentic storytelling and vocal intensity, influences evident in her ability to convey vulnerability and strength. Additionally, Sullivan paid tribute to Prince through her 2010 track "Don't Make Me Wait," reflecting his impact on her genre-blending style that mixes with and pop elements. The music scene further molded Sullivan's artistry, fostering a fusion of soul authenticity with contemporary production. Growing up in the city's Strawberry Mansion neighborhood and attending the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA), she immersed herself in the neo-soul movement alongside local luminaries like and Jill Scott. Philly's R&B legacy, embodied by icons such as , influenced her emotive delivery and commitment to raw, unfiltered expression, as announced in plans for a 2022 collaboration with . This environment encouraged Sullivan to maintain soul's heartfelt core amid modern beats, distinguishing her from more polished pop-R&B contemporaries. Sullivan's vocal technique is renowned for its versatility and emotional depth, characterized by a three-octave range (approximately F♯2 to B♭5), intricate , and a signature raspy that adds grit to her performances. Her training emphasized breath support and dynamic control, allowing seamless transitions between power and agility, often culminating in ad-libbed runs that heighten dramatic tension. This approach prioritizes emotional delivery over technical perfection, enabling her to infuse songs with personal conviction, as demonstrated in live renditions where she layers harmonies and sustains notes with controlled intensity. In songwriting, Sullivan favors autobiographical narratives that explore intimacy, heartbreak, and self-empowerment, drawing from lived experiences to craft relatable, confessional lyrics. She co-wrote every track on her albums, including the introspective (2021), and has contributed to numerous songs for other artists, such as "Say I" for and tracks on Mary J. Blige's Strength of a Woman (2017). As of 2024, her credits included at least 12 documented songs for other R&B artists, spanning hits like Jennifer Hudson's "Spotlight" and Monica's "Anything (To Find You)," with a recent addition being her feature and co-writing on Wizkid's "Bad For You" from the album Morayo (2024), underscoring her role as a prolific collaborator in R&B.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Jazmine Sullivan shared a close bond with her mother, Pamela Joi Sullivan, who served as her manager and was instrumental in her early career development. Pamela passed away on July 22, 2023, after a four-year battle with , a loss Sullivan announced via and commemorated through ongoing public tributes, including emotional posts on her mother's birthday in 2024. Sullivan has limited public information available about her siblings and extended family, though she has occasionally referenced a younger brother in personal social media posts from the mid-2010s. In interviews, she frequently emphasizes her deep ties to her roots, crediting the city's cultural influence and her family's presence there for grounding her amid professional success. Sullivan maintains a private stance on her romantic life, with no highly publicized long-term partnerships confirmed as of 2025, though she has alluded to past relationships in her songwriting, such as the introspective narratives on her 2021 album . She has been linked to musician and producer since 2017, sharing occasional affectionate social media exchanges that highlight their low-key dynamic without extensive details. In her 2023 Audible project The Art of Confessing, part of the Words + Music series, Sullivan discussed the importance of safeguarding in the face of fame, framing as a deliberate choice rather than full exposure, which allows her to explore intimate themes in her work while preserving privacy.

Health challenges and losses

During her hiatus from 2011 to 2014, Sullivan faced significant emotional and mental health challenges stemming from an abusive relationship, which contributed to her decision to step away from music for personal recovery. She later revealed that the toxicity of this relationship, combined with industry pressures, led her to seek therapy as a means of rebuilding her sense of self and addressing the trauma. This period prompted lifestyle changes focused on emotional healing, allowing her to prioritize mental well-being over professional demands. In recent years, Sullivan has endured profound personal losses that have intensified her grief. Her mother, Pamela Joi Sullivan, passed away on July 22, 2023, at age 64, after a four-year battle with inflammatory breast cancer diagnosed in 2019. In December 2023, Sullivan announced the death of her grandmother, sharing an emotional tribute asking her to "hug mommy for me" and reflecting on the challenges of losing both family members in the same year. On April 9, 2025—her 38th birthday—Sullivan publicly disclosed a pregnancy loss, sharing that she had miscarried a son who would have been two months old at the time, compounding her ongoing mourning for her mother. Sullivan has openly advocated for , emphasizing therapy's role in fostering and resilience amid adversity. In a 2023 , she discussed finding balance and appreciation for life's offerings as key to navigating emotional challenges, crediting therapeutic practices for sustaining her artistic output. These conversations highlight her commitment to destigmatizing support within the Black community. These health struggles and losses have influenced Sullivan's career trajectory, resulting in periodic pauses for recovery without any indication of full . For instance, her October 2025 performance at ONE Musicfest included a dedication of the song "" to her late mother—performed on what would have been Pamela's birthday—as an act of healing and tribute.

Discography

Studio albums

Jazmine Sullivan's debut studio album, Fearless, was released on September 23, 2008, by . The project featured production from , , , , , and Fisticuffs, blending R&B with soulful elements. It debuted at No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and peaked at No. 24 on the 200. The album has been certified by the RIAA, denoting over one million equivalent units sold in the United States.
No.TitleProducer(s)
1."Bust Your Windows"
2."Need U Bad" (feat. )
3."My Foolish Heart"
4."Lions, Tigers & Bears"
5."Call Me Guilty"
6."One Night Stand"Fisticuffs
7."Backstabbers"
8."After You"
9."Switch!"
10."I Tried"
11."In Love with Another Man"Anthony Bell
12."Love"
Sullivan's second studio album, Love Me Back, arrived on November 30, 2010, via . Producers included , Cainon Lamb, and Anthony Bell, emphasizing introspective R&B themes. It peaked at No. 17 on the and No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with reported gold-level sales in the United States.
No.TitleProducer(s)
1."Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)"Anthony Bell
2."10 Seconds"Cainon Lamb
3."Good Enough"
4."Don't Make Me Wait" (feat. )Chuck Harmony
5."Love You Long Time"
6."In Love with Another Man"Anthony Bell
7."Love Me Back"Cainon Lamb
8."I Feel for You"
9."U Get on My Nerves"
10."The Greatest Gift"B. Cox
11."Stuttering"Los Da Mystro
Reality Show, Sullivan's third studio album, was released on January 13, 2015, under , marking her return after a self-imposed hiatus and allowing greater creative control in its development. Key producers included and , with the album drawing from personal experiences. It debuted at No. 39 on the , No. 1 on the R&B Albums chart, and No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 29,000 copies in its first week.
No.TitleProducer(s)
1."Dumb" (feat. Meek Mill)
2."Mascara"Da Internz
3."Brand New"Pop & Oak
4."Silver Lining"
5."#HoodLove"
6."Let It Burn"
7."Veins"
8."Forever Don't Last"Da Internz
9."Stupid Girl"Pop & Oak
10."Stanley"Gabe "Da Internz"
11."The Realist"
12."Take Over"
Sullivan's fourth studio , Heaux Tales, was issued on January 8, 2021, by , with co-production from Sullivan alongside , Al Sherrod Lambert, and . Featuring narrative interludes from friends and family, it peaked at No. 4 on the and No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums . The was certified by the RIAA in September 2022 for 500,000 equivalent units. A deluxe edition, Heaux Tales, Mo' Tales: The Deluxe, followed on February 11, 2022, adding seven tracks and additional interludes.
No.TitleProducer(s)
1."Bodies (Intro)"D'Mile
2."Antoinette's Tale"
3."Pick Up Your Feelings"D'Mile
4."Ari's Tale" (feat. Ari Lennox)
5."On It" (feat. Ari Lennox)Al Sherrod Lambert
6."30 Minutes"D'Mile
7."Don't Make Me Wait" (feat. PJ Morton)J. White Did It
8."Lost One"D'Mile
9."Rashad's Tale" (feat. Nija Charles)
10."Not Forever"D'Mile
11."Bust Your Windows"D'Mile
12."Girl Like Me" (feat. H.E.R.)D'Mile
13."Amanda's Tale" (feat. Joi)
14."Belt"D'Mile
15."Jas' Tale"
Deluxe tracks:
  • "Issa's Tale"
  • "Tragic"
  • "Jazzy's Tale"
  • "Hurt Me So Good"
  • "A Breaux's Tale" (feat. Jane Handcock)
  • "Roster"
  • "Mona's Tale" (feat. Missy Elliott)
  • "BPW"
  • "Shanti's Tale" (feat. Smino & Anderson .Paak)
  • "Selfish" (feat. Bryson Tiller)
As of 2025, Sullivan has not released any additional studio albums beyond Heaux Tales.

Singles and collaborations

Sullivan's debut single, "Need U Bad", released in 2008 from her album Fearless, featured Missy Elliott and topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart while reaching number 37 on the Hot 100. The track was certified platinum by the RIAA in 2022 for over one million units sold in the United States. Follow-up single "Bust Your Windows", also from Fearless, peaked at number 31 on the Hot 100 and number four on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, earning platinum certification from the RIAA in 2022. From her 2010 album Love Me Back, the "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)" reached number 60 on the Hot 100 and number three on the chart, sampling DeBarge's "Stay with Me." In 2015, "Dumb" featuring served as the for Reality Show, debuting at number 45 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart and peaking at number 26 on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop chart. The 2021 single "Pick Up Your Feelings" from marked Sullivan's first number one on the chart and earned a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 2022, with the RIAA certifying it platinum in 2022 for exceeding one million equivalent units. Among promotional releases, "Forever Don't Last" from Reality Show was issued in 2014 as the second single, highlighting Sullivan's raw vocal delivery on themes of fleeting relationships. In 2017, "Insecure" with appeared on the soundtrack for the series Insecure, blending introspective lyrics on emotional vulnerability. Notable collaborations include Sullivan's 2011 performance of a cover of The O'Jays' "Backstabbers" with The Roots on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, showcasing her soulful reinterpretation of the classic. The 2021 duet "Girl Like Me" with H.E.R., also from Heaux Tales, peaked at number 97 on the Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA in 2023. In 2025, Sullivan featured on "Speed Of Love" by Chance the Rapper from the album STAR LINE.

Concert tours and live performances

Headlining tours

Sullivan launched her first major headlining tour, The Reality Show Tour, in support of her third studio album Reality Show in early 2015. The tour consisted of an initial 12 North American dates starting March 1 in New Orleans at the House of Blues, with subsequent expansions adding more stops across cities including Atlanta, Charlotte, Philadelphia, New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, culminating in a total of approximately 25 shows by April. Venues ranged from mid-sized theaters like Irving Plaza in New York to House of Blues locations, emphasizing intimate settings for her return after a four-year hiatus. Setlists heavily featured tracks from Reality Show, such as "Brand New," "Dumb," "Let It Burn," and "Forever Don't Last," alongside staples from her earlier albums like "Bust Your Windows" and "Lions, Tigers & Bears" from Fearless. Following the success of her critically acclaimed EP , Sullivan announced her second prominent headlining outing, The Heaux Tales Tour, in late 2021, which commenced on February 14, 2022, at the in , . The 25-city North American run traversed major markets including , , New Orleans, Nashville, , , and , wrapping on March 30 at the in , with many dates selling out rapidly due to high demand. Performances showcased a dynamic setlist centered on material, opening with "Bodies (Intro)" and including "," "Girl Like Me," "On It," "Price Tags," and "Hurt Me So Good," interspersed with fan favorites like "Need U Bad" and "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)." The tour highlighted Sullivan's vocal prowess and storytelling, often incorporating interludes and covers to enhance the narrative flow. In 2024, Sullivan extended her international presence with a brief headlining stint across , building on the momentum from and her recent Grammy wins. The run included four dates: July 6 at The Recipe Festival in , July 7 at O2 Apollo in , July 10 at Salle Pleyel in , and July 13 at North Sea Jazz Festival in . Setlists mirrored her recent North American shows, blending tracks like "Put It Down" and "" with classics such as "In Love with Another Man" and "10 Seconds." As of November 2025, no new major headlining tour has been announced, though Sullivan has continued select live appearances tied to festival extensions.

Major festival and one-off appearances

Sullivan first gained prominence through standout festival performances early in her career, notably at the 2009 Essence Music Festival, where she took the stage at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans on to deliver tracks from her debut album Fearless. Her set captivated audiences with powerful renditions that highlighted her and emotional delivery. During a period of relative seclusion from full-scale touring, Sullivan made a memorable one-off appearance at Super Bowl LV on February 7, 2021, joining country artist Eric Church for a duet of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The performance, marked by their harmonious blend and Sullivan's soaring runs, drew widespread acclaim for its unifying impact amid national tensions. Earlier that year, on January 8, she participated in NPR Music's Tiny Desk (Home) Concert series, performing intimate versions of songs from Heaux Tales including "Pick Up Your Feelings" and a collaboration with H.E.R. on "Girl Like Me," filmed from her Philadelphia home. In 2025, Sullivan returned to major festivals with commanding headlining slots. She performed at the Essence Festival on July 5 at the in New Orleans, delivering a high-energy set that included fan favorites like "Bust Your Windows" and "On It." The following week, on July 25, she graced the Music Festival at , sharing the bill with and Anthony Hamilton in a night focused on R&B and soul legacies. Later that summer, from August 29 to 31, Sullivan headlined the Blue Note Jazz Festival in Napa Valley, , alongside as special guests, blending her R&B stylings with in a Black Radio Experience-curated event. Sullivan's festival momentum continued into the fall with her headlining performance at ONE Musicfest on October 26 at in , where she delivered an emotive set culminating in a dedication of "" to her late mother on what would have been her birthday, creating one of the event's most poignant moments. Earlier in the year, on May 5, she made a striking appearance at the in , donning an ivory jacquard suit with floral appliqué and a lace veil by Who Decides War, embodying a regal aesthetic amid the fashion elite. These appearances underscored her versatility in both musical and cultural spotlight events.

Awards and nominations

Grammy Awards

Jazmine Sullivan first received Grammy recognition in 2009 for her debut album Fearless, earning nominations including for Best New Artist. In 2011, she was nominated for Best R&B Album for Love Me Back, but the award went to another artist. Her 2015 album Reality Show brought another nomination for Best R&B Album in 2016, which she also did not secure. Sullivan achieved her breakthrough Grammy success at the in 2022, winning Best R&B Album for and Best R&B Performance for "" (tied with Silk Sonic's ""). The album also earned nominations for Album of the Year, Best R&B Song for "," and Best Traditional R&B Performance for the same track. These victories marked her first Grammy wins after years of recognition in the R&B categories. From 2023 to 2025, Sullivan received additional nominations for tracks from the deluxe edition of , including Best R&B Song, Best R&B Performance, and Best Traditional R&B Performance for "Hurt Me So Good" and "'Round Midnight" in 2023, but no further wins. Overall, she has accumulated 18 Grammy nominations and 2 wins as of 2023, highlighting her enduring impact in .
YearCategoryWorkOutcome
2009Best New ArtistJazmine SullivanNominated
2009Best Contemporary R&B AlbumFearlessNominated
2009Best Female R&B Vocal Performance"Need U Bad"Nominated
2009Best R&B Song"Need U Bad"Nominated
2011Best R&B AlbumLove Me BackNominated
2011Best Female R&B Vocal Performance"Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)"Nominated
2016Best R&B AlbumReality ShowNominated
2016Best R&B Song"Vice"Nominated
2022Album of the YearHeaux TalesNominated
2022Best R&B AlbumHeaux TalesWon
2022Best R&B Song"Pick Up Your Feelings"Nominated
2022Best R&B Performance"Pick Up Your Feelings"Won
2022Best Traditional R&B Performance"Pick Up Your Feelings"Nominated
2023Best R&B Song"Hurt Me So Good"Nominated
2023Best R&B Performance"Hurt Me So Good"Nominated
2023Best Traditional R&B Performance"'Round Midnight"Nominated

Other accolades

Sullivan has received numerous accolades from major music awards beyond the Grammys, recognizing her contributions to R&B and . In 2009, she won the BET Centric Award at the for her debut work, marking an early highlight in her career. Her third album, , propelled her to further success, earning the Album of the Year at the 2021 . The following year, she secured the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist award at the 2022 , where she dedicated her win to empowering women in the industry. At the Awards, Sullivan claimed two honors in 2021 for : Album of the Year and Best R&B/Soul Female Artist, affirming the project's critical and cultural resonance. The further celebrated her in 2022, where she won three categories: Outstanding Album – Musical for , Outstanding Soul/R&B Song (Contemporary) for "," and Outstanding Female Artist, underscoring her influence on contemporary Black music narratives. Earlier in her career, Sullivan was honored with the Rising Star Award at the 2010 event, acknowledging her emerging talent and potential in the industry. In 2022, she was named to Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People, praised for her ability to craft songs that authentically capture personal and communal stories.

References

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