Fearless, Still...

I remember the first time I heard her voice: My mother, who knows my undying love for music and my devotion to Philly artists, called one morning demanding I turn to Channel 10 news for the local artists segment. I found the channel and was immediately blown away with the powerhouse vocals of a 13 year-old "genius". I have been a loyal fan of Jazmine Sullivan's ever since. Each time I see her perform or hear her delicately riff her way through a song, I am in awe. Today, at 21, Miss Sullivan has amassed much success. Despite her busy schedule, Jazmine took time to discuss her past, some present concerns and future goals with us. There was something very familiar and comfortable about sitting and talking with this young lady. She displays a unique combination of fearlessness and humility that, to me, promises longevity. She has a playful nature that seems to see-saw her determination to reach her inevitable stance as a star. She’s been on the right road, considering the success of her hit single and Missy-collab, “Need U Bad” released in September 2008. I personally knew a great deal concerning Jazmine's body of work, but held misconceptions about Jazmine the person: her origin and what lies beneath and behind that soulful voice and girlish smile. She invited Broken Style in for a very candid and personal conversation.

You may have heard that Jazmine started singing in church at 5, took the stage at Apollo at 11, attended Philadelphia's High School for Creative and Performing Arts (C.A.P.A.) and sang at the request of the legend himself, Stevie Wonder. Many, however, may not know that Jazmine has provided background vocals for Fantasia, recorded a duet with Aja (one half of Kindred the Family Soul) and wrote "Say I" the catchy hit Christina Milian made famous in 2006. Fewer, still, have known of her local show-stopping, jaw-dropping performances at the famed Black Lily event held at the 5-Spot, a Philadelphia venue that was tragically razed due to a fire early in 2007. Audiences were amazed at her depth of soul and sheer vocal strength. Not even old enough to enter the Spot, she'd explode on stage and make her presence known, feeling right at home...simply fearless.

Perhaps her fearlessness came from her mother, who doubled as Jazmine's principal management, being right by her side. Maybe it's that she shared the stage with artists like Jill Scott, Floetry, India.Arie, Jaquar Wright, Lady Alma and Musiq Soulchild who respected and treated her like a little sister. Whatever the case, we didn't care about her age, we were only concerned that they'd be able to sneak her in again next week.

Thanks to youtube.com, before “I Need U Bad” hit the airways, Jazmine’s fan-base grew to the hundreds of thousands. With her renditions of songs like, “Resentment” (before Beyonce made it famous) and “Prototype”, she tickled and teased us into longing for more. Having a history of working together, Missy Elliot and Jazmine were in familiar territory in writing, producing and delivering her hit single. She confesses that Missy is one of her biggest fans.

Before signing for Clive Davis and J. Records, Jazmine had a recording deal with Jive that went south after only 3 years, evidently due to lazy marketing and executives' inability to define her style. Because Jazmine was a young girl with a grown and soulful woman's voice, Jive was reportedly unable to find a group in which to market her. Although she confesses her disappointment with the failed relationship, Jazmine does not blame Jive for the split and believes she's learned more about her self and developed strength from that experience. Fortunately for music lovers, she has not abandoned that soulful, jazzy and poised eloquence with which she captivates audiences.

Jazmine admits that when she embarked on this career at age 11, she had little idea of who she was. But most of this journey for her has been a learning experience: education about the industry, her voice and really, herself. Fearless reveals truths and a side of Jazmine many are unacquainted with. Ironically, in the infectious song "Fear" that samples Stevie's "I Was Made to Love Her" she provides what seems to be an endless list of fears. She sings, "we all afraid of something here. Cause you ain't human without fears."

Her fearlessness is further shown as she belts out anthemic messages addressing subjects of domestic violence, trust and betrayal. Her fears have undoubtedly taught her the value of focus and struggle. That when fears are faced eye to eye, they can be overcome. I guess thats what makes her fearless: her ability to speak the truth, her undisguised and frank style of writing, her strength of character.

After five grammy nominations and no wins, Jazmine remains optimistic and takes it all in stride.  She's already flexed her musical muscle with this project and touring with soul crooner Maxwell during his re-emergence.  As Jazmine Sullivan pushes toward her goal of writing and delivering timeless music, she remains optimistic, determined and fearless.