Jazmine Sullivan’s astonishing recording career is not to be defined by what she accomplished during the Heaux Tales cycle, which includes her first pair of Grammy wins, her first No. 1 radio R&B hit, and her platinum single (“Pick Up Your Feelings”).
She also produced two supremely respected and indelible releases: Reality Show in 2015 and the underappreciated Love Me Back in 2010. Each added to the progression of R&B and soul throughout the 2010s.
Before issuing her J Records debut, Fearless, Sullivan paid her dues unseen as a background vocalist, in part, with guidance from hip-hop icon Missy Elliott.
Among her contributions was lending her radiant voice to projects by Kindred the Family Soul (Surrender to Love) and Fantasia (Free Yourself).
Sullivan found solid footing behind the scenes when “Free Yourself,” the title track from the season three American Idol winner’s first album was released to the airwaves. She was heard in the background on the track, which peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in July 2005.
Sullivan also contributed backing vocals to “Selfish (I Want U 2 Myself),” the opening track from Fantasia’s 2004 debut.
Sullivan is not short of talent. Apart from her solo endeavors, her extracurricular credits feature collaborations with well-known artists.
She provided vocals, whether additional or backing, for artists such as Robin Thicke (“Million Dolla Baby”) and Frank Ocean (“Rushes,” “Alabama,” “Solo“). Additionally, she has a pile of songwriting credits on recordings for some of music’s best and brightest stars.
Here are 12 songs written by Jazmine Sullivan for other R&B artists, in order by name.
1. Candice Glover, “Cried” (2014)
Written by: Anthony Taylor, Jazmine Sullivan
Jennifer Hudson‘s and Fantasia‘s debut albums are not the only ones by American Idol stars that Jazmine Sullivan has worked on. She co-wrote (and granted background vocals on) “Cried,” the teary opening song of Music Speaks, the first and only album by Candice Glover, the winner of season 12 of the competition show.
At her breaking point in a lonesome relationship, Glover’s heavy eyes find a moment of relief. “I tried to be the girl that never complains / But holding it in is driving me insane / So I cried and cried / And I cried and I cried,” Glover sings on the bluesy, piano-based number.
2. Chrisette Michele, “I Don’t Know Why, But I Do” (2010)
Written by: Jazmine Sullivan, John Legend
If there is one song from Chrisette Michele‘s 2010 release Let Freedom Reign that could have been the soundtrack of a scene from a romantic blockbuster that year, it’s “I Don’t Know Why, But I Do.” It features impeccably alluring vocals, compelling production, and sweetly innocent lyrics that cover a wide range of emotions. “Tell me, how could this be? / I don’t know why I feel the way I do / I really can’t explain it / But I know it’s true / They say that I have it all / But all I want is you,” Michele sings.
3. Christina Milian, “Say I” (2006)
Written by: Andre Lyon, Marcello Valenzano, Jazmine Sullivan, Jay Jenkins, Phil Hurtt, Bunny Sigler
Two years after releasing her second album, Christina Milian settled back into rotation with “Say I,” an upbeat motivational anthem produced by Cool & Dre and featuring Jeezy (then Young Jeezy). Lifted as the first single from So Amazin’, “Say I” presents the call to raise our fists together to turn dreams and possibilities into reality. In May 2006, the hip-hop soul track peaked within the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100, marking her last appearance on the main singles chart.
4. Christina Milian, “Twisted” (2006)
Written by: Andre Lyon, Marcello Valenzano, Jazmine Sullivan, Leon Ware
Sullivan had multiple songwriting credits on Christina Milian’s third and final album, So Amazin’. She co-wrote the bass-knocking “Twisted,” where Milian sings about the beginning of a romance that has her heart in knots. “When I see you, I get so excited / My light just ignites / When I’m here with you / Cuz my night turns to day / When I’m seein’ your face,” Milian sings.
5. Faith Evans, “He Is” (2014)
Written by: Jazmine Sullivan, Darren Henson, Keith Pelzer
Sullivan is skilled at writing Grammy-worthy tracks. Two songs she wrote for Monica and Jennifer Hudson were nominated in the R&B field, respectively, in 2010 and 2011. Faith Evans’ “He Is,” from its parent album, Incomparable, further proved Sullivan’s songwriting prowess, gaining a nomination in the Traditional R&B Performance category in 2014.
On the piano-laden belter, Evans stands on business about her companion, embracing both the good and bad parts of him with conviction. “He’s a sinner / Yes he is, yeah / And he is a saint / Can I get a witness?” is the type of line well-suited for Evans’ raspy vocal abilities, given her strong foundation in gospel music.
6. Jacob Banks, “Love Ain’t Enough” (2018)
Written by: Benedetto Rotondi, Chuck Harmony, Dayo Olatunji, Jacob Akinoso, Jazmine Sullivan, Ras Kassa Alexander
British artist Jacob Banks had quite the Village to help co-compose his debut album of the same title. One of the contributors was Jazmine Sullivan, who co-wrote the track “Love Ain’t Enough.” This song was featured on Rated R&B’s list of the 25 Best Albums of 2018. “Love Ain’t Enough” effectively combines gritty and fluid elements, reflecting Banks’ Nigerian heritage. Prior to the release of his debut album, the track was included in the soundtrack of the EA Sports video game FIFA 19, dedicated to football (soccer).
7. Jennifer Hudson & Fantasia, “I’m His Only Woman” (2008)
Written by: Missy Elliott, Jazmine Sullivan, Jack Splash
It’s no fun to be in a love triangle. This is at least according to Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia, who describe the experience in “I’m His Only Woman,” their stirring duet featured on Hudson’s Grammy-winning self-titled debut album. The track has a retro-soul vibe and pays homage to Shirley Brown (“Woman to Woman“). The two American Idol alumni appear to be involved with the same man, Tony.
Through their vocal performances, they highlight why each of them is his one and only. The year Hudson won a Grammy for her debut album, “I’m His Only Woman” received a nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Though it didn’t win the top prize that night, it remains one of the greatest duets of the genre.
8. Mary J. Blige, “Thank You” (2017)
Written by: Jazmine Sullivan, Mary J. Blige, Darhyl Camper, Jr.
Mary J. Blige did not receive any nominations for the 60th Grammy Awards, even after two No. 1 singles at radio and Billboard preceded the annual festivities. However, Eddie Fourcell, her A&R for her 14th studio album, Strength of a Woman, described “Thank You,” a glowering song of gratitude, as a “Grammy moment.”
Featuring orchestration involvement by Raphael Saadiq and production by Camper, Sullivan co-writes from the perspective of a scorned woman who has found out the worst news: realizing her entire relationship was a lie. “I must admit you caught me by surprise / When you showed me your true colors,” Blige bemoans in the second verse. Sullivan is also on condoling background vocals.
9. Mary J. Blige, “Thick of It” (2016)
Written by: Jazmine Sullivan, Mary J. Blige, Darhyl Camper, Jr., John Goodison, Phil Wainman
By 2016, Jazmine Sullivan and Mary J. Blige had a significant history. The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul had taken Sullivan on the road for a 2010 tour, remixed one of Sullivan’s songs, and collaborated on a few original songs. Amid a contentious divorce, Blige, a fan of Sullivan’s bold songwriting, insisted on collaborating to express her pain in the studio. “Thick of It,” a Camper production, returned Blige to the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart, reaching No. 1 four weeks after its appearance.
It ruled the chart for 16 weeks, the most weeks in the top slot of any of Blige’s songs on the chart. In the documentary for her parent album Strength of a Woman, the original version of the hit song features Blige singing, “We been through too much, we don’t just give up, when we’re in the thick of it.”
While the final cut came out, the lyrics were revised to: “I have given you too much / Enough is enough / Now we’re in the thick of it.” Sullivan is credited with co-writing and contributing background vocals on “Thick of It” and three other tracks (“Set Me Free,” “Glow Up” and “Thank You”) from Strength of a Woman.
10. Monica, “Until It’s Gone” (2011)
Written by: Missy Elliott, Cainon Lamb, Jazmine Sullivan, Anthony Randolph, Thomas Bell, Linda Epstein, Scott Sterling, Lawrence Parker
In addition to contributing a song (“Cry“) with Salaam Remi on Monica’s 2012 album New Life, Sullivan partnered with Missy Elliott and Cainon Lamb to pen “Until It’s Gone,” the official lead single. The track, inspired by music by The Spinners and Boogie Down Productions, hears Monica warning a foolhardy lover that he won’t appreciate what he has until it’s gone.
“Until It’s Gone” resonates with many people, not just in relationships but also in situations where individuals fail to understand the consequences of their actions until it’s too late. On the Adult R&B Airplay chart, “Until It’s Gone” peaked at No. 11 in February 2012.
11. Monica, “Everything to Me” (2010)
Written by: Missy Elliott, Cainon Lamb, Jazmine Sullivan, Fritz Baskett, Clarence McDonald, June Deniece Williams
Monica’s best year yet was 2010, fostered by the release of “Everything to Me.” In this track, which features a sample of the ‘80s classic “Silly” by Deniece Williams, Monica reunites with Missy Elliott to showcase her talent for singing love ballads better than anyone else in her class. Sullivan contributes to portraying a story of romantic reliance, where Monica feels indebted to a partner who has deeply impacted her mind, body, and soul. “I can’t repay you for all that you’ve done / Always come first and second to none,” she sings.
“Everything to Me” towered multiple Billboard R&B and Hip-Hop charts that same year and earned Monica her first solo performance nomination at the 53rd Grammy Awards in 2011. Elsewhere on the same album, Still Standing, Sullivan co-wrote “If You Were My Man,” another Missy Elliott production, which sampled Evelyn “Champagne” King this time.
12. Tamia, “Still Love You” (2012)
Written by: Jazmine Sullivan, Carvin Haggins, Christopher Barnes, Ivan Barias
Tamia will not allow anything to disrupt her love for her partner, be it aging or complacency, as depicted in her song “Still Love You” from 2012’s Beautiful Surprise. Touching lines such as “If we never get to where we thought we’d be” and “When the years have caught up, and beauty fades” make developing a deep connection with someone special worth it.
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