There aren’t many artists who can quit the music business for four years and come back to open arms. But a lot of artists don’t have Jazmine Sullivan’s voice.
A four-year hiatus is an infinity in the ever-changing musical landscape, where artists are expected to churn out new microwaveable music faster than fans can digest it. But Jazmine never subscribed to that doctrine.
At the beginning of 2015, the 27-year-old returned to music with her junior LP Reality Show, which debuted at the top of the R&B Album and number two at the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. She later proved why she’s so loved in front of a packed audience at New York’s Irving Plaza Wednesday night (March 11). The songstress didn’t overdo it with a larger-than-life set production, pyro, or a football team of dancers. Sullivan simply used her God-given talent: her robust, powerful vocals.
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Rocking a floor-length denim body suit, the voluptuous singer graced the stage with big hair, cleavage for days and a megawatt smile. And if you ever doubted the Philly native as one of R&B’s prominent voices, her live performance erased any doubt.
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Every note and run that escaped her mouth was intoxicating. Especially when Ms. Sullivan feels the music. After delivering some of her older hits like “Lions, Tigers and Bears” and “Need U Bad,” the singer-songwriter performed an acoustic version of “Stupid Girl” off her recent album and triggered all types of spine-tingling feels.
Jazmine’s voice isn’t “polite.” It’s not dainty and doesn’t ask for permission. The rasp, depth and emotion coupled with its power and technique knocks you unconscious, and just before you flatline from amazement, she sings you back to life, like she did when performing her motivational record “Masterpiece.”
But the X-factor: her personality. While her musical peers may try and sell you on their brand of perfection with hair fans, waist trainers and contoured faces, Jazmine’s authenticity is in her flaws. From her vengeance-filled anthem “Bust Your Windows” (which Stans still cherish) to the dizzying “Holding You Down (Goin’ In Circles)” has earned her followers’ loyalty. She’s the homegirl with all the answers.
Sullivan has a new brand of sexy that comes only from loving yourself, and possibly getting some good lovin’ from a significant other. Whether it was a little twerk on-stage or her come-hither attitude during “Let It Burn,” Jazmine is back to owning who she is.
“It too me a minute, but I’m back now y’all,” she said.
Welcome home, Jazmine.