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NEW YORK (AP) -- From its reggae-tinged opening salvo to its emotionally
charged lyrics, Jazmine Sullivan's "Need U Bad" appeared destined to hit the
top of the charts, as it did when it was released last year.
But it almost didn't make it to radio. Even though Sullivan co-wrote the
tune, she fretted about putting it out as her debut single.
"I was a little hesitant to do the song because it was so different from
everything else that was on the radio. It (has) a reggae vibe and I didn't know
how people would accept it," she said.
It's clear she's been accepted now.
Watch Jazmine's 'Road to the Grammys'
Not only was the song a rousing success (it was No. 1 on the R&B charts),
it put her on the path to potential Grammy gold. The 21-year-old Philadelphia
native, who only released her debut CD "Fearless" last fall, received a stunning
five Grammy nominations, including one for best new artist, pitting her against
the Jonas Brothers, Lady Antebellum, Duffy and Adele. Her five nods put her on
par with veteran acts like Alison Krauss, who also received five.
"It was unbelievable," the smiling Sullivan said during a rehersal break
before a club performance. "Just one was enough, but five is just amazing."
With "Fearless," Sullivan has crafted an album that includes '60s pop, '80s
dance and contemporary R&B. Sullivan worked mostly with Missy Elliott and
Saleem Remi (who has worked with Amy Winehouse and Nas). She also co-wrote a
track on labelmate Jennifer Hudson's self-titled debut.
"Need U Bad" is about a woman pleading for her lover to come back — a
familiar refrain in music. But what has made her debut so compelling are songs
that tell stories and express emotions outside the typical love song. "Call Me
Guilty" is about a woman who kills her abusing mate, and the Grammy-nominated
"Bust Your Windows" is cringe-inducing for any man who has cheated — or has
considered it.
"I'm influenced by everything when I write. It can be speaking to my
girlfriends or very personal (things) from my experiences," she said. (Story Continues On Next Page...) |
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