It’s always good to see a talented artist finally catch a break. While I can’t say I fully understand Missy’s role in this video, I’m glad she’s gotten behind Jazmine because it’s about time someone did.

I can remember falling for Jazmine when I heard her version of “Resentment” (go back to 2006 yo). So in the past few weeks & months, as her buzz has grown & I’ve been seeing her name popping up on other sites & in magazines, I’m not resentful (pun intended lol). It’s good.

Too often, music people like to hoard & cradle an artist’s material as if it were their child, scared that when others get ahold of it, it won’t be “new” any more or worried that a label might put their dirty hands into the mix & make the sounds impure. Honestly, I never really thought Jazmine would blow. Then again, I thought there were only so many even following her until recently. R&B artists who don’t sell sex seem to never make it to the forefront, but cultivate a loyal following that supports their work, heralds it often & to as many as possible. It would be a disservice to label JS as neo-soul because when that happens, as that seems to punch their ticket to purgatory for an R&B artist.

She has the vocal chops to make her way beautifully across any track in my opinion. Very reminiscent of A.Keys & Lauryn in the way she can go up & down on any track, her voice going from smooth to slightly throaty to vary her sound & inflect emotion.

So, consider this our Jazmine offering to you. A reintroduction of sorts. It’s time to get to know chick and this collective compiled by the homie C78 should be a good 101 course. It’s representative of the artist & some of her material thus far, along with some extras.

Jazmine Sullivan – Need You Bad (Bootleg)

As a bonus, here’s a sampler that’s been floating around…

Jazmine Sullivan – I Am (Sampler) (Narrated By Angie Martinez, Mixed By DJ Precise)