The Philly native, who made it real clear that she’d “Bust The Windows” of her bae’s car, returns after an almost four-year hiatus from the music industry with Reality Show. During that time Jazmine watched a lot of—yup, you guessed it—reality TV, especially Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta. While Jaz is “fully entertained” by those shows, she’s too private to air her dirty laundry for your viewing pleasure. Here Jazmine Sullivan talks about Reality Show, songwriting, relationships and her least favorite thing about the music industry.
On writing the girl anthem, “Dumb”…
“Dumb” was pretty easy because of the beat. Sometimes the music tells you where you should go for the story and with “Dumb” the beat was so catchy. It was like, Hmm what can I say over and over again.
On “Forever Don’t Last” and “Masterpiece (Mona Lisa)”…
“Forever” is the ultimate breakup song for me because I was coming to the realization that I had to walk away from a bad situation. I had to leave it alone. “Mona Lisa” is another personal song. I draw from my personal life, but I also draw from real life. I consider myself to be an artist. I write stories and try to make them as real as possible for the listener. Sometimes that means telling my story or somebody else’s story.
On songwriting…
I’m still learning. [Laughs] I’m trying to figure it out. My grandma was a poet and my mom was a playwright and a songwriter and she used to write all my songs. I started writing to be independent. I didn’t want my mom to do it. I was like, Lemme do it. I want to write myself! I’m glad that I had a supportive mother and that she saw a gift even at its beginning, when I was 13, when it wasn’t all the way developed. She saw that one day I’d be able to write—or that I’d be able to sing and make it sound good.
On her least fave thing about the industry…
Red carpet stuff. I’m like, Can I cut to the back and get to my seat? [Laughs] That little part is a lot for me. I just like to perform, sing and create the music. I’m better now than I was before. Before [my team was like], Girl, if you don’t get out there and pose! [Laughs] It’s a part of the job.
On her fave thing about the industry…
It’s a toss between—actually there’s no toss up—creating the music is my favorite part. Going in the studio and coming up with an idea and watching it bloom like a flower is so rewarding. It’s even more rewarding when people like the song.
On ending her last relationship…
I was in a really bad, abusive relationship. Going through that made me realize that this isn’t how I’m supposed to be living. It knocked some sense into me… I was far from where I was supposed to be. [To quote my song “Masterpiece”], I always was a work of art—I just didn’t know it.
On the future…
I definitely want to be in love and have a family and all that jazz. Right now, I’m a little selfish because I’m focused on my work, establishing myself again and getting people to hear [Reality Show]. Now wouldn’t be best time for a relationship. I want to capture the hearts of a broader audience… A lot of new artists have come out since I’ve been gone and I’ve got to work a little harder, but I’m up for the challenge.
