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That Grape Juice sat down with none other than Jazmine Sullivan earlier this week. The R&B singer is flying high after receiving her 8th Grammy Award nomination for ‘Holding You Down (Going In Circles)’ and scoring her 2nd top 20 debut with her critically acclaimed new album, ‘Love Me Back’.
Naturally, we asked that questions to which you wanted answers. Sullivan spoke quite candidly about a wide range of topics including her next single, being compared to Brandy, losing to Beyonce at the 2010 Grammys and much more!
Check out all the action below:
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Jazmine Sullivan Shouts Out That Grape Juice
That Grape Juice: Hey Jazmine, how are you?
Jazmine Sullivan: I’m good. How are you?
That Grape Juice: I’m great! Thanks for asking. Let’s jump straight into things. Your new album ‘Love Me Back’ hit stores this week. What was the concept behind the record?
Jazmine Sullivan: I named it ‘Love Me Back’ because I liken what I do to being in a relationship. When you’re in a relationship and you feel like you’re giving your all and giving 100%, you want it back.
I feel like I’ve gotten a little bit of what I wanted thus far. I’ve had a wonderful start – I was nominated for many Grammys, I had a #1 song and I’ve toured all around the world but I want more. That was concept of ‘Love Me Back’ – wanting more from this industry and wanting to do bigger and better things.
That Grape Juice: How exactly does this album differ to your last effort?
Jazmine Sullivan: On this album I believe you see a softer side of me. I was really concerned about people listening to my music and getting the impression that I was the girl who wrote the angry songs because there is so much more to me. Now, looking back, I realise it’s because of a relationship that I had gotten out of that wasn’t that great and that was what naturally came out.
With this album I wanted to show a relationship in its entirety and I wanted to do that for the people who are going to listen to it. Not all relationships are bad and even in a relationship there are good and bad times; ups and downs; but I wanted to show a full relationship.
That Grape Juice: What are your favourite songs on the album?
Jazmine Sullivan: It switches up! Right now they’re probably ‘Good Enough’ and ‘Excuse me’. They are 2 totally different songs; saying 2 totally different things. ‘Good Enough’ is about a woman realising that she is worth more and she’s telling the guy that “if I’m not good enough then go ahead, leave”. ‘Excuse Me’ is a love song and I just love it. {giggles}
That Grape Juice: Have you already chosen another single from the album to follow 10 Seconds?
Jazmine Sullivan: Not yet, actually. I would love it to be ‘Excuse Me’ because I want people to hear that softer side that I’m talking about. I want people to hear me singing a love song, especially something like that. The music is very old school and classic then you have these words that are pouring your heart out to a lover so I would love people to hear that.
That Grape Juice: Having released the album this week with stiff competition from other artists such as Taylor Swift, Susan Boyle & Chrisette Michele, how important are sales to you at this point?
Jazmine Sullivan: Of course I want it to do well but I don’t follow up on numbers every week. I would probably torment myself if I did that {laughs}. I want it to do well and I’m going to do everything in my power but I’m not going to stress over it.
That Grape Juice: Many R&B artists have adopted a more Pop-oriented sound in an effort to achieve success on the mainstream charts. Do you ever feel pressured to do the same?
Jazmine Sullivan: No I don’t. I just do what’s natural to me. If one day I want to do a song like that – as I writer I can write almost anything – I’ll just do what’s natural.
That Grape Juice: You’re a stunning, curvaceous woman. Did she never think she had to lose weight?
Jazmine Sullivan: Aww thank you! Of course I feel pressure. In this industry there aren’t many women who look like me {laughs} but at the same time I love who I am so that’s it.
That Grape Juice: As the incredible vocalist that you are, do you ever get frustrated when you see singers with far less talent outperforming you on the charts?
Jazmine Sullivan: No I don’t, really. I don’t want to stunt any blessings coming on me because I’m thinking about somebody else and where they are in their life. To each his own and if it’s working for you then keep doing it. I got my own path and my own journey.
That Grape Juice: You have a great working relationship with Missy Elliot. Do you know why she keeps delaying the release of her new album?
Jazmine Sullivan: I think she’s really comfortable being behind the scenes right now. She’s spent a lot of time being an artist and being out there but from what I hear, because I’m just beginning as an artist, at a certain time people just don’t want to be in the spotlight anymore. She’s probably very comfortable with making records and selling them {laughs}
That Grape Juice: You have been favourably compared to both Brandy and a young Lauryn Hill. How do you feel about such comparisons?
Jazmine Sullivan: It’s great to be compared to women that I look up to and Brandy, Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige are people who I listened to growing up and I appreciate their music so it feels good. However, I do want to one day, when people are ready, stand beside them in the list of names and not just be a subtext as somebody who sounds like them.
That Grape Juice: On that note, which 3 artists have had the biggest influence on you?
Jazmine Sullivan: There is a Gospel artist name Kim Burrell that I listened to my entire childhood. Then I would say Brandy who I got into in my adult life and I loved everything that she did. I’d also say Lauryn…and Mary (that counts as one)! {laughs}
That Grape Juice: Along with being a talented singer, you are also a gifted songwriter. Having written songs for both Jennifer Hudson and Monica’s most recent projects, are there any other artists with whom you are working at this point?
Jazmine Sullivan: As of right now, nobody but I love to write and I plan on writing for everybody, not just R&B singers – Country singers, Pop artists etc – because I love to be able to express myself. So, right now, nobody but, hopefully, soon I’d be writing for everyone. {giggles}
That Grape Juice: At the 2010 Grammy Awards you were nominated ‘Best Female R&B Vocal Performance’ for ‘Lions, Tigers & Bears’ but Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’ took home the trophy despite it being more of a Pop song. Were you disappointed?
Jazmine Sullivan: Yeah I was disappointed because I wanted to win but I was disappointed by every category that I didn’t win. Still, like I said before, she won it and she’s a great singer and she puts out great music so I can’t be too upset. I just feel like it’s going to come for me one day and I’ll just have to wait until then.
That Grape Juice: I could definitely respect that. Rounding things off now, 2010 is coming to a close, which 3 artists would you say were the best of 2010?
Jazmine Sullivan: Wow…this is hard! I think I did a pretty good job so say me {laughs}! Janelle Monae – I love her music – and Willow Smith!
That Grape Juice: Which 3 songs were your favourites of this year?
Jazmine Sullivan: Definitely ‘Whip My Hair’ by Willow Smith. Well – I wrote this but I love it – ‘Everything To Me’ by Monica and ‘Right Thru Me’ by Nicki Minaj.
That Grape Juice: Which artists, both past and present, can we expect to find on your iPod?
Jazmine Sullivan: You can find Prince on my iPod and you’ll find Mary.
That Grape Juice: How do you, Jazmine Sullivan, want to be remembered as an artist in 20 years?
Jazmine Sullivan: I want to be remembered as an icon, and I want to be remembered as someone who was true to themselves and did music that I loved. I spoke from my heart and tried to reach people with my music.
That Grape Juice: Well thank you so much for your time Jazmine and we’re really cheering for you here at That Grape Juice. We hope to see, and hear, a lot more from you in the future.
Jazmine Sullivan: Thank you so much! I really appreciate that.
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That was a great interview..she kept it honest…
I would love to meet her in person…she sounds like she has a bubbly personality…
and did she say she looks up to Brandy…
thats it, I’m a stan now..
from now on I stan for Jazmine…..
I’m Glad shes not worrying about the numbers and the pressure to sound like everybody damn else
I love her and shes a Brandy stan so I love her even more.
Really enjoyed reading the interview. She seems like a very grounded and humble young lady. She has an amazing voice and sings with so much damn passion that you feel every note she hits. Didn’t think she could top her first album, but she did with Luv Me Back. A great album that I find myself listening to from top to bottom very often. Keep up the good work Sulli 🙂
that was kinda boring and short trent. You’re definately no Sam!
Boring. Questions weren’t exciting at all. Oh well moving on.
I LUVVV THIS GIRL, buy her CD people its GREAT
Rather interesting interview. She’s poised and extremely intelligent not to mention unbelievably talented. I have been playing the new album non stop. I just love it. She’s amazing and hopefully once consumers and media alike stop comparing artist to one another and allowing them to shine individually, shell get the recognition that so long over due. Fail at Trent on the phishing. You and Sam r pathetic already but great interview nonetheless.
I appreciate that she is a real person but… Jazmine needs to stick to writing for other people IMO.
LOVED THE INTERVIEW TRENT!!!!
(IN MY TRENT VOICE) BEYONCE AINT S***!!!!!!
& DID YALL HEAR HER SPEAK ABOUT MY BRAN BRAN SO HIGHLY!!
On that note, which 3 artists have had the biggest influence on you?
Jazmine Sullivan: There is a Gospel artist name Kim Burrell that I listened to my entire childhood. Then I would say Brandy who I got into in my adult life and I loved everything that she did. I’d also say Lauryn…and Mary (that counts as one)!
SHE SHOOOOO AINT SAY BEYAWNCE DONALD DUCK LOOKIN ASS
YASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS “THE VOCAL BIBLE” IS TEACHIN YOU UP & COMERS
Jazmine Sullivan: It’s great to be compared to women that I look up to and Brandy, Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige are people who I listened to growing up and I appreciate their music so it feels good.
great interview she sound nice and of course trent want to throw shade at bey and riri #Fail
flop flop flop down and down the chart hasbeen…singer tell tweet i said bye girl fly girl..
One of da finest RNB singers…Great interview Trent!!!
I think if she continues to stay on his path of soulful lyrics and sound, then people will finally WAKE UP to her talent. I hope there will be a day where true r&b can rule the mainstream charts again and get rid of fast food music.
Team SULLIVAN!
PLUS, a chris brown and Jasmine duet would be EPIC!
!
DAmn.. I must have gotten my questions in too late, because these are the pits if I must say so. Decent interview, but she didn’t really spill any unique tea.. We already knew who she looks up to and stans for from the “Thank You’s” in the album booklet.
Girl BYE trent.
LOl Chris sounds like 15 and Jazmine like 30. Great duet ahhahahaha
Jazmine you are one of my favorite vocalist to come out with in the last 10 years. I see plenty of Grammys in your future, because you have talent that is rare and not bought.
The album is off the chain…go get em Jazmine
I love how Trent delete my comment.
i hope she win sum grammy next year
Trent: As the incredible vocalist that you are, do you ever get frustrated when you see singers with far less talent outperforming you on the charts?
Jazmine Sullivan: No I don’t, really. I don’t want to stunt any blessings coming on me because I’m thinking about somebody else and where they are in their life. To each his own and if it’s working for you then keep doing it. I got my own path and my own journey.
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was that really a question an interviewer should asked, but i loved Jas answer…. trent maybe next time u should spit out the “less talented” singers name to make it more intersting…boring interview in my opinion, everything we already knew was asked, nice job trent!!!!!!!!!!
I really enjoyed this. I don’t think it’s as boring as y’all are saying. Some of you guys *cough cough* the Beyonce stans *cough* just want drama and aren’t accustomed to an artist who is down to earth and has a brain.
It’s not Jazmine’s fault that Beyonce is an idiot.
Great Interview. JAzmine is really sweet and down to earth.
You know what I find funny though is that Jazmine has been nominated for grammys a multiple number of times, but Trent just asks her about that one time.
Kinda makes u go hmm…
That was a good interview.
HAVE HER ALBUM AND IF U DONT HAVE IT I SUGGEST U REACH IT.
Y THE HELL R SAM AND TRENT SO PRESSED ABOUT BEY AND RIRI.
TRENT IS BEYOND SAD. GET A LIFE FOOL.
ONE THING @S*** SAID THAT WAS SO TRUE. EVERBODY DOES NOT THINK MY WAS THE S***. I DONT AGREE, BUT I GET WHAT HE/SHE WAS TRYING TO SAY. PEOPLE LIKE WHAT THEY LIKE AND U CANNOT GET SO DAMN ANGRY ABOUT THAT.
I THINK XTINA SINGS BETTER THAN MIMI BUT I LIKE MIMI’S MUSIC MORE. I THINK BEY SINGS BETTER THAN RIRI BUT I LIKE RIRI’S MUSIC MORE. THE POINT IS I LIKE THEM ALL FOR DIFFERENT REASONS.
YALL REALLY NEED TO GROW THE F*** UP IN 2010.
HAVE HER ALBUM AND IF U DONT HAVE IT I SUGGEST U REACH IT.
Y THE HELL R SAM AND TRENT SO PRESSED ABOUT BEY AND RIRI.
TRENT IS BEYOND SAD. GET A LIFE FOOL.
ONE THING @S*** SAID THAT WAS SO TRUE. EVERBODY DOES NOT THINK MY WAS THE S***. I DONT AGREE, BUT I GET WHAT HE/SHE WAS TRYING TO SAY. PEOPLE LIKE WHAT THEY LIKE AND U CANNOT GET SO DAMN ANGRY ABOUT THAT.
I THINK XTINA SINGS BETTER THAN MIMI BUT I LIKE MIMI’S MUSIC MORE. I THINK BEY SINGS BETTER THAN RIRI BUT I LIKE RIRI’S MUSIC MORE. THE POINT IS I LIKE THEM ALL FOR DIFFERENT REASONS.
YALL REALLY NEED TO GROW THE F*** UP IN 2010…..
TYPO…..MJ WAS THE S***
u didn’t even ask to sing! let sam do the interviews for now on
Short Interview but still Good!
Thank u Trent for choosing questions that I wanted to ask her!
@TC ;D
UR MOTHER AND UR F***** FATHER AINT S***!……….AND BRANDY IS IRRELEVANT TRYING TO GET HER MUSIC CAREER BACK ON VH1 #SOSITURASSDOWN
Once again Trent, you left me hanging a little bit. But this was a good look into the REAL person she is. She didn’t try to hide her real emotions and she talked in this interview just as if she was talking to a friend or family member at lunch somewhere. Makes me really like her more. Plus that CD is AWESOME!
Why are people mentioning Ciara in this article. It’s about Jazmine Sullivanm who has a great album out right now. And since Ciara is being mentioned, I honestly feel her and Jazmine do work a lot harder than a lot of these other female artists in the industry and aren’t being recognized at all. Love Me Back is a great album and it’s sad it only sold 60k in the first week, but let some come out with dumb songs about nothing at and they can sell 200k or more, I really hope Jazmine gets the real recognition she deserves along with Ciara.
@Beyonce Owns Your Fav
He does that a lot when his queenary gets called out. but, I already saw your comment.
I LOVE You TRENT!
Good Interview. Jazmine seems to be a really sweet and humble young lady. Can’t leave out just how talented she is. I wish her all the best. 🙂
@yrgdf
check mate…..
first all of all this is trent and sam’s blog, meaning they can pick and choose who they want to stan for..
instead of crying like a little b**** that ur comment was deleted, that sam or trent are queens, that this interview was boring, that jazmine is a flop…
GO MAKE UR OWN STAN BLOG, until than SHUT THE F*** UP
LOVED IT
jazzijotheho.b*******.com
okay beyonce is the #1 chick in the game and the other female artists aren’t, so what? Cry a river build a bridge and get over it. Beyonce is still the first and only female to win 6 grammys in one night and if that bothers u so much then dig a hole and bury yourself. Haters cant change facts. Smh at them dumbass shady questions.
@ OKAY
LOOK HERE U BROKE BACK MOUNTAIN F***** DONT GET MAD BECAUSE MY GIRL BRANDY IS ON THE TIPS OF EVERYONES TONGUES & EVERYONE LOVES HER MUSIC
F** GET MAD ATCHA SELF U F** IN A BAG & YA GAY SWAGGA JACKIN B**** BEYONCE..LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BRANDYS A SOON TO BE LEGEND U D*** SUCKIN B**** LMFAO SHES A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH & WHEN YOUR Q**** ASS REALIZES THAT YOULL BE GOOD
BRANDY > YOUR FAVE BEYAWNCE
LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MAYBE ARTISTS WOULD ADMIRE THAT SORRY B**** IF SHE DIDNT STEAL & SWAGGA JACK HER WAY TO THE TOP! NOBODY RESPECTS THAT B**** SHES A JOKE & THE BIGGEST GIMMICK IN THE INDUSTRY EAT A D*** BIATCH
F** KILL YASELF LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOO
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK TRENT……THESE BEE STANS CAN ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL EAT A D*** & DIE…..CHOKE ON S**** TOO U DUSTY ASS B****** LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
So Trent your really going to keep TC ;D’s homophobic comments but get rid of other ppl’s comments because they don’t agree with you but this your ignorant ass site, what can I say?
jazmine is a great talent
Monday, December 13, 2010 on Wendy Williams
Pop superstar Ciara talks about her new album!
Then she will be on 106 and Park, Chelsea Lately, Lopez, and Monique the rest of the week. Go CiCi
I LOOOOOOOOOOOVEE JAZMINE SULLIVAN….BEAST WITH THE VOCALS, AND I ALWAYS KNEW SHE WAS A BRANDY STAN!!! TALENT RECOGNIZES TALENT ALL DAY BABY!!!
love jasmine BUT
Monday, December 13, 2010 on Wendy Williams
Pop superstar Ciara talks about her new album!
Then she will be on 106 and Park, Chelsea Lately, Lopez, and Monique the rest of the week. Go CiCi
B** Review
It’s come late, but Basic Instinct is one of the best RnB albums of the year.
Matthew Horton 2010-12-10
RT @andresmed21: @ciara #BASICINSTINCT is #1 in itunes r&B in AUSTRALIA!!! CONGRATS CICI U DESERVE IT!! WAT A GREAT ALBUM LUV YA SWEETY!yay
RT @MissJazzyPha: Yay! #TeamCiara.. 🙂 RT @BrittanyLovesC: @ciara ci ur album is sold out at some stores in Australia already!!! Ow!! about 15 hours ago via ÜberTwitter
RT @babyblueballer: YAY! @CIARA’S “BASIC INSTINCT” IS ALREADY #2 IN THE NETHERLANDS ON R&B-ow! about 15 hours ago via ÜberTwitter
RT @xxBellz: @Ciara BASIC INSTINCT is the #3 top R&B Soul album on iTunes in CANADA!!!! #TeamCiaraCanada :)- yay! about 15 hours ago via ÜberTwitter
GO CIARA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Poor Girl lost Best Female R&B Vocal Performance’ to Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’ cause the Queen Shitted on those Vocals. Only the Queen can s*** on an Up-Beat song.
Jasmine Suffering could Never… & neither could whatsherface.
Sorry I hate her Voice, Its so Whiny.
@ RIRI BEY CICI KERI CB aka GROW UP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
🙂 DITTO
*Whinny*
@ TC ;D (T***** Cut D***)
Im starting to believe you’re not really a Brandy Stan. If you were you Would Not embarrass her like that by putting her up against someone whos wayyyy Far past her League. Put her up against Monica, Kelly Rowland, Jasmine Suffering, someone she can atleast HALF WAY compete against not an Iconic Queen like Beyonce.
Brandy is wack in everyway, Vocally shes BASIC as hell with that Whinny, & Raspy voice of hers. all her music sounds the same & I swear she uses autotune or something, B****’s recordings doesnt even sound natural. 😐
No wonder she sounds like Kelly Rowland UNDER WATER Does the B**** have a Cold??
#BASIC FLOP B****
Christmas is coming !!! Still alone this year??? No, welcome to
🙂 ________Bla c kw h it eF lirts. C” 0- M__________ 🙂
a nice place for seeking interracial love, which gives you a chance to make your life better and open opportunities for you to meet the attractive sin gles and treat you like a king or Q-ueen.
Come to find your special one for a sweet Christmas !!!!
Comparing Beyonce to Brandy is like sending a handicapped player on the football field..Beyonce will ALWAYS lose!!
“No wonder she sounds like Kelly Rowland UNDERWATER”
I love my Brandy, but that s*** had me ROLLING! OMG! *DEAD*
And @S*** I hope you know @TC;D is @TheRealNicky. The psychotic fool exposed herself in the last Beyonce post!Smh.
She truly is an amazing talent.
Jazmine rules. She’s my second favorite artist along with Ashanti , an I totally like Mary j blidge too (; I’m 18 an I still listen to love me back