BET Experience

Jazmine Sullivan

This Philadelphia native started out singing in her church choir, and performed on It’s Showtime At The Apollo as a preteen. Gigs at the weekly Black Lily showcase led to a demo deal, and a chance meeting with Missy Elliott. Missy signed Sullivan and produced her debut album, Fearless, appearing on the leadoff single “Need U Bad.” Three top 10 hits and seven Grammy nominations later, Sullivan has written for Jennifer Hudson, Christina Milian and Monica. She’s also collaborated with Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, Fantasia and Snoop Dogg, and won a BET Centric Award in 2009. Sullivan’s sophomore effort was released in late 2010, titled Love Me Back and Billboard honored Sullivan as the “Rising Star” for 2010.