Jazmine Sullivan

Jazmine Sullivan was born and was raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her mother Pam has been a previous back-up singer with Philadelphia International Records. In the age of five, her father was appointed to be the city's Historic Strawberry Mansion curator. Their family eventually moved into this historic building. As a 2005 Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts graduates and a top student in the field of vocal music. Sullivan began singing in the children's choir as a contralto before joining the adult choir a few years later. Sullivan did not get exposed to the world of secular music for the first time. "I began singing in solos in the church, and someone was urging me to sign up to a gospel record when I was 11. but I wasn't prepared to take that step," she says. At that time, McDonald's held a contest with children from large cities. I had the opportunity to perform "Accept the Grace of God" during It's Showtime at the Apollo. And the audience was very supportive. She sang with Stevie Wonder at his grandson's birthday party at thirteen. Sullivan, at age 15 began her career with Jive Records. In the age group of 15 she signed with Jive Records. She recorded an entire album at Jive Records and it didn't get released. Sullivan was ultimately dropped from the label. There was a close relationship with Missy Elliott, who produced some of the songs on her debut album, such as the brash single "Backstabbers" that was written and produced by Timbaland and composed by Elliott.