9 Songs Penned by Jazmine Sullivan

Jazmine Sullivan has become one of the most celebrated and underrated singer’s in the music industry. The Philadelphia native nabbed herself a record deal and recorded a debut album at 15.  Fast-forward, the 11 time Grammy nominated artist is not only known for her vocal acrobats, but her superb songwriting skills as well.  Here are nine times when Jazmine did minimum walking and allowed her pen to do all the talking.    

Monica– Everything to Me (2010): as Monica was documenting the recording sessions (Still Standing on BET) for her sixth studio album Still Standing, the singer kept playing her demo for what would become the album’s lead single, caused by a campaign fans started on Twitter.  “Everything to Me” became Monica’s first chart-topping song in over seven years.  The song was produced by friend Missy Elliott, written by Jazmine and contains a sample from singer Denise Williams’ 1981 song “Silly.”  The track earned the singer a Grammy nomination.     

Christina Milian– Say I (2004): what Sullivan had written and recorded for herself with production duo Cool and Dre was taken and given to Cool’s then girlfriend Christina Milian.  Sullivan is also credited as songwriter for the track “Twisted,” but Jaz’s track “Say I” featured rapper Young Jeezy and served as Milian’s lead single for her third studio album So Amazin.   Sorrowfully, Milian was dropped from the label two weeks following the release of the album. 

Jennifer Hudson featuring Fantasia– I’m His Only Woman (2008): after departing from the third season of American Idol, starring in a hit movie, and landing a record deal with J Records under the direction of Clive Davis.  Hudson’s debut was helmed with a slew of writers and producers.  Jennifer teamed up with American Idol friend and winner Fantasia for a duet.  “I’m His Only Woman” is where Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy is Mine” meets the 70’s classic “Woman to Woman” by Shirley Brown.  The two ladies exchange vocals expressing why the man belongs to one and not the other over soulful music to assist with their powerful voices.  It’s sad the song never received the single treatment with a video to support it. 

Mary J. Blige– Thick of It (2017): after tapping Jazmine for “I Want You” on the soundtrack of Think Like a Man Too, Mary J. had Sullivan assist with her on the leading single for her thirteenth studio album Strength of a Woman.  The track speaks about the fight to stay in love, that ultimately lead to Blige’s tumultuous divorce from her husband of twelve years.  Jazmine also lent her writing talents to “Set Me Free,” Glow Up,” and “Thank You” on Strength of a Woman.  

Tamia– Still Love You (2015): when Tamia returned with her fifth album Beautiful Surprise the singer worked with production duo Carvin and Ivan, which happen to be Philly natives, and also collaborators with Jazmine.  Although the song was overshadowed by the album’s title track, and an updated version of Tamia’s 2004 hit “Still,” “Still Love You” is still a worthy gem to add your music library.   

Faith Evans– He Is (2014): when one songwriter and singer team up with another singer songwriter the outcome is “He Is.”  On “Incomparable” the fan titled inspired album, Sullivan wrote the song without Evans’ assistance.  She also and lent her vocals to the track as well.  The gospel-influenced song lists a number of things that attributes to the makeup of her man. 

Chrisette Michele– I Don’t Know Why, But I Do (2010): in an Instagram post that has now been deleted.  Jazmine posted a clip of her demo version of the song.  The caption read, “when two church kids get together in the studio,” speaking of her and John Legend who wrote the song together.  The piano accompanied tune should have been kept for Sullivan herself, as it sounds as it would have suit her better.  Especially after hearing her on the background vocals, and her preview of that clip for the gram.

Candice Glover– Cried (2014): The North Carolina native who auditioned for American Idol three times before being cast, and taking home the title of season twelve.  Her debut album Music Speaks had several delays, but the promotional single, compliments of Sullivan “Cried” was there to hold fans over until the project was complete.  Too bad the many live performances of the song didn’t help it become a success. 

Monica– Until It’s Gone (2011): I know it seems as though Missy Elliott gets majority of the credit for some of Monica’s songs, but often times Elliott is teaming up with Sullivan, who is writing the songs.  Case in point, New Life’s leading single “Anything (To Find You)” also was written by Jazmine.  New Life’s “Cry” was another contribution from Jazmine, but with production from Jaz’s friend and producer Salaam Remi.  However, when it comes to “Until It’s Gone” it failed to make an impact on the US Billboard chart, but became the highest-charting (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Song) song from New Life, before being replaced by “It All Belongs to Me” with Brandy.  After hearing Sullivan’s demo version, it’s another song she should have kept for herself.