Jazmine Sullivan

Jazmine, a Philadelphia native, was born and raised in the city. Pam, Jazmine's mother, was a backing vocalist who was a part of Philadelphia International Records. When she was five years old, old, her father landed job as curator for the city's Historic Strawberry Mansion in the Strawberry Mansion section, and her family was able to move into the historic landmark. She was a graduate in 2005 of Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts where she was an instructor of vocal music. Sullivan began singing as a contralto with the children's choirand just a few years later, in the adult choir. Sullivan had limited exposure to secular music. She relates that she was singing solo at church when someone offered to sign her up with a gospel label, but was not prepared for the job. "Then McDonald's offered a competition to kids from cities. It was then that I had the opportunity to perform Accept What God Wills on Showtime Apollo. The crowd was supportive." She was just 13 when she performed along to Stevie Wonder for his grandson's birthday. Sullivan had signed her first contract to Jive Records when she was fifteen. Sullivan was initially signed by Jive Records when she was 15. She produced an entire album. The album did not see release. Sullivan was later dropped from the label. The singer maintained a relationship with Missy Elliott and produced some of the songs for her debut project, like the smash single "Backstabbers" composed by Timbaland and composed by Elliott.