A.D. Amorosi Each of the four albums that soulful contralto vocalist, composer and producer Jazmine Sullivan has crafted since 2008’s “Fearless” has been a work of emotionally frank and revelatory lyrics.
All also have received Grammy nominations. Her latest, 2021’s “Heaux Tales,” finds the Philadelphia native pushing herself vocally and stretching her storytelling into more arduous terrain, revealing struggles related to abuse, regret, sex, shame, money, infatuation, evolution, revolution and agency.
Musically, it’s Sullivan’s most minimalist-sounding collection yet. “Heaux Tales” earned recognition in three categories at this year’s Grammy Awards — set for April 3 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas — where it’s up for best R&B album as well as R&B song and R&B performance for “Pick Up Your Feelings.” Sullivan talked to Variety from her hometown of Philadelphia — where she continues to live and record — while putting the finishing touches on February’s expanded “Heaux Tales, Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe,” which features appearances by singer Ari Lennox and “Insecure” creator Issa Rae.There are six years between “Heaux Tales” and your previous release.
How did this album compare in terms of how it came to you and how you put it together?Jazmine Sullivan: Usually when I write, the lyrics come to me as if I was speaking in tongues, all at once.
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