The Past, Present and Future of R & B Soul Music with Jazmine Sullivan

The 2020 Soul Train Awards recently aired on November 29, 2020. The evening of excellence was highlighted by star studded performances. One of the most memorable performances was from the R & B songstress, Jazmine Sullivan. Her melodic flow was soul-stirring for all to enjoy. Fans were able to witness her first performance of her new hits, “Lost Ones” and “Pick Up Your Feelings” from her new project.

Set in the era of the 60’s, this performance gave off Cotton Club vibes in a jazzy yet soulful way. Aside from her heavenly vocals, the performance also highlighted major key players in Black History. Directed by Benny Boom and filmed at the Fillmore in Philly, the award show performance portrayed images of famous Black Americans in history such as Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr as a backdrop to the song “Lost Ones”. The opening was also viewed in a black and white motif while also highlighting the segregated signs of “whites only” and “coloreds only” in the dressing room depiction of the performance.

The soulful performance took an up-tempo turn when Jazmine began the song, “Pick Up Your Feelings” while also switching from black and white viewing to a full color show. Although pre-recorded, Jazmine, gave a full-on live show as if we were sitting right in the audience in real time. “Soul music means authenticity and just really speaking; and singing from your heart,” says Jazmine Sullivan. Her 2020 Soul Train Awards performance was definitely authentic for all to see and feel.

Many have been wondering where the songstress has been hiding. However, despite having her hiatus in music she managed to continue working on new music. “I am an advocate of taking breaks so you don’t overwork yourself,” continues Jazmine. “It gives me inspiration for writing my music and I have to live a little to write about it,” she explains.

“Lost Ones wasn’t about my personal life but when I came across the track I had to match the lyrics with the music,” Jazmine continues. Whether her reality or ours, her listeners feel emotion. Her music evokes conviction in our souls to experience her lyrics wholeheartedly. “I try to be as honest as possible as a woman who’s grown from a girl,” she mentions.

When thinking of her music inspiration, Jazmine notes that her mother and her mom’s IBC diagnosis of breast cancer are responsible for her new music inspiration. “I feel like I owe it to myself and my mother for all that she has fought for and worked for,” she resonates. Her music is like an open book and diary for women of all ages. “I feel like this (music) is what I’m supposed to do and it’s what motivates me to keep going,” exclaims Jazmine Sullivan.

In case you missed her soulful Soul Train performance you can catch it here. Be on the lookout for her upcoming project that features her new hits, “Lost Ones” and “Pick Up Your Feelings”. Jazmine Sullivan is the past, present and future of R & B/Soul music. Her music is timeless and will continue to live in our hearts for many more performances to come. Her 2020 Soul Train Music Awards performance was a certified hit for all to enjoy. Follow her music and more on Instagram as @jazminesullivan.

Writer, C. Scott, is a mother of one; author, social worker, early literacy interventionist and entrepreneur. Follow her on social media as @curls_coils and @mysweettealife.