Jazmine Sullivans Releases Concept Album ‘Heaux Tales’
There is no doubt or even a glimmer of confusion, that Jazmine Sullivan is one of R&B’s greatest gems. Five years ago, she released her critically acclaimed album, Reality Show (2015),and it is still as reverential as ever. When word got around that she will be releasing an all new project at the top of the year, one could help but to be brimmed with elation.
On her fourth studio album, Heaux Tales, she conveys a series of experiences and creates melodies that lead to an outstanding, short and gritty project. This 14 track project was released January 6, and includes features from H.E.R., Ari Lennox and Anderson. Paak. It is 32 minutes of pure bliss.
Sullivan took a varying approach when developing this album. She recorded the majority of the project from her Philadelphia home, which was likely due to the ghastly pandemic. But also, at just a title glance, Heaux Tales ( Hoe Tales), is seemingly contrasting to her previous work. Her Debut work Fearless (2008), is what broke her into R&B, but even so the diagrammatic of this joint varied widely outside of Rhythm and Blues. As the lead single “Need U Bad”, is a reggae influenced ode to a yearning for one's love and affection and “Lions, Tigers and Bears” is a soulful melody that uses live strings of a violin to illustrate the panic of love.
By contrast Heaux Tales is centered around one center concept. The six sermons are preludes to their actual song, which is a magnetic approach. A similar motif can be seen on the ever so ubiquitous, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill joint. But instead of talking of love, Sullivan edified listeners with SEXcapde stories. Each of the narrators include unique circumstances that vary from feminism and sexuality, but ultimately lead to a liberating end.
One of the Albums favorite, yet contradictory moments was the telling of singer Ari Lennox’s experience with a d*&K, that made her do things she never imagined. That at moments it “spoke life into her; invigoration, blessings and soul”. This particular tale leads into tracks “Put It Down” and “On It” ft. (Ari Lennox). These songs are criticized for their lyrical dissimilarities, with Sullivan admitting on the former that she would pay bills and more (as long as he gave her the D). And on the latter, speaking highly being liberated from the shackles of , well you know.
Sullivan followed this artistic direction throughout her entire project. Donnas Tale includes the many facets of tricking; wether you be married or not, pricetags talk. And on “Pricetags” ft. (Anderson. Paak), they bring to life through melodies exactly what Donna is saying. Every tale serves as a narrative interlude to a song throughout the entire project. Sullivan so smoothy, elaborates on these narrations on each track.
Dev Hynes, Key Wayne and DZL are credited as producers on this project. They work with Sullivans sultriness by utilizing the most delicate moments and pairing them effortlessly with minimalist productions. It is as if this album was more of a healing session, and they did not want to drown out the stories with dramatically over zealous beats.
Heaux Tales was a very simple concept, that translated perfectly into songs that are liberating. Unlike her previous work, she was very to the point on this project, and it just makes people feel good. It includes relatable situations and borderline healing songs that almost anyone can align with their current, or past situations. Antoinette, Ari, Donna, Rashida, Precious and Amanda, thank you for openness. And Jazmine Sullivan, you're amazing.
