Audiences cannot escape the presence of urban radio's newest star, Jazmine Sullivan, the young diva dominating the airwaves with her single "Need You Bad," and her street anthem "Bust Your Windows." Her album Fearless is an impressive debut highlighting a dynamic vocal range and penchant for diversity. On the heels on her album's release, Urban Network got a chance to have a quick chat with the young chanteuse at a rooftop dinner at the trendy Standard Hotel in downtown L.A., and hosted by her label, J Records.

What do you think of the success of the singles so far?

I'm very excited about everything. I've been doing this for a very long time even though I'm only 21. I've started out singing really early when I was 12. I got signed when I was 16, got dropped a couple of years after that, and I've spent the last couple of years growing as a singer and songwriter; then got signed again [to J Records]. It's been a long journey, and I'm glad things are really working now.

In an era of so many lightweight singers, you're the real deal. Had you found resistance to what you've been trying to accomplish?

Not really! I feel people are ready to hear what I'm offering. I know, I don't hate on anybody. Everybody has a lane that they are in and something different to bring to the table. What I'm trying to do is bring some variety to the industry.

Who are some of the people who have influenced you?

Kim Burrell, Stevie Wonder, and lots of others– I actually sang with Stevie when I was 13 years old. He invited me to sing on his Annual Toy Drive Concert when I was 13. Stevie has a career that I would love to mirror. When I write, I always try and think of him. He so inspires me.

How would you describe your sound?

It's all over the place. People would be really surprised. There are Pop songs, R&B, Reggae on my album. I don't like to limit myself. Whatever I'm feeling at the time, that's what I like to do.

How important is songwriting to you?

I wrote on the entire album. I'm glad to be at a label that really supports me, and allows me to be as expressive and creative as I want to be. I was in a previous situation where that wasn't the case.

Who A&R'd your project?

Peter Edge, he did A&R for Alicia Keys and Dido

Your current single "Bust Your Windows" seems to be quite a conversation piece.

With "Bust Your Windows" you're getting a lot of realness here. I see the response that it gets. A lot of women sing it along with me when I perform it. I guess it is a theme that a lot of women can find relatable.

What are you most excited about with this hit experience?

Having an album that is complete, putting out two hit singles, and people having a chance to see me open up for Maxwell. I'm really excited about that. Everybody and their momma has been waiting for Maxwell to come back out, so it's really a blessing for me to be on this tour and get exposure.

(Interview: DAM & AR)