There's been a lot of good hip-hop dropping this year, and fans are getting more next week with Young Thug, Meek Mill and Tyler the Creator each dropping new albums next week. The only bad thing about the new heat is that it overshadows some of the stuff in the R&B lane. Jazmine Sullivan, who turns 28 today (April 9), is one example.

In January, Sullivan returned with Reality Show, her first album in five years. It's also her best album, as it combines her soulful influences (Stevie Wonder and Lauryn Hill, among others) with tight, immediately enjoyable songwriting. Although it wasn't too big of a seller, Reality Show, established Sullivan as one of R&B's finest acts.

For a while, it looked like Sullivan had no interest in making a third album. The songstress' prior two projects were well-received, and she experienced modest success with singles. "Bust Your Windows," produced by Salaam Remi, was her highest charting effort at No. 31 on the Billboard Hot 100. But in 2010, she announced on Twitter that she was tired of the music industry.

"I promised myself when it wasn't fun anymore I wouldn't do it," Sullivan said. "And, here I am. I'm not saying I won't ever sing again in my life because I don't believe that. But in this moment… right now… got some things to figure out."

Five years is a long time (in music years), but Sullivan eventually found her way back to the game. With the debut of Reality Show, she ended up kicking off a great year in music.

Watch Jazmine Sullivan's "Forever Don't Last" Video

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