After a 6 year hiatus, 10x Grammy® nominated artist Jazmine Sullivan debuted Heaux Tales this Friday. The overall theme of the album serves as backdrop to how we all feel in this pursuit to love whether its self-love or reciprocated and sexual liberation. After listening to this EP, I found myself recanting my own woes about failed relationships and over compensating during this pursuit.

Featured Tracks

The 8 track EP (Not including 6 the interludes), takes the listeners on a journey that is all too familiar to some. The album is layered with so much honesty regarding how we as Black Women view ourselves, our bodies and who we chose sleep with. The intro track Bodies begins with a drunken one night stand. In hindsight, does it matter who you hooked up with? The album has a judgement free tone while asserting the listener to find rediscover her worth. The tongue in cheek duet Sit On It with fellow R&B songstress Ari Lennox captures our carnal desires all while giving powerhouse vocals. Other features include appearances from Grammy ® Award winners Anderson .Paak & H.E.R.

The Interludes

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the interludes on this album. Featuring skits or “Tales” from 6 women who discuss how sex can be used to empower or destroy. However, the downside to the interludes proposes the questions we have regarding our worth. We give our bodies in exchange for love, materials and for pleasure. The “Tales” encapsulate that.

My favorite “tale” on from the EP was Ari’s Tale featuring Ari Lennox . The original audio actually came from an Instagram ® post from last year. Lennox explains a mind blowing sexual encounter with an unknown yet very notable celebrity. While there are many speculations as to who the person was, Ari reveals that who ever it was made her extremely submissive.

Overall

The themes make you reflect how rocky relationships or situationships can be in for whatever your ideals about love or sex. We all want to be vulnerable, desirable and worthy , but insecurities impede that. From infidelity, materialism and social media, I feel like it’s more difficult than ever to settle down, but easier to hook up with a swipe. Heaux Tales could possibly leave you feeling inspired, empowered or reflecting your life choices; it’s ultimately up to you. It’s also a reclamation that R&B is here to stay. Jazmine’s vocals are impeccable on this effort and I can’t wait for a subsequent album.