Her stint at Jive lasted only a couple years, however, and she was dropped by the label before any recordings were released. In the wake of this disappointment, she began working behind the scenes, for instance working with Missy Elliott on productions for Fantasia's debut album, Free Yourself (2004), and writing a couple songs for Christina Milian's third album, So Amazin' (2006), including the hit single "Say I." Sullivan was then offered a solo recording contract with J, which released her debut single, "Need U Bad," featuring and co-produced by Missy Elliott, in 2008. Fearless, her debut album, featuring productions by Salaam Remi and Stargate, among others, was issued that September. It topped the R&B chart and crossed over to reach number six on the Billboard 200, aided by "Bust Your Windows" and "Lions, Tigers & Bears" -- both of which went into the Top Ten of the R&B chart. Sullivan followed it up with November 2010's Love Me Back, which was previewed with the July single "Holding You Down (Goin' in Circles)." Despite an impressive total of 11 Grammy nominations for her work as a vocalist and songwriter, Sullivan was frustrated with the industry and announced in 2011 that she was leaving it. However, she was eventually drawn back. In 2014, "Dumb" (featuring Meek Mill), "Forever Don't Last," and "Mascara" were released as the first singles from her third album, Reality Show. The set was issued the following January. ~ Jason Birchmeier