Before the world knew her as Jackie on Peacock’s Bel-Air or Lisa on The CW’s All-American: Homecoming, Jazlyn Martin posted a clip of her singing Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit.” With a crowd of spectators hanging on her every note, it was clear that Martin was not only an actor and a dancer, but she’s also a dynamic vocalist. However, that’s not the only thing she revealed with her performance video. The caption of the clip, posted to Instagram, highlighted ongoing battle with vulnerability.
“I’ve talked myself out of posting this so many times. Everyone knows I post dance videos but this song is so dear to my heart, I’m deciding to share it. And since it’s the last day of black history month I thought what better day. This is a very vulnerable Jaz that I really don’t like sharing with others. I have trouble unmasking that part of me. But [Krislette] tells me being vulnerable is to be strong,” the Los Angeles-raised entertainer wrote.
Five years later, she still grappling with adopting a more vulnerable presence, but she’s channeling her personal growth into her latest single, “Perfect.”Pouring her heart into the TA Thomas and Victor Ekpo-produced track, the Bel-Air songbird delivers what feels like an audible diary entry. Exposing her innermost fears and insecurities in an emotionally-gripping manner, she lets the world know that she’s “not as strong as people like to think.” Ironically, her ability to be transparent highlights not only her strength as a writer, but as an artist building a real-life connection with her listeners. While not everyone can sing as well as the multi-talented artist, her story is relatable and that’s where the beauty of the track lies.
“This [is a] very special and vulnerable song, that’s not easy for me to do. But a friend always reminds me there’s strength in vulnerability,” she wrote as the song hit DSPs everywhere.
Martin will return as Jackie in the third season of Bel-Air, but for those looking to uncover what’s behind the actress portraying her, “Perfect,” is available below.
