Jhenè Aiko was born on March 16, 1998, making her 32 years old. She was born in Los Angeles, California, and is of mixed heritage. Her mother, Christina Yamamoto is of half-Japanese, Dominican, and Spanish descent. Her father, Karamo Chilombo is of Afro-American and German descent. Jhenè was raised in a middle class family and had four older siblings named Miyoko, Mila J, Jahi, and Miyagi. However, Miyagi sadly died of cancer in July 2012. Before he sadly passed away, Jhené wrote and recorded a song named ‘For My Brother’. Miyagi died soon after hearing the record. Although it was only intended for her brother, the record was later released online. At the age of 20, Jhenè Aiko gave birth to her daughter Namiko Love on November 19, 2008. Before she found out about her pregnancy, Aiko had been attending vocal lessons while studying at West Los Angeles College, She was gearing up to finally commence work on her debut album. Those plans were pushed back following the life-changing news about her pregnancy.

In 2011, Jhenè Aiko released her first mixtape ‘Sailing Soul(s),’ which featured artists like Drake, Miguel, Gucci Mane, Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West. She began working on the mixtape after giving birth, so she can get back in the music industry. Aiko wrote all the mixtape’s songs except “July,” which was written by Micah Powell. Jhenè made it known that Tupac Shakur was one of her biggest influences. She also credited Kendrick Lamar, Eminem and Kid Cudi as big inspirations.