Introducing The Jhené Aiko

Thesis:

In the music world today, there are a lot of talented R&B artists, but no R&B artist today can top the unique multidimensional sound that Jhené Aiko possesses in her music. It displays a calming and healing effect on her listeners.

Early Life:

Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo was born on March 16, 1988, in Los Angelos California. She had four siblings, but one passed away. She was raised in a middle-class family. Her father was a pediatrician and her mother stayed at home. Although her family was middle class, she grew up in a poor neighborhood. Her environment definitely played a part in the artist she is today. Later on, Aiko’s parents got divorced and she stayed with her mother and siblings and would go visit her dad and half-siblings often. In school, Aiko was bullied due to the fact that she was biracial. Her father, Dr. Karamo Chilombo is of Afro-American and German descent. Her mother, Christina Yamamoto is of half-Japanese and Spanish descent. Classmates in her school would make fun of her for this causing her to prefer homeschooling over an in-person education. This event caused her to look to music for an outlet. Jhené’s siblings Jamila and Miyoko were already well known in the industry and were a part of a group called ‘Gyrl’. They helped her display her musical talent to a producer by the name of Chris Stokes. Aiko was already trying to make a name for herself at a very young age. Based on the facts presented Aiko was an impressive young girl given that she was building the foundation for her musical career in elementary school.

Family First

Career:

Jhené started her musical career at the early age of seven. She joined a group called B2K and signed up with Epic Music at the age of twelve. As Aiko was only twelve, she had to take a break and finish her studies because this was the most important goal. She rejoined the world of music in 2011. She released her mixed tape named Sailing Souls which featured popular artists like Drake, Miguel, and Kanye West. Jhene gained tremendous popularity from this mixtape. She had gained so much attention that Ernest Dion Wilson a.k.a No I.D. signed her through Atrium Records imprints through Def jam. Later in 2013, Jhene released her EP by the name of ‘Sail Out’, which brought her to the top of the R&B charts during this time period. In the next year, she had a major collaboration with Big Sean in their joint album named ‘Twenty88’. She has released four albums. For example, ‘Souled Out’ (2014), ‘Trip’ (2017), Chilombo’(2020), and ‘Saling Soul(s)’(2021). She has also made collaborations with major artists such as Drake, Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar, Summer Walker, and Vince Staples. Overall, Aiko has had a successful career and always keeping up with trends. As a popular R&B artist, she has a unique sound that brings a Zen calming spirit to her listeners.

Behind The Scenes:

Just like any person on Earth we all have a private life, but for celebrities, their ‘private life isn’t always so private. Since Jhené Aiko was a part of B2K she got really close with the group. She ended up having an affair with O’Ryan which is Omarian’s brother. This lasted for about three years and Aiko became pregnant with her daughter, Namiko Love. Although the father is O’Ryan her daughter was primarily raised by her. Aiko had to take a break to raise her daughter. She returned to music in 2011 and was able to juggle being a young parent and her thriving music career. Later in 2015 she got involved with a producer by the name of Dot Da Genius and was married to him by the Fall of 2015. This didn’t last long as they were having evident problems and she filed for divorce in 2016. As time progressed, she had an on-and-off relationship with Big Sean who is a popular rapper today. He is featured a numerous amount of her songs and they even have an album together. Currently, they are on again and Jhené Aiko delivered her second baby Noah on November 11, 2022.

Namiko Love and her Father O’Ryan

Namiko Love and Mother Jhené Aiko

Awards and Nominations:

2014,2020 American Music Award for “Herself”
2014, 2015, and 2020 BET Awards for “The Worst”, “Herself”
2015, 2021 Grammy Award for “The Worst”, “Sail Out”, “Black Majik”, “Chilombo”, “Lightning and Thunder”
2015, 2021 NAACP Image Award for “Chilombo”, “B.S.”
2014,2020 Soul Train Music Award for “The Worst’, “Herself”, “Chilombo”

Influences:

Tupac Shakur

Kendrick Lamar

Kid Cudi

Eminem

Popular Collaborations:

“Bed Peace” ft. Childish Gambino ‘Sail Out’ (2013)

“None Of Your Concern” ft. Big Sean ‘Chilombo’ (2020)

“Never Call Me” ft. Kurupt ‘Trip’ (2017)

Jhenés' Sound Explained:

Jhené Aiko’s sound can be described as gentle, relaxing, and healing. Most of her songs have a calming tone and are used to relax her listeners. Aiko’s songs contain sensual yet sweet vocals. This also has a positive impact on her audience. She is very passionate about mental health and displays this concern in her music. Aiko stated “”The more I study sound and its healing effects, the more I put the intention of healing into my music.” Overall, Aiko believes her sound provides healing and a state of awareness for all her listeners.

Most Popular Songs:

“The Worst”

“Stay Ready”

“When We Love”

“Promises”

Discogrpahy:

Conclusion:

Based on the facts presented Jhené Aiko is one of the most influential R&B artists of this time. She has had a major impact on all her listeners. She uses her calming sound and large platform to raise awareness for mental health and support her fans. On top of this based on the media although she is very busy, she is still an amazing mother to both her daughter and newborn son. Overall, Aiko is a well-rounded artist and just continues to do new and innovative things with her art and I can’t wait to see what she does in the future.