On December 16, 2011, Aiko signed a recording contract with American record producer No I.D.'s record label Artium, distributed through Def Jam Recordings. She has been described as having gentle and pop-tinged vocals. [Tyler Antonius]
Jhené Aiko was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Christina Yamamoto and Dr. Karamo Chilombo (birth name Greg Barnes), a pediatrician. She is of mixed race background—her mother is of Japanese, Spanish, and Dominican descent, while her father is of African American, Yaqui, Choctaw, Cherokee, Navajo, and German Jewish descent. She often states her ethnicity as "Japanese, African American, Native American, etc." based on percentages but identifies with all parts of her heritage. Aiko has also stated that she has French ancestry and has stated regarding her ancestry, "I’m a quarter Japanese. That’s the only percentage I know for sure because it’s my grandfather's. And then everyone else is pretty much like mixed." Her older sisters Miyoko and Jamila were in the R&B group Gyrl and toured with Immature, who were signed to MCA/Silas Records. This led to Jhené’s first meeting with producer Chris Stokes when she was five years old, and eventually he heard her sing. When B2K signed with Epic Records, Jhené was signed as well. She served as the opening act for B2K on their Scream Tour 3.
Aiko began her musical career contributing vocals to several B2K releases in 2002. She featured on tracks five through eight of the R&B group's remix album B2K: The Remixes - Volume 1. "Santa Baby", a cover she recorded, was also featured on their album Santa Hooked Me Up and she appeared as a guest vocalist on the song "Tease" from Pandemonium!. Her song "Dog" appeared as a bonus track.
Aiko also appeared in numerous music videos including O'Ryan's debut video, "Take It Slow", B2K's debut video "Uh Huh" and "Why I Love You", P.Y.T.'s "Same Ol' Same Ol' (Remix)" featuring Sarai, Play's "M.A.S.T.E.R. (Part 2)" featuring Lil' Fizz video and Morgan Smith's 2004 video "Blow Ya Whistle". Jhené also has songs featured on the soundtracks of Barbershop, The Master of Disguise, You Got Served, The Proud Family, and Byou. She released a video for her single "NO L.O.V.E" (re-recorded from Tha' Rayne version in 2002) which debuted on BET's 106 & Park when she was 15 years old.
Aiko was set to release her debut album, then-titled My Name Is Jhené, however the album was never released due to tension at the record label Epic, which ultimately led to Aiko asking to be released from the label. She then began to focus on school and continue her education.
In 2007, she made a return to music, in an interview she spoke on the choice saying “Shortly before I conceived my daughter, I stepped back into the field and took a meeting with a label head. In this meeting, I was innocently told, to ‘sell’ myself when walking into these meetings. “That’s when I decided I would ‘sail’ myself rather than sell myself.” Aiko released a mixtape on March 16, 2011 entitled Sailing Soul(s) via her official website, JheneAiko.com. All the songs on the mixtape were written by her, except “July” which was written by Micah Powell and most of the songs were produced by Fisticuffs, except “July” and “You vs Them” which were produced by Bei Maejor, “Real Now” which was produced by Roosevelt, “Do Better” which was produced by J. Lbs and “Growing Apart” which was produced by Tae Beast. The album's artwork was shot by photographer Jay 3. The mixtape also features collaborations from Miguel, Drake, and Kanye West, as well as others.
To promote the mixtape Aiko was joined by Grammy-nominated R&B singer Miguel on a one-off free secret tour on Sunday, July 15. The free tickets were given away at the Key Club box office on July 6 from 11AM-5PM on a first-come, first-served basis. The concert started at 7:00pm and finished as 9:30pm, lasting a duration of two and a half hours. On October 21, 2012 Aiko released a music video for the song "My Mine". Aiko also released a video for the mixtapes second track "Stranger". Datpiff certified the mixtape gold with downloads of 100,000. In 2011, she also began working closely with artists from Carson-based independent record label Top Dawg Entertainment such as Schoolboy Q and Ab-Soul.
In 2012, Aiko met with No I.D., record producer and vice president of A&R at Def Jam, who ended up signing Aiko to his Artium Records imprint through Def Jam. Aiko released the track "3:16AM" which was made available for digital download on iTunes September 4, 2012. The song was released as the first single from Sail Out. In 2012, Aiko was also the opening act on the highly anticipated “Life Is Good/Black Rage” concert tour headlined by fellow American artists, rapper Nas and singer-songwriter Lauryn Hill. In June 2013, Aiko was featured on the Big Sean song "Beware", which ended up reaching the Top 40 in the United States. This was her first song to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100. In October 2013, it was revealed Jhené Aiko would open for Canadian rapper Drake on his Would You like a Tour? concert tour. She had previously collaborated with Drake on his third album Nothing Was the Same (2013), lending her vocals on the tracks "Wu-Tang Forever" and "From Time".
Aiko then released her debut EP Sail Out, on November 12, 2013. "Bed Peace" featuring Childish Gambino was released as the album's second single on September 17, 2013. The single's artwork was inspired by John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Bed-Ins for Peace protest against the Vietnam War. The EP features guest appearances from American rappers Vince Staples, Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, and Ab-Soul. The EP debuted at number eight on the US Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 34,000 copies. On January 14, 2014, "The Worst" was serviced to rhythmic contemporary radio in the United States as the album's third single. On May 2, 2014 "The Worst" rose from three to one on the airplay Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop, in doing so she became the first female artist to top the chart as a lead with a debut single since Jazmine Sullivan reached the same feat with "Need U Bad" in 2008. "The Worst" also rose forty seven to forty three on the Hot 100. The song peaked on the US Billboard Hot 100 at forty-three, becoming Aiko's first solo release to chart in the region, the song also peaked at number eleven on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.
On January 18, 2014, Aiko appeared on Saturday Night Live performing the song "From Time", with the episode's guest host, Drake. In a January 2014 interview with Vibe, Aiko announced her debut studio album Souled Out would be released in May 2014. However the album would be delayed. On March 16, 2014, Aiko premiered a song titled "My Afternoon Dream," along with an accompanying music video directed by Aiko and Krissy. It has yet to be revealed if the song, produced by Key Wane, will feature on the album.
On June 23, 2014, Aiko posted the cover art and a snippet of Souled Out's first single, titled "To Love & Die", on her official Instagram page. The single's artwork was described as "space-y" by Adelle Platon of Vibe magazine. The song was released for digital download on iTunes, the following day. On June 26, 2014, Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd, announced he would be headlining the "King of the Fall Tour", essentially a mini-tour across America in September / October 2014, the tour will consist of four shows and start on 19 September 2014 in New York, at the Barclays Center and end on October 10 in San Francisco, at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Aiko and frequent collaborator Schoolboy Q, were confirmed as the tour's supporting acts.
Aiko is a Christian, having been baptized when she was 16 at the evangelical Pentecostal Foursquare Church. At the age of 20, Aiko became pregnant by American R&B singer O'Ryan and gave birth to her daughter Namiko on November 19, 2008. Before losing her brother Miyagi to cancer on July 19, 2012, Aiko recorded "For My Brother" on her laptop, which was initially intended only for her brother's ears. He died soon after hearing the record. On August 27, 2013, Aiko was involved in a car accident in Los Angeles along with her daughter Namiko, older sister Miyoko, and her daughter's father O'Ryan. Aiko suffered a broken wrist, chipped tooth and had stitches in her chin. Her daughter, however, was unharmed in the accident.
Down Again
Jhené Aiko Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'ma get the bag, I'ma get the bag
I'ma get the money while they mad, you gon' make me laugh
I'ma pull the duffle out with cash, fill it up with gas
I don't really think about your past when I puff and pass
Baby, this will knock you on your ass, make you do a dance
Make a chick forget about her man, make you understand
In the sky and we never comin' down again
Never comin' down again, down again
Never comin' down again, never doubt again
Never comin' down again, down again
In the sky and we never comin' down again
I'm so elevated, thank God that we made it
Manifested every dream and entered all my prayers
Every day, I, stay high
Say hi to my haters on my way up (hi)
Ain't no way that you could ever get me down (get me down, hi)
We ain't the same, I'm movin' different now (different now, hi)
I'm in the midst of an ascension now (ascension now, hi)
Lifted and I'm driftin' on a cloud
Never comin' down again, down again
Never comin' down again, never doubt again
Never comin' down again, down again
In the sky and we never comin' down again, yeah
Were you cold? What you drinkin'? What you said? (Yeah, yup)
We could roll up from the beaches to Japan (yeah, yup)
I'm Khalifa
Nice to meet you, I'm Jhené (yeah, yup)
You really poppin', I ain't with you for the fame
Were you cold? What you drinkin'? What you said? (Ah)
We could roll up from the beaches to Japan (ah)
I'm Khalifa
Nice to meet you, I'm Jhené (yeah)
You really poppin', I ain't with you for the fame
Never comin' down again, down again
Never comin' down again, never doubt again
Never comin' down again, down again
In the sky and we never comin' down again
Ooh, whoa
(Yeah, yup)
Oh, whoa
In the sky and we never comin' down again
The song "Down Again" by Jhené Aiko and Wiz Khalifa is a celebratory anthem about their success and elevation. They boast about their financial success and how it has elevated them above their haters. The chorus is repeated several times and is catchy and upbeat, reinforcing the message of ascension, motivation, and elevation. The way that they rap and sing compliments the message of the song - both artists took turns in delivering their verses with confident and smoothness, backing each other up with their playful and empowering verses.
The lyrics are straightforward, but the underlying message is to inspire and reignite the listener’s determination to succeed. They were able to convey the message that success is achievable despite the opposition and that their prosperous lifestyle allows them to live above the clouds.
Overall, the song is an uplifting message about the power of success and perseverance, and the importance of not letting the haters bring you down. It emphasizes the importance of having direction and to keep striving to reach your goals.
Line by Line Meaning
I'ma get the bag, I'ma get the bag
I'm going to secure the money, come what may.
I'ma get the money while they mad, you gon' make me laugh
I won't mind their spiteful behavior as long as I get what I want.
I'ma pull the duffle out with cash, fill it up with gas
I'm taking my money and going on a long ride with no clear destination.
I don't really think about your past when I puff and pass
I'm not interested in what you were, only in what you are now.
Baby, this will knock you on your ass, make you do a dance
This will be powerful and transformative, enough to make you dance.
Make a chick forget about her man, make you understand
This experience will make you forget your past relationships and better understand what you want.
Help you reconsider all your plans, hope you never land
This will make you rethink your goals and aspirations, and you will never want to return to the life you left behind.
In the sky and we never comin' down again
We are soaring high and we never want to come back down.
Never comin' down again, down again
We will never return to our old ways.
Never comin' down again, never doubt again
We will never second-guess ourselves again.
I'm so elevated, thank God that we made it
I'm feeling great, grateful for everything we have achieved.
Manifested every dream and entered all my prayers
All of our dreams have come true, as if every prayer has been answered.
Every day, I, stay high
Every day, I remain elevated and optimistic.
Say hi to my haters on my way up (hi)
I acknowledge my detractors on my journey to success.
Ain't no way that you could ever get me down (get me down, hi)
Nothing can bring me down.
We ain't the same, I'm movin' different now (different now, hi)
We've changed, grown apart.
I'm in the midst of an ascension now (ascension now, hi)
I'm steadily rising to new heights.
Lifted and I'm driftin' on a cloud
I'm feeling joyous and carefree.
Were you cold? What you drinkin'? What you said? (Yeah, yup)
Can I get you a drink? Is everything okay?
We could roll up from the beaches to Japan (yeah, yup)
We could travel anywhere and have a great time.
I'm Khalifa, Nice to meet you, I'm Jhené (yeah, yup)
My name is Khalifa, and I'm Jhené, nice to meet you.
You really poppin', I ain't with you for the fame
You're famous and successful, but that's not why I'm with you.
Ooh, whoa
(Yeah, yup)
Oh, whoa
In the sky and we never comin' down again
We're on cloud nine, and we never want to come back down.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Brian Warfield, Cameron Jibril Thomaz, Jhene Aiko Chilombo, Mac Robinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Luna-baby
[Intro: Wiz Khalifa]
Okay
[Verse 1: Wiz Khalifa, Wiz Khalifa & Jhené Aiko ]
I'ma get the bag, I'ma get the bag
I'ma get the money while they mad, you gon' make me laugh
I'ma pull the duffle out with cash, fill it up with gas
I don't really think about your past when I puff and pass
Baby, this will knock you on your ass, make you do a dance
Make a chick forget about her man, make you understand
Help you reconsider all your plans, hope you never land
In the sky and we never comin' down again
[Chorus: Jhené Aiko]
Never comin' down again, down again
Never comin' down again, never doubt again
Never comin' down again, down again
In the sky and we never comin' down again
[Verse 2: Jhené Aiko]
I'm so elevated
Thank god that we made it
Manifested every dream and entered all my prayers
Every day, I, stay high
Say hi to my haters on my way up (Hi)
Ain't no way that you could ever get me down (Get me down)
We ain't the same, I'm movin' different now (Different now)
I'm in the midst of an ascension now (Ascension now)
Lifted and I'm driftin' on a cloud
[Chorus: Jhené Aiko]
Never comin' down again, down again
Never comin' down again, never doubt again
Never comin' down again, down again
In the sky and we never comin' down again
[Post-Chorus: Jhené Aiko, Wiz Khalifa, Both]
Were you cold? What you drinkin'? What you said? (Yeah, yup)
We could roll up from the beaches to Japan (Yeah, yup)
I'm Khalifa
Nice to meet you, I'm Jhené (Yeah, yup)
You really poppin', I ain't with you for the fame
Were you cold? What you drinkin'? What you said? (Ah)
We could roll up from the beaches to Japan (Ah)
I'm Khalifa
Nice to meet you, I'm Jhené (Yeah)
You really poppin', I ain't with you for the fame
[Chorus: Jhené Aiko]
Never comin' down again, down again
Never comin' down again, never doubt again
Never comin' down again, down again
In the sky and we never comin' down again
[Outro: Jhené Aiko & Wiz Khalifa]
Oh, woah
Yeah, yup
Oh, woah
In the sky and we never comin' down again
@xobabygirl
the little “hi” made me smile. so adorable she be sounding so innocent but we know damn well she ain’t 😂
@9iavanna
RIGHTTTTT!!
@brittneybrianna5934
Riiiiightttt ! IDC I love it ,
@BFLYAgency
Only God knows of our repentance of sins. We are not our short comings. We are the joy we carry in our hearts. And Jhené songs tell me she knows pain. And still feeling joy is strength. Y’all are both amazing artist. Much love 💕
@ms.jackson7382
@@BFLYAgency My name is Brandi too and I completely agree with you! 💜🙌🎶
@justme2604
Lol... Time tells it all; the truth and the lie.
@kimmyoree
Jhene has been blessing us with healing music and happy bops cuz she psychic and she knew 2020 was finna be hell😆😘
@marjoriegrinn1616
I agree😂
@moonflower9406
Yes she literally named a song summer 2020 prior to knowing what was gonna happen..
@ifyousayso9392
That's whatt!