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.
Growing Apart Too
Jhené Aiko Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Where are you going, we should be growing now
Smoke to it nigga, smoke to it nigga
Where are we going, we should be slowing down
Where are you going, we should be growing now
That's what she said to me
That place I used to call home is just a bed to me
Meanwhile I'm in these streets with everybody, I'm trying to get it
And she know they got me, I watch her feelings watch me
As they staring with the saddest eyes of loneliness
Look each other in the face and barely blink
Tried to make it right but the pen ran out of ink
So if my letters don't reach you, I hope these lyrics in sync
Where are we going, why are we slowing down
Where are you going, we should be growing now
That's what it said to me but the place I call ambition now dead to me
Gone and forgotten, I'm off track like Dale Earnhardt, my liver rotten
Alcoholic tripping, fucking bad bitches and they got bad intentions
Club night, guys and dolls, balling out but I'm about to drop the ball
I'm calling out for help, my engineer called
Told me come to the studio but I wanna tell him nah
Where are we going, why are we slowing down
Where are you going, we should be growing now
That's what he said to but that place we call Heaven is unfair to me
Only 144 can go, seven billion people on planet Earth today
Is there something that I don't know
I know to follow Him rather than follow people or follow vanity
'Cause that means I'm following evil, guess I'm following evil
I should follow cathedral, blessings I need but live like I don't need you
Where are we going, why are we slowing down
Where are you going, we should be growing now
So in conclusion, we all seem to stumble, planning our own demise
Forgetting the big picture and making it wallet size
So to what is important in my life, I apologize
I promise to stay faithful, focused and sanctified
We all get distracted
The question is would you bounce back or bounce backwards?
Would you not know how to act or take action? It's just a part of life
And if your vision's impaired, you probably lose it all tonight
Trying to visualize how to get it right but my vision's so blurry
Trying to slow it down, stay close to the ground but we're always in a hurry
And if I could make this world spin a little slower then I would
Then we could grow a little closer, I think we're getting closer
I think we're getting closer...
In "Growing Apart," Jhene Aiko and Kendrick Lamar reflect on a relationship that is struggling to grow and evolve despite the passage of time. The song opens with Jhene Aiko questioning the direction of the relationship, wondering why it's slowing down when they should be growing together. Kendrick Lamar takes over the second verse, addressing his own struggles with alcoholism and the distractions of fame that have taken him off track from his ambitions. The final verse sees the two artists coming together to ponder the bigger picture of their lives and whether they're following the right paths.
The lyrics of the song delve deep into themes of stagnation, distraction, and the struggle to stay focused in a world that is always moving too fast. The chorus repeats the question, "Where are we going, why are we slowing down?" as if searching for answers that never seem to come. Jhene Aiko's verse speaks to the frustration of feeling disconnected from a partner who may be more focused on the outside world than on the relationship itself. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar grapples with his own demons, acknowledging that the pursuit of success can sometimes lead us astray from our true desires.
Despite its somber tone, "Growing Apart" ends on a hopeful note, with the artists expressing a desire to slow down and focus on what's truly important. The final line, "I think we're getting closer," suggests that there may be a way forward if we can avoid the distractions and live in the present moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Where are we going, why are we slowing down
Questioning the direction and pace of their lives.
Where are you going, we should be growing now
Encouraging their partner to continue maturing together.
Smoke to it nigga, smoke to it nigga
Partaking in temporary pleasures to distract from deeper issues.
That's what she said to me
Recalling a conversation with their partner.
That place I used to call home is just a bed to me
Feeling disconnected from their former sense of security.
We don't even sleep, neighbors can hear her weep
Their relationship is troubled and tumultuous.
Meanwhile I'm in these streets with everybody, I'm trying to get it
Focused on achieving personal success in a social setting.
And she know they got me, I watch her feelings watch me
Feeling guilty for neglecting their partner's emotional needs.
As they staring with the saddest eyes of loneliness
Observing their partner's loneliness and desperation.
Look each other in the face and barely blink
Unable to confront the issues in their relationship.
Tried to make it right but the pen ran out of ink
Struggling to express themselves and find a solution to their problems.
So if my letters don't reach you, I hope these lyrics in sync
Using their music as a means of communicating their feelings.
That's what it said to me but the place I call ambition now dead to me
Reflecting on their changed priorities and lost sense of purpose.
Gone and forgotten, I'm off track like Dale Earnhardt, my liver rotten
Succumbing to self-destructive habits and losing their way.
Alcoholic tripping, fucking bad bitches and they got bad intentions
Engaging in harmful vices and relationships.
Club night, guys and dolls, balling out but I'm about to drop the ball
Partying and living recklessly, risking failure.
I'm calling out for help, my engineer called
Expressing a need for assistance and guidance.
Told me come to the studio but I wanna tell him nah
Resisting opportunities for growth and change.
That's what he said to but that place we call Heaven is unfair to me
Questioning religious beliefs and the concept of an afterlife.
Only 144 can go, seven billion people on planet Earth today
Feeling disconnected from and overwhelmed by the world.
Is there something that I don't know
Questioning if there is a greater purpose or meaning to life.
I know to follow Him rather than follow people or follow vanity
Prioritizing spiritual faith over societal conventions and shallow pursuits.
'Cause that means I'm following evil, guess I'm following evil
Recognizing the potential negative consequences of their actions.
I should follow cathedral, blessings I need but live like I don't need you
Acknowledging the importance of seeking guidance and support from a higher power.
So in conclusion, we all seem to stumble, planning our own demise
Reflecting on the universal human struggle with self-destructive tendencies.
Forgetting the big picture and making it wallet size
Focusing too heavily on material and shallow pursuits.
So to what is important in my life, I apologize
Expressing regret for neglecting their values and priorities.
I promise to stay faithful, focused and sanctified
Making a commitment to remain rooted in their beliefs and principles.
We all get distracted
Acknowledging the human tendency to lose sight of what is important.
The question is would you bounce back or bounce backwards?
Pondering whether one will learn from their distractions or continue down a negative path.
Would you not know how to act or take action? It's just a part of life
Accepting that moments of confusion and inaction are a normal part of life.
Trying to visualize how to get it right but my vision's so blurry
Struggling to envision a clear path forward.
Trying to slow it down, stay close to the ground but we're always in a hurry
Trying to live intentionally and remain grounded despite societal pressures.
And if I could make this world spin a little slower then I would
Expressing a desire for more time to focus on what is important.
Then we could grow a little closer, I think we're getting closer
Hopeful for progress and growth in their relationship.
Lyrics © GREAT SOUTH BAY MUSIC GROUP INC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENDRICK LAMAR, DONTE PERKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Serena. Monroe
Where are you going now?
Why are you slowing down?
Why, why, why?
Where are we going?
Why are we slowing down?
Where are you going?
We should be growing now!
Try and visualize how to get it right
But my vision's so blurry.
Trying to slow it down,
Take us to the ground
But were always in a hurry now!
And if I could make this world spin a little slower
Then I would, and we could grow a little closer!
I think we’re getting closer!
Where are we going?
(Closer, closer, closer)
Why are we slowing?
We think we’re getting closer!
Where are you going?
(Closer, closer, closer)
We should be growing now!
Where are we going?
(Closer, closer, closer)
We should be slowing down!
Where are we going?
(Closer, closer, closer)
We should be growing now!
So in conclusion,
sometimes we lose focus,
Planning our whole demise
We’re getting the big picture and making it the wallet size.
So to what's important in my life I apologize.
I hope to stay faithful, focused and sanctified.
We all get distracted,
The question is would you bounce back, or bounce backwards.
You wouldn’t know how to act or would you take action,
That's just a part of life and if your visions impaired
You'll probably lose it all tonight!
What’s going on Marvin, dearly departed?
Young Marta, Bar or Parker…
Upon them all upon mighty days,
But sweet alcoholic nights are feeling faraway.
son can only skype with his Pop,
Stop!
He’s only feeling love from his Mom.
Got rocks in my stomach
I can feel my soul bleed self love,
But I never want my son to be me, holla at me!
So I pray until I feel it’s not working
I’m a showman on the surface,
Either way it’s perfect,
You ever feel like the purpose ain't worth it
Well I do, I’m the poster child for young fathers working
I swear to god I wanna be free,
And he just wanna be me!
And I just wanna be him!
I’m jealous and discreetly
I’m one of your own!
I’m trying to raise a child,
Still trying to raise me right now!
Where am I gone?
Try and visualize how to get it right
But my visions are blurry.
Trying to slow it down,
Take us to the ground
We were always in a hurry now!
And if I could make this world spin a little slower
Then I would, and we could grow a little closer!
I think we’re getting closer!
Where are we going?
Why?
Why are you going?
Why are we growing apart?
We should be growing together?
Right.
S M B F D
I wish they put this song and July on the album
Being Nadine
Honestly
Nina Love
Still here in 2020 this is my fav Jhené album ✨
Serena. Monroe
Where are you going now?
Why are you slowing down?
Why, why, why?
Where are we going?
Why are we slowing down?
Where are you going?
We should be growing now!
Try and visualize how to get it right
But my vision's so blurry.
Trying to slow it down,
Take us to the ground
But were always in a hurry now!
And if I could make this world spin a little slower
Then I would, and we could grow a little closer!
I think we’re getting closer!
Where are we going?
(Closer, closer, closer)
Why are we slowing?
We think we’re getting closer!
Where are you going?
(Closer, closer, closer)
We should be growing now!
Where are we going?
(Closer, closer, closer)
We should be slowing down!
Where are we going?
(Closer, closer, closer)
We should be growing now!
So in conclusion,
sometimes we lose focus,
Planning our whole demise
We’re getting the big picture and making it the wallet size.
So to what's important in my life I apologize.
I hope to stay faithful, focused and sanctified.
We all get distracted,
The question is would you bounce back, or bounce backwards.
You wouldn’t know how to act or would you take action,
That's just a part of life and if your visions impaired
You'll probably lose it all tonight!
What’s going on Marvin, dearly departed?
Young Marta, Bar or Parker…
Upon them all upon mighty days,
But sweet alcoholic nights are feeling faraway.
son can only skype with his Pop,
Stop!
He’s only feeling love from his Mom.
Got rocks in my stomach
I can feel my soul bleed self love,
But I never want my son to be me, holla at me!
So I pray until I feel it’s not working
I’m a showman on the surface,
Either way it’s perfect,
You ever feel like the purpose ain't worth it
Well I do, I’m the poster child for young fathers working
I swear to god I wanna be free,
And he just wanna be me!
And I just wanna be him!
I’m jealous and discreetly
I’m one of your own!
I’m trying to raise a child,
Still trying to raise me right now!
Where am I gone?
Try and visualize how to get it right
But my visions are blurry.
Trying to slow it down,
Take us to the ground
We were always in a hurry now!
And if I could make this world spin a little slower
Then I would, and we could grow a little closer!
I think we’re getting closer!
Where are we going?
Why?
Why are you going?
Why are we growing apart?
We should be growing together?
Right.
Real Talk
This is still so amazing. 2019 one of her best e.p
Lee Marie
I love her and this Song 😍😍😘💯
crazyskillzkill1
2021 still a banger
Chelsea Gaither
Think it's official. I have found my favorite song of all time
🤎Choglit Vibes🤎
on repeat! STILLLLL '17
Christopher Bicera
crazy how far shes come. whos here after chilombo?