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.
Hello Ego
Jhené Aiko Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Man, I got some real, real, real, real, real, real problems
I just do what I feel like, I don't deal with no logic
I need to chill, I really need to chill, I need to stop it
Need to stop it now
And yeah, I know I'm supposed to be about my money
'Cause that baby gotta eat when she get hungry
And anything my family need they get it from me
I can't stop, I won't stop, I don't
Don't stop, don't stop, don't stop, don't stop
Don't stop now
Ooh, you know I won't stop
Won't stop, won't stop, won't stop, won't stop
I don't know how
(Don't stop now)
I should stop drinking, I should stop smoking
I need to focus
I am the dopest, I'm the dopest
You already know this
Chosen, I've been chosen
And I know you noticed it
I got that potion, hocus pocus shit, yeah
'Cause I got these vic-good and verses
For all these bitches you hurt when
You told 'em, you fuckin' with me
I know that you fuckin' with me
I'm not this regular ho
You like these regular hoes
You need to act like you know it
You need to act like you know that
I could do it (do it), I'm the truest (truest)
I'm the coolest (coolest), and the truth is (truth is)
I've been up for days now
You in my way now
Stay in your lane now
(But don't) but don't stop
Don't stop, don't stop, don't stop, don't stop
Don't stop now
Oh, you know I won't stop
Won't stop, won't stop, won't stop, won't stop
I don't know how
Na-na, na-na, na
They call me crazy, it's okay, yeah, I got issues
I wear my heart like my tattoos
I shed my tears, fuck the tissues
Gave me a year, my first sentence?
Judge, don't care 'bout accomplishments
Give a fuck 'bout a Grammy
'Cause, a jail cell ain't got limo tints
When I got out back on their ass with a number one hit
Hoes ain't loyal, know these bitches, they ain't shit
It's me that can't keep a relationship
You can lose your mind in a glass house
I'm too high and pass out
I done been up down, up, up, back down
I won't break down
Don't stop, don't stop, don't stop, don't stop
Don't stop now (don't stop now)
Oh, you know I won't stop
Won't stop, won't stop, won't stop, won't stop (won't stop)
I don't know how
Won't stop, won't stop, won't stop, won't stop
I don't know how
Don't stop, don't stop, don't stop, don't stop
Don't stop now
Oh, don't you stop now (don't you stop now, girl)
Won't stop, won't stop, won't stop, won't stop
I don't know how
Won't stop, won't stop, I don't know, I don't know how (no)
Don't stop (no)
You're bringin' down
Oh, please do not fuck up my (high)
Oh, no, no,please do not fuck up my (high)
Oh, 'cause you're bringin' down my high
You're bringin' down my high
High, bye, bye get out of here
Why? Why you even here?
Don't know what to do
Bye, bye, I've made it clear
Oh, I've got you out my mind
The song Hello Ego by Jhené Aiko featuring Chris Brown is about self-reflection and trying to balance personal desires with responsibilities towards family and society. The lyrics express a need for honesty and authenticity and recognizing that she has problems that need to be addressed. The persona is aware of her role in providing for her child and family but is also dealing with personal struggles that she needs to overcome. She acknowledges that she needs to take a step back and reflect on her choices, such as drinking and smoking which might hinder her progress. However, she is also confident in her abilities and self-worth, claiming that she is the "dopest" and "the truth is" that she is "the coolest." She emphasizes that she won't stop and won't let anyone bring her down.
The chorus "Don't stop now" is a repetition of the idea that the persona needs to keep going, persevere and not let her problems hold her back. This is reiterated by the lines "I won't break down" and "You're bringing me down." She also references her past struggles and how difficult it was to come out of them, highlighting how much she has achieved and how she won't let anything ruin her "high."
Overall, the song is about honest self-reflection, balancing personal desires with responsibilities, and persevering through struggles to achieve one's goals.
Line by Line Meaning
I'ma be real, real, real, real, real, real honest
I'm going to be completely and utterly honest
Man I got some real, real, real, real, real, real problems
I have some very serious issues in my life
I just do what I feel like, I don't deal with no logic
I act on my emotions and don't consider rational thinking
I need to chill, I really need to chill, I need to stop it
I need to calm down and control my impulses
And yeah, I know I'm supposed to be about my money
I'm aware that making money should be my priority
'Cause that baby gotta eat when she get hungry
I need to provide for my child when she's hungry
And anything my family need they get it from me
My family can count on me to provide for their needs
So when shit get ugly
When things get difficult
I can't stop, I won't stop, I don't
I refuse to give up or quit
Don't stop, don't stop, don't stop, don't stop
Keep going, don't give up
Don't stop now
Keep pushing forward
Ooh, you know I won't stop
You should know that I won't give up
Won't stop, won't stop, won't stop, won't stop
I won't give up, no matter what
I don't know how
I'm not sure how to keep going, but I will
(Don't stop now)
Keep moving forward
I should stop drinking, I should stop smoking
I should quit drinking and smoking
I need to focus
I need to concentrate on what's important
I am the dopest, I'm the dopest
I'm the best, I'm amazing
You already know this
You're already aware of how great I am
Chosen, I've been chosen
I've been selected, I have a special purpose
And I know you noticed it
I'm aware that people have recognized my abilities
I got that potion, hocus pocus shit, yeah
I have a magic elixir that can make things happen
'Cause I got these vic-good and verses
Because I have powerful lyrics and verses
For all these bitches you hurt when
For all the women you've hurt in the past
You told 'em, you fuckin' with me
When you told them you were with me
I know that you fuckin' with me
I know that you're loyal to me
I'm not this regular hoe
I'm not like other women you've been with
You like these regular hoes
You're attracted to other women who aren't unique
You need to act like you know it
You should show that you recognize my worth and uniqueness
I could do it, do it, I'm the truest, truest
I have the ability to succeed and I'm authentic
I'm the coolest, coolest, and the truth is (truth is)
I'm the most awesome, and it's the truth
I've been up for days now
I've been awake for days
You in my way now
You're blocking my path
Stay in your lane now
You need to stay out of my way
(But don't) but don't stop
Don't give up, keep trying
They call me crazy, it's okay, yeah I got issues
People think I'm crazy, but that's fine, I have my own problems
I wear my heart like my tattoos
I show my emotions like I display my tattoos
I shed my tears, fuck the tissues
I cry a lot, I don't care about wasting tissues
Gave me a year, my first sentence?
I was sentenced to a year in jail
Judge, don't care 'bout accomplishments
The judge didn't consider my achievements or successes
Give a fuck 'bout a Grammy
I don't care about winning a Grammy award
'Cause, a jail cell ain't got limo tints
Being in jail is not glamorous or luxurious
When I got out back on their ass with a number one hit
When I was released from jail, I had a hit song ready to go
Hoes ain't loyal, know these bitches, they ain't shit
Women can't be trusted, they aren't worth anything
It's me that can't keep a relationship
I'm the one who can't maintain a romantic relationship
You can lose your mind, in a glass house
You can go crazy in a seemingly perfect situation
I'm too high and pass out
I get too intoxicated and black out
I done been up down, up, up, back down
I've experienced highs and lows, and have been back and forth
I won't break down
I won't give up or fall apart
You're bringin' down
You're causing me to feel depressed
Oh, please do not fuck up my (high)
Please don't ruin my good mood or high
Oh, no, no,please do not fuck up my (high)
Reiterating that the other person shouldn't make things worse
Oh, 'cause you're bringin' down my high
You're making me feel worse
High, bye, bye get out of here
I want you to leave me alone
Why? Why you even here?
Why are you even around me?
Don't know what to do
I'm not sure how to handle this situation
Bye, bye, I've made it clear
I've already told you I want you to leave
Oh, I've got you out my mind
I'm moving on and forgetting about you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Brian Keith Warfield, Christopher Maurice Brown, Jhene Aiko Chilombo, Mac Robinson, Oladipo O. Omishore
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gabrielle B
Gosh she's such a blessing in this music industry 🥀❤️
Robae Christy
Gabbie B yes!!! She's everything
KAA06
Victoria H i agree too
Gabrielle B
Victoria H so very true
Aura Soular
she wont get lost init though. shes too conscious.
Melonise Coleman
Gabbie B agree
AlbreshaSkilar
Love when Chris drops all the layers and gets raw in his music. such vulnerability. that's music in the truest form. anyone can make a party record, but it takes a strong and true artist to strip all that away and get real. love it 💜
MissLalaTheBoss
I haven't heard a song of hers I ain't like yet!! Go girl!! 💯😘😍🔥💋🎹🎼🎧🎤
R Rutledge
Wish I could say the same 😭 Maniac kind of ruined that for me.
MissLalaTheBoss
Dominic Ellis yessss??