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.
I. pink toes
Jhené Aiko Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rainbows, sunshine, go
Rainbows, sunshine
Rainbows, sunshine
I thought I told you 'bout it
(Act like you know)
You don't leave home without it
She on my back about it
(C3PO)
And all the time, ohh
(Act like you know)
How could you ever question? They know better to mention
The Budget truck ain't just enough to make her pay attention
The who, what, why, and where, they sport the flyest pairs
She got the nicest hair, and she know life is better with this liquor
It's crazy how the world look different
It's crazy how the girls look different
The colors and the sounds so vivid
You never catch your boy po-pimpin'
Me sittin' on the sidewalk, now that don't sound right
But as long as I look fly by prom night, go
Rainbows, sunshine
Rainbows, sunshine
Rainbows, sunshine
Rainbows, sunshine
He slangs, his yay, through the corridors
Every day, 20 K, yep, at the very least for sure
And they say there's no way I should stay with someone like you
But I tell them no
There's no way I could stray, gotta stay with someone like you
Cause I know one day, you could take me away, far away
I know you could pay all the money you made
There'll be plenty of sunshine
I never worry ‘bout it
(Act like you know)
I have my nigga count it
(Back up them O’s)
She’s dressed up in gold
Dressed up in gold
(C3PO)
I’m out of time
(Act like you know)
I'm out of time
(Go)
In "Pink Toes," Jhene Aiko talks about drugs, money, love, and the beauty of the world. Aiko starts with the lines "Rainbows, sunshine, everywhere I go, Rainbows, sunshine, go, Rainbows, sunshine, Rainbows, sunshine." These lines are repeated throughout the song and serve as a reminder of the beauty in the world. Aiko's use of the repetitive lines creates a rhythm that takes the listener on a journey through her thoughts. Aiko mentions "Move that kilo" and "C3PO," which refer to drugs and the character from "Star Wars," respectively. These references create a connection between something evil and something loved, which makes the song intriguing.
The chorus of the song highlights the beauty of the world and how it looks different with certain substances. The lines "It's crazy how the world look different/It's crazy how the girls look different /The colors and the sounds so vivid /You never catch your boy po-pimpin'" indicate that Aiko is talking about mind-altering substances. The way she praises the world and how it looks different highlights the allure of drugs.
The last verse of the song talks about a relationship that people do not believe in. Aiko sings, "And they say there's no way I should stay with someone like you /But I tell them no / There's no way I could stray, gotta stay with someone like you / 'Cause I know one day, you could take me away, far away." In this verse, Aiko implies that her partner is doing illegal things. It is a plea for her partner to take her away from all the bad things in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Rainbows, sunshine, everywhere I go
Life is full of colors and positivity.
Rainbows, sunshine, go
Positivity keeps following me.
Rainbows, sunshine
Life is beautiful and I am grateful for it.
Rainbows, sunshine
I am surrounded by positivity and happiness.
I thought I told you 'bout it
I have already informed you of this.
(Act like you know)
Be confident about it and act like you already know.
You don't leave home without it
Never leave without what you need.
(Move that kilo)
Get things done and don't waste time.
She on my back about it
She keeps reminding me of it.
(C3PO)
Reference to Star Wars character.
And all the time, ohh
This is always on my mind.
How could you ever question? They know better to mention
Don't even question it. People already know.
The Budget truck ain't just enough to make her pay attention
Money alone won't impress her.
The who, what, why, and where, they sport the flyest pairs
People who have the best things stand out.
She got the nicest hair, and she know life is better with this liquor
She takes care of herself and enjoys good company.
It's crazy how the world look different
Things can change quickly.
It's crazy how the girls look different
People can surprise you.
The colors and the sounds so vivid
Everything seems more real and intense.
You never catch your boy po-pimpin'
I am not interested in that lifestyle.
Me sittin' on the sidewalk, now that don't sound right
I don't want to be stuck in one place.
But as long as I look fly by prom night, go
I want to be remembered for being stylish.
He slangs, his yay, through the corridors
He deals drugs in secret.
Every day, 20 K, yep, at the very least for sure
He makes a lot of money from it.
And they say there's no way I should stay with someone like you
People don't understand why I am with you.
But I tell them no
It's my choice.
There's no way I could stray, gotta stay with someone like you
I am loyal to you even if people don't approve of our relationship.
Cause I know one day, you could take me away, far away
I trust that you have big plans for us.
I know you could pay all the money you made
You can afford anything we want.
There'll be plenty of sunshine
Our future together is bright.
I never worry ‘bout it
I am not concerned.
(Back up them O’s)
Work hard and save your money.
She’s dressed up in gold
She looks beautiful.
I’m out of time
I am running late.
(Go)
It's time to move on and get going.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, THIRD SIDE MUSIC INC.
Written by: SEAN MICHAEL ANDERSON, STEPHEN LEE BRUNER, KIRK BURRELL, JHENE AIKO CHILOMBO, ERNEST CLARK, DONALD MCKINLEY II GLOVER, LEE JR. HUTSON, JAMES A. JOHNSON, TAALIB JOHNSON, ALONZO H. MILLER, MARCOS ENRIQUE PALACIOS, STEPHEN ERIC PONCE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@laykeeuh
Rainbows, sunshine, everywhere I go
Rainbows, sunshine, go
Rainbows, sunshine
Rainbows, sunshine
I thought I told you 'bout it
(Act like you know)
You don't leave home without it
(Move that kilo)
She on my back about it
(C3PO)
And all the time, ohh
(Act like you know)
How could you ever question? They know better to mention
The Budget truck ain't just enough to make her pay attention
The who, what, why, and where, they sport the flyest pairs
She got the nicest hair, and she know life is better with this liquor
It's crazy how the world look different
It's crazy how the girls look different
The colors and the sounds so vivid
You never catch your boy po-pimpin'
Me sittin' on the sidewalk, now that don't sound right
But as long as I look fly by prom night, go
Rainbows, sunshine
Rainbows, sunshine
Rainbows, sunshine
Rainbows, sunshine
He slangs, his yay, through the corridors
Every day, 20 K, yep, at the very least for sure
And they say there's no way I should stay with someone like you
But I tell them no
There's no way I could stray, gotta stay with someone like you
Cause I know one day, you could take me away, far away
I know you could pay all the money you made
There'll be plenty of sunshine
I never worry ‘bout it
(Act like you know)
I have my nigga count it
(Back up them O’s)
She’s dressed up in gold
Dressed up in gold
(C3PO)
I’m out of time
(Act like you know)
I'm out of time
(Go)
@CreativeGeoff
Summer 2013 with Tyler, Gambino, Jhene, The Internet, and Earl was a whole vibe. 😊
@edgariva12
That line up is STILL A VIBE
@sachamoses9233
Yesssss😩😩 you understand the VIBESSS
@eperez.27
Ugh yesssssss
@in_vic_tus
Take me back to those time ❤
@pe6rls1
don’t forget frank
@Theghot791
I swear they win the award for best couple that never happened smh
@xavierzink3050
fr though
@elainemoss2968
Wait they actually dated?
@HeavenlyLove47
Elaine Moss no lol