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.
Moments
Jhené Aiko Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That we've been searching for, all through the night
Just tell me that we'll be alright
'Cause, baby, in a world full of cancer
Where everyone needs a ransom
My mama said "love is the answer"
So when I call you better answer me
Right now I need you here on me
Please take away the stress I don't need
You got me on my knees, baby, James Brown bliss
The time is ours, not for borrow
Both got a past full of sorrow
Let's cancel everything tomorrow
I always get caught in the moment
With you, with you
With you, with you
With you, with you
I get caught in the moment
With you, with you
With you, with you
With you, with you
I get caught in the moment
Hey, the past, that's history
The future, that's a mystery
The present, that's a gift, that's why they call it the present
I can't watch the news lately, it's been too depressing
I'd rather be with you, bodies pressing and decompressing
So much smoke in the air, look like we need decongestant
I know you need protection
I tell you what to do whenever you need direction
You know I'm overworkin', I cut the check like director
Take me daily, as directed
'Cause, baby, in a room full of dancers
You still are the answer
These other hoes nothing to focus on
I need somebody real to get close upon
Lookin' for someone who don't annoy you when they overstaying
It's looking like I am like one A.M
I could put you to sleep faster than melatonin
Us zoning, wishing I could freeze-frame the moment
Oh yeah
With you, with you
With you, with you
With you, with you
I get caught in the moment
With you, with you
With you, with you
With you, with you
I get caught in the moment
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, hol' up
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
You better freeze the moment, seize it, own it
Focus is on it, our time to go in
'Yo time be on it
Lose yourself and find something you won't let escape the moment, yeah
Everything you need to be contented is right here
Right in this minute
You can have it when you understand that all that matters is right here
The lyrics of "Moments" by Jhené Aiko speak of the importance of being present in the moment and appreciating the love and connection that one has with their partner. The singer reflects on the struggles of the world, comparing it to cancer and expressing the need for love as an answer. She implores her partner to be present with her in the moment and take away any stress, and acknowledges that both of them have a past full of sorrow. The chorus speaks of getting caught in the moment with the partner, emphasizing the importance of being present and appreciating the present instead of dwelling on past or future uncertainties. The bridge delivers a message of seizing the moment and focusing on the present, for it is where true contentment lies. Overall, the song encourages listeners to appreciate the beauty of the moment and cherish the love they have with their partner.
Line by Line Meaning
These are the moments in time that we've been waiting our whole life to find
These are the moments we've dreamt about, and they've finally come
That we've been searching for, all through the night
We've looked for these moments tirelessly, even lose sleep for them
Just tell me that we'll be alright
Assure me that we'll make it through this together, no matter what happens
'Cause, baby, in a world full of cancer
In a world riddled with problems and challenges
Where everyone needs a ransom
Where everyone is fighting for something they want or need
My mama said "love is the answer"
My mother taught me that the solution to all problems is love
So when I call you better answer me
When I reach out to you, respond as soon as possible
Right now I need you here on me
I need your physical presence by my side right now
No substitutes, you're the one and only
No one can replace you because you are my only and unique one
Please take away the stress I don't need
Help me relieve the tension I'm experiencing
You got me on my knees, baby, James Brown bliss
You have me in a state of ultimate happiness and gratitude
The time is ours, not for borrow
We have the present time to ourselves, we can't borrow it from anyone else
Both got a past full of sorrow
We have had difficult experiences in our pasts
Let's cancel everything tomorrow
Let's forget about tomorrow's possible worries and focus on this moment
I always get caught in the moment
I get captivated and overwhelmed by the present moment
Hey, the past, that's history
The past is gone and can't be changed
The future, that's a mystery
The future is unknown and uncertain
The present, that's a gift, that's why they call it the present
The only guarantee is this moment, that's why we must cherish it
I can't watch the news lately, it's been too depressing
Recent events in the news have been too sad and negative for me
I'd rather be with you, bodies pressing and decompressing
Being close to you is a better way to release stress and relax
So much smoke in the air, look like we need decongestant
There's a lot of drama and negativity in our environment, we need relief
I know you need protection
I understand that you need to feel safe and secure
I tell you what to do whenever you need direction
Whenever you need guidance, I'll give it to you
You know I'm overworkin', I cut the check like director
I work hard and provide resources for us like a film director
Take me daily, as directed
Come to me every day as we planned
'Cause, baby, in a room full of dancers
In a crowded space with many choices and distractions
You still are the answer
You are the only person who truly matters to me
These other hoes nothing to focus on
There is no one else worth paying attention to except you
I need somebody real to get close upon
I need a genuine person to bond with
Lookin' for someone who don't annoy you when they overstaying
Searching for someone who you don't get tired of sharing time with
It's looking like I am like one A.M
It's getting late in the night
I could put you to sleep faster than melatonin
I have a soothing effect on you that can help you fall asleep
Us zoning, wishing I could freeze-frame the moment
Both of us are in our zone, hoping to record this moment forever
You better freeze the moment, seize it, own it
You must capture this moment, hold onto it, and make the most of it
Focus is on it, our time to go in
Stay attentive and dedicated to this moment, this is our chance to flourish
'Yo time be on it
Be fully present and in the moment
Lose yourself and find something you won't let escape the moment, yeah
Get lost in this moment and grab onto something that you'll cherish forever
Everything you need to be contented is right here
All the happiness and satisfaction you seek can be found in this moment
Right in this minute
In the present moment
You can have it when you understand that all that matters is right here
You'll have everything you want when you realize that the important thing is being present in this moment
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, THE RAY CHARLES FOUNDATION DBA TANGERINE MUSIC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Amaire Johnson, Jhene Aiko Chilombo, Sean Anderson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@dreamiepotato2921
"These are the moments in time that we've been waiting our whole life to find
That we've been searching for all through the nightJust tell me it will be alright
'Cause, baby, in a world full of cancer
Where everyone needs a ransom
My mama said "love is the answer"
So when I call you better answer me
Right now I need you here on me
No substitutes, you're the one and only
Please take away the stress I don't Need You got me on my knees, baby, James Brown, please
The time is ours, not for borrow
Both got a past full of sorrow
Let's cancel everything tomorrow"
Favorite song from this album ❤
@dalyajyed
These are the moments in time that we've been waiting our whole life to find
That we've been searching for, all through the night
Just tell me that we'll be alright
'Cause, baby, in a world full of cancer
Where everyone needs a ransom
My mama said "love is the answer"
So when I call you better answer me
Right now I need you here on me
No substitutes, you're the one and only
Please take away the stress I don't need
You got me on my knees, baby, James Brown bliss
The time is ours, not for borrow
Both got a past full of sorrow
Let's cancel everything tomorrow
I always get caught in the moment
With you, with you
With you, with you
With you, with you
I get caught in the moment
With you, with you
With you, with you
With you, with you
I get caught in the moment
Hey, the past, that's history
The future, that's a mystery
The present, that's a gift, that's why they call it the present
I can't watch the news lately, it's been too depressing
I'd rather be with you, bodies pressing and decompressing
So much smoke in the air, look like we need decongestant
I know you need protection
I tell you what to do whenever you need direction
You know I'm overworkin', I cut the check like director
Take me daily, as directed
'Cause, baby, in a room full of dancers
You still are the answer
These other hoes nothing to focus on
I need somebody real to get close upon
Lookin' for someone who don't annoy you when they overstaying
It's looking like I am like one A.M
I could put you to sleep faster than melatonin
Us zoning, wishing I could freeze-frame the moment
Oh yeah
With you, with you
With you, with you
With you, with you
I get caught in the moment
With you, with you
With you, with you
With you, with you
I get caught in the moment
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, hol' up
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
You better freeze the moment, seize it, own it
Focus is on it, our time to go in
'Yo time be on it
Lose yourself and find something you won't let escape the moment, yeah
Everything you need to be contented is right here
Right in this minute
You can have it when you understand that all that matters is right here
@Djrockewfewtimez986
IS IT JUST ME OR DOES BIG SEAN MAKE HIS BEST MUSIC WITH HER! I THINK HE DOES THAT ON PURPOSE!
@raging_rain
frrrr, Beware, Win Some Lose Some, I Know, Talk Show and this are really some of his best songs (WSLS is my fav by him, I know Jhené only does additional vocals on it tho)
@jasmineparker5816
Yess. Their chemistry is ridiculous. Two people who were made to make music together 💜
@mxxxw4529
@@raging_rain the whole twenty88 project is so goood
@brendaw8357
They bring the passion out of each other
@imemotionallystable7109
@@jasmineparker5816 theyre meant to be together lol
@hypnoticharmony3507
Jhene has a way to get me so lost and zoned out on her music .
@ReadingsByTk
Hypnotic Harmony yesss man😩😣❤
@semajanderson5453
Hypnotic Harmony deadass😭💯
@fikilencwane1214
Its not just you hey♥️😌