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.
Overstimulated
Jhené Aiko Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The averse affect
Mm, yeah, yeah, oh
Don't get it wrong, don't get it twisted
Don't mix it up, gotta get lifted
You know I'm young, you know i'm gifted
I'm on a roll, I'm on a mission, yeah
But I need your light, I need your light, I need your guidance, yeah
Already high, I'll be alright, I wanna try it
Crushing the line, cutting the line, crossing the line, bumps in the night
Got me, got me over here overstimulated
Crushing the line, cutting the line, crossing the line
Bumps in the night got me, got me over here, over
Why you never stay for long? You always go so fast
Who's gonna hold my hand when I'm crashing?
Took you without looking now I'm looking up the side effects
Feel like there a fire set
That I should be dying next, my regrets
Oh, my regrets
Over here overstimulated
I need your light, I need your light, I need your guidance
Anything twice, I'll be alright, I wanna try it
Aren't you the sweetest thing
I almost can't believe
Why you still sleeping on me?
That's okay, you can keep dreaming
I am alone, I am a misfit
I'm in the zone, no competition
I am the one, so you should listen
Don't fuck it up, don't wanna miss it, yeah
I am the light, I am the light, I am the highest, yes
You have me fried, and I am the light and I am the lightest
Crushing the line, cutting the line, crossing the line, bumps in the night
Got me, got me over here over
Why you never stay for long?
You always go so fast
Who's gonna hold my hand when I'm crashing?
Took you without looking now I'm looking up the side effects
Feel like there's a fire set
That I should be dying next, my regrets
Oh, my regrets
Over here overstimulated
Let's get one thing clear, bitch, I am the greatest
You are not my peer, you are overrated
Know you mad I made it, know you hate it
But I'm in this bitch like
And if my heart goes out right now
This goes out to you, you you
And if my heart goes out right now
This goes out to you, you you
What the fuck did you give me?
Oh, no no, chill, chill
Huh?
Are you okay?
Did you see that?
I don't know what you're talking about
Oh my God!
Relax, relax
Get me out of here
Why would you do this to me?
Someone give her some water
In Jhené Aiko's song Overstimulated, the artist reflects on her fame and the pressures that come with it. In the first verse, she acknowledges that she is young and gifted and on a mission, but she needs guidance to keep her grounded. However, she also desires to try something new, to crush the line, to cut the line, to cross the line, and experience bumps in the night in search of inspiration. She is already high, but she wants to experience more.
In the chorus, Jhené repeats the phrase "crushing the line, cutting the line, crossing the line, bumps in the night, got me, got me over here overstimulated." These lines suggest that she is pushing the boundaries of her talents and struggling to balance her desire for experimentation with her need for stability. She feels overstimulated and overwhelmed, but she still wants to try new things and excel in her career.
The second verse explores the dangers of fame, as Jhené expresses her fear of crashing and burning. She reflects on the negative side effects of her success and the regrets that she might have if she fails. She also asserts her greatness and warns her detractors not to try to bring her down. The song ends with a spoken-word section in which Jhené imagines herself having a panic attack, urging someone to give her water and feeling overwhelmed by her own talent and ambition.
Line by Line Meaning
Is this thing on?
Asking if someone or something is functioning properly and can hear/understand the message.
The averse affect
Negative impact or consequences that arise from certain actions or decisions.
Don't get it wrong, don't get it twisted
Do not misunderstand or misinterpret the situation or message being presented.
Don't mix it up, gotta get lifted
Avoid confusing the situation or message, but also strive to get high or intoxicated.
You know I'm young, you know i'm gifted
I am still young, but have natural talent or ability that should be recognized.
I'm on a roll, I'm on a mission, yeah
I am achieving success and have a goal, purpose or journey to fulfill.
But I need your light, I need your light, I need your guidance, yeah
Although I am successful, I still require guidance or influence from someone else to continue my journey.
Already high, I'll be alright, I wanna try it
I am already on a level of success or intoxication, but I am still willing to try something new or take risks.
Crushing the line, cutting the line, crossing the line, bumps in the night
Pushing boundaries, breaking rules, encountering obstacles or facing challenges in the journey towards success.
Got me, got me over here overstimulated
The challenges or obstacles are providing an excess of stimulation or excitement in the situation.
Why you never stay for long? You always go so fast
Questioning why someone or something is never able to stay for a long period of time and immediately departs.
Who's gonna hold my hand when I'm crashing?
Asking who will be there to support or help during moments of failure, instability or chaos.
Took you without looking now I'm looking up the side effects
Making a decision without fully understanding the potential consequences or risks, but now acknowledging and researching those potential negative effects.
Feel like there a fire set
Sensing danger or harm approaching and feeling uneasy or fearful as a result.
That I should be dying next, my regrets
Realizing that a serious or fatal mistake may have been made, leading to feelings of regret or sorrow.
Over here overstimulated
Still feeling overwhelmed or overexcited by the situation or journey towards success.
Aren't you the sweetest thing
Making an ironic or sarcastic comment about someone who is not being sweet or helpful.
I almost can't believe
Expressing disbelief or insincerity towards someone.
Why you still sleeping on me?
Asking why someone is not recognizing or appreciating the talent or success that is being achieved.
That's okay, you can keep dreaming
Acknowledging that the other person is allowed to have their own dreams or aspirations, but they may not align with mine.
I am alone, I am a misfit
Feeling isolated or different from others, as if not fitting in with societal norms or expectations.
I'm in the zone, no competition
Fully focused and confident, without perceiving any competition from others.
I am the one, so you should listen
Believing that one is the most important or knowledgeable person in the situation, and others should listen to them.
Don't fuck it up, don't wanna miss it, yeah
Warning others not to ruin or spoil the situation, as it is too important to miss out on.
I am the light, I am the light, I am the highest, yes
Feeling a sense of superiority or enlightenment over others, achieving the highest level of success.
You have me fried, and I am the light and I am the lightest
Feeling excessively high or intoxicated, while still maintaining a sense of superiority or enlightenment.
Let's get one thing clear, bitch, I am the greatest
Asserting one's dominance or superiority over others in the situation.
You are not my peer, you are overrated
Believing that others in the situation are not on the same level or status, and are not worthy of recognition or praise.
Know you mad I made it, know you hate it
Recognizing that others are upset or jealous of the success that has been achieved.
And if my heart goes out right now...This goes out to you, you you
Sending a message from the heart to someone.
What the fuck did you give me?
Exclaiming in shock or anger towards something that has been given.
Oh, no no, chill, chill
Trying to calm the situation and not escalate it further.
Are you okay?
Checking on the well-being or safety of someone.
Did you see that?
Asking if someone noticed a particular event or action.
I don't know what you're talking about
Denying knowledge or understanding of a particular event or action.
Oh my God!
Reacting in surprise, shock or fear towards a particular event or action.
Relax, relax
Encouraging someone to calm down or not stress over the situation.
Get me out of here
Expressing a desire to leave or escape the situation.
Why would you do this to me?
Questioning why someone has intentionally caused harm or inflicted some type of negative consequence.
Someone give her some water
Requesting someone to provide assistance or care for someone who may be experiencing negative effects or symptoms.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Jhene Aiko Efuru Chilombo, Shakari Linder, William Coleman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@HayloISNOTHalop
"Overstimulated"
Don't get it wrong, Don't get it twisted
Don't mix it up, Gotta get lifted
You know I'm young, you know Im gifted
I'm on a roll, I'm on a mission, yeah
But I need your light, I need your light I need your guidance, yeah
Already high, I'll be alright, I wanna try it
Crushing the line, cutting the line, crossing the line, bums in the night
Got me, got me over here overstimulated
Crushing the line, cutting the line, crossing the line, bums in the night got me, got me over here over
Why you never stay for long? You always go so fast
Who's gonna hold my hand when I'm crashing
Took it without looking now I'm looking up the side effects
Feel like there a fire set
That I should be dying next, my regrets
Yeah oh my regrets
Over here overstimulated
I need your light, I need your light I need your guidance
Anything twice, I'll be alright, I wanna try it
Aren't you the sweetest thing I almost can't believe why you still sleeping on me that's okay you can keep dreaming
I am alone I am a mischief
I'm in zone no competition
I am the one so you should listen
Don't fuck it up don't wanna miss it
I am the light, I am the light, I am the highest, yes
You have me fried, and I am the light and I am the lightest
Crushing the line, cutting the line, crossing the line, bums in the night
Got me, got me over here over
Why you never stay for long? You always go so fast
Who's gonna hold my hand when I'm crashing
Took it without looking now I'm looking up the side effects
Feel like there a fire set
That I should be dying next, my regrets
Yeah oh my regrets
Over here overstimulated, let's get one thing bitch I am the greatest
You are not my peer, you are overrated
Know you mad I made it, know you hate it
But I'm in this bitch like
And if my heart goes out right now
This goes out to you
If my heart goes out right now
This goes out to you
What the fuck did you give me?
Oh, no no
Chill chill
Huh?
Are you okay?
Did you see that?
What are you talking about?
Relax, relax
Get me out of here
Why would you do this to me?!
Someone give her some water
Your welcome💜
@LegendMariah
Her music makes you high without taking drugs
@therealher773
Puts you in a state of trance
@yayocarter4976
I can second that motion.. 🤗
@teer1292
And that's why I listen to her, even to sleep
@LLoserable
so fucking true
@aidam7822
Yes she's amazing! Btw hey fellow lamb
@vayamann500
its weird. it feels like she been through some shit like me, not necessarily her lyrics but the pain in her voice. i feel some weird connection. im probably just crazy.
@LegendMariah
The most underrated female artist of this generation
@marciamitchell-edwards8950
Always been since she came out 💯
@camilleknowles9866
I agree ☝️ but it’s all good, ig it wasn’t her time to shine then Right Now is her time tho just sit back support and watch 👍🏽