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.
Psilocybin
Jhené Aiko Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ah, ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy
Ayy, ayy, ayy, ayy, yo
Get it poppin' on this psilocybin
Getting rid of inhibition an insane asylum
I can feel it hit the celling
When it's in my body
A spirit party
Get it poppin' on this psilocybin
Getting rid of inhibition an insane asylum
I can feel it hit the celling
When it's in my body
An outer body experience
A spirit party
Won't let the day get in the way
We're on a plane to inner space
Don't be afraid, give it away
We gotta make a great escape
Won't let the day get in the way
We're on a plane to inner space
Won't be afraid, give it away
We gotta make a great escape
I can do all things
By the sun light, ay
I can do all things
What a wonderful life
We should do mushrooms
By the moonlight, yeah
What a wonderful ride
Right place, right time
Right mind, right now
Right direction
By your side
You and I, do or die
Who am I? (Who am I?)
Your reflection
Right place, right time
Right mind, right now
Right direction
By your side
You and I, do or die
Who am I? (Who am I?)
Your reflection
Got this psilocybin in my pocket
I am a healing prophet
Seeds of promise in my garden
I need to harvest often
Such a lush experience
So mysterious
In a sweet delirium, yeah
Got this psilocybin in my pocket
I am a healing prophet
Seeds of promise in my garden
I need to harvest often
Such a lush experience
So mysterious
In a sweet delirium, yes
Open up your heart and let me in, let me in
I will not let you down
Don't trip, I gotcha
Open up your mind and you'll feel it, the healing
Go slowly, go slower
No need to rush it, yeah
Psychedelics, yeah
I am helping you grow, oh
Psychedelics, yes
I am
A supreme bright other
Can't you see my color?
I'm the divine mother
Please don't show my
Please don't blow my cover
Take a ride into paradise
Let's go on a journey hidden in the sky
Come and take a ride into paradise
Let's go on a journey hidden in the sky
Open up your heart and let me in, let me in
I will not let you down
Don't trip, I gotcha
Open up your mind and you'll feel it, the healing
Go slowly, go slower
No need to rush it
Love,lovely feel
Love
Now, breathe
Breathe through it
Be still
Breathe through it
Be here
No fear
You are here
Breathe, breathe
Lovely feel
Breathe, love
Breathe, love
Breathe through it
Right place, right time
Right mind, right now
Right direction
By your side
You and I, do or die
Who am I? (Who am I?)
Your reflection
Right place, right time
Right mind, right now
Right direction
By your side
You and I, do or die
Who am I? (Who am I?)
Your reflection
I'm from Sirius
Eight light years away
Fifteen trillion miles
Without the smiles
Let me see you smile
Give me five thousand, two hundred feet of happiness
Now let me see you smile
Give me five thousand, eighty feet of happiness
Are you living?
Or are you just surviving?
Are you giving?
Or are you just jiving?
Let me see love
Living on valued energy
I got life, life, life, life
Love is for happiness
I got life
Love in full effect
I'm from the Universe soul
We're all from the Universe soul (we're all from the Universe soul)
We're all from the Universe soul (we're all from the Universe soul)
We're all one
The song "Psilocybin" by Jhene Aiko is an ode to the experience of taking the psychedelic compound known as psilocybin, which is the primary psychoactive component in magic mushrooms. Throughout the song, Aiko describes her experiences while under the influence of the substance, emphasizing the feelings of spiritual connection, openness, and wonder that it can produce. She encourages her listeners to "open up your heart and let me in," suggesting that by embracing this experience, one can become more in touch with their true self and the world around them.
Aiko also touches on themes of personal growth, reflection, and transcendence, suggesting that taking psilocybin can help one to overcome inhibition and social constraints and to reach new heights of philosophical and intellectual understanding. The lyrics "I am helping you grow" and "I am a supreme bright other" speak to the idea that the experience of taking psilocybin can be seen as a form of spiritual guidance or enlightenment, with Aiko positioning herself as a benevolent guide on this journey of self-discovery.
Overall, the song captures the sense of transcendence and wonder that many people associate with psilocybin, while also touching on themes of personal growth, connection, and open-mindedness. By painting this experience in such vivid and poetic language, Aiko encourages her listeners to embrace the transformative power of psilocybin and to explore the full range of human consciousness.
Line by Line Meaning
Get it poppin' on this psilocybin
Start feeling the effects of this hallucinogenic drug
Getting rid of inhibition an insane asylum
Overcome mental barriers and enter a state of freedom
I can feel it hit the celling
The drug's effects are strong and intense
When it's in my body
The drug has entered her system
An outer body experience
Feeling disconnected from her physical body
A spirit party
An enjoyable encounter in a spiritual realm
Won't let the day get in the way
Won't let external factors influence her inner journey
We're on a plane to inner space
On a journey within oneself
Don't be afraid, give it away
Encouraging others to join her on this journey
We gotta make a great escape
Escaping from societal norms and constraints into a different realm
I can do all things
Feeling powerful and capable
What a wonderful life
Feeling grateful for life's experiences
We should do mushrooms
Suggesting mushrooms can lead to positive experiences
By the moonlight, yeah
A reference to taking drugs at night
Right place, right time
Feeling in the moment
Right mind, right now
Being in the right mindset for this experience
Right direction
Heading towards a positive outcome
By your side
With someone else on this journey
You and I, do or die
Together no matter what
Who am I? (Who am I?)
Questioning identity and purpose
Your reflection
Seeing oneself in someone else
Got this psilocybin in my pocket
Carrying the drug on her
I am a healing prophet
Believing in the drug's healing properties
Seeds of promise in my garden
Nurturing potential growth and change
I need to harvest often
Taking advantage of opportunities for personal growth
Such a lush experience
Feeling vibrant and alive
So mysterious
Unknown but intriguing
In a sweet delirium, yes
Under the influence and enjoying it
Open up your heart and let me in, let me in
Encouraging others to be vulnerable and open to connection
I will not let you down
Promising to be there for someone
Don't trip, I gotcha
Assuring someone of safety and security
Open up your mind and you'll feel it, the healing
Believing in the drug's therapeutic benefits
Go slowly, go slower
Encouraging a relaxed and measured approach
Love,lovely feel
Feeling love and positive emotions
Love
A state of love and connection
Now, breathe
Be present and mindful
Be still
Relax and be calm
No fear
Fearless and unafraid
You are here
Being present in the moment
Breathe, breathe
Focus on breathing
Lovely feel
Feeling positive emotions
Breathe, love
Breathing in love and positivity
Breathe through it
Breathing through any discomfort or challenges
I'm from Sirius
A reference to extraterrestrial origins
Eight light years away
Distance from Earth
Fifteen trillion miles
Enormous distance in space
Without the smiles
Expressing longing for joy and happiness
Give me five thousand, two hundred feet of happiness
A specific measurement of happiness
Now let me see you smile
Encouraging others to find joy
Are you living?
Asking if one is fully experiencing life
Or are you just surviving?
Questioning whether one is truly living or just getting by
Are you giving?
Asking if one is contributing positively to the world
Or are you just jiving?
Questioning if one is being true to themselves
Let me see love
Encouraging others to show love and compassion
Living on valued energy
Living a life that is fulfilling and meaningful
I got life, life, life, life
Celebrating life and its abundance
Love is for happiness
Believing that love leads to joy and fulfillment
Love in full effect
Experiencing love's positive effects
I'm from the Universe soul
Believing in interconnectedness and unity
We're all from the Universe soul (we're all from the Universe soul)
Expressing the idea that we are all connected
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Amaire Johnson, Jhene Aiko Efuru Chilombo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@kimpeter5755
5:50
I'm from Sirius
Eight light years away
Fifteen trillion miles
Without the smiles
Let me see you smile
Give me five thousand, two hundred feet of happiness
Now let me see you smile
Give me five thousand, eighty feet of happiness
Are you living?
Or are you just surviving?
Are you giving?
Or are you just jiving?
Let me see love
Living on valued energy
I got life, life, life, life
Love is for happiness
I got life
Love in full effect
I'm from the Universe soul
We're all from the Universe soul (we're all from the Universe soul)
We're all from the Universe soul (we're all from the Universe soul)
We're all one
@terrellgrice
YES Jhene!!! SLAY THESE CHILDREN!
@PrettyBr0wn
TERRELL EXACTLY BABY!!!!!
@karinajaydee387
“Slay these children”? Lmfao that sounds so inappropriate
@marshacreary2442
Accurate
@Vibz90
I love u Terrell ❤️❤️❤️
@sarahschober1144
Hell yeah she did OwO
@sarabrown4504
Jhene's guided mediation part towards the end was so creative and so powerful.. I'm at a loss. She is beautifully unexplainable.
@entitled7665
Sara Brown
I was just about to text about the ending! Simply SUPERB! No words to explain her geniusness
@Jayvion636
Yea a lot of ppl don’t understand MENTALLY how amazing this album was for the psychedelics
@Yuki-qs5mt
Jesus loves you guys