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.
Sailing Not Selling
Jhené Aiko Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mind on my money so that's why I'm trying to make it
Yeah, but the money's what you make it
Let it make you, see where it's gon' take ya
Hey, you'll be headed nowhere, moving so fast you won't even care, yeah
But when you get there, what you gon' do when nobody's there?
Hey, I know what you're gonna say, made it there alone so you don't worry 'bout they, hey
But when it all goes away, you're gonna be stuck, so what I'm trying say is
Don't lose your so-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oul
Oh-oh, let go-oh, let go of your ego
Don't sell your so-oh-oul, sail your so-oul
Sailing so-oh-oul, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Isn't it clear that you are only hurting yourself?
You will never grow if you lose control over yourself
(Don't let go) If you don't get a hold of yourself
Then you will end up with no self
Playing the game for the fame in the end
But what do you gain when you're paying to win
You don't, you better keep your soul
Set sail or get sold, oh
[Kanye West]
I sold my soul to the devil, that's a crappy deal
Least it came with a few toys like the Happy Meal
This game, you could never win
'Cause they love you, then they hate you, then they love you again
Get away from me loneliness, get away from me misery
Get away from me fake shit, I can't take the phoniness,
Get away from me wack tracks, I can only make only hits
I'm an only child lost in the world, where did the lonely kids go when the bell ring?
And feeling like hell rings, bringing me back down, checking my background, it's ironic what's happening
Imagine if I didn't have the ends, I wouldn't have so many imaginary friends
I'm spaced out dog, I be on that moon talk, wonder if God asked Mike how to moon walk
I swear to mom, I wish me and my father talk more
I stopped visiting around the time I was a sophomore
I guess everything I hate about me I see in him
And I ain't finna change, so we'll never agree again
Just a few things pouring out my soul, Rosewood we could see out with our eyes closed
Don't lose your so-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oul
Oh-oh, let go-oh, let go of your ego
Don't sell your so-oh-oul, sail your so-oul
Sailing so-oh-oul, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
The lyrics to "Sailing Not Selling" by Jhené Aiko feat. Kanye West talk about the importance of keeping one's soul intact and not selling it for the sake of money, fame or success. Jhené Aiko expresses her belief that in order to be truly successful, one must hold onto their soul and not let their ego take over. The lyrics also touch upon the idea that one should not lose themselves in the pursuit of success and fame as it may lead to loneliness and isolation. Kanye West's verse adds another dimension to the song as he talks about his personal struggles and the feeling of being lost in the world. Overall, the song highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and not getting lost in the world's superficial expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
See, I got a lot to say and I ain't afraid to say it
I am not afraid to speak my mind and express my opinions.
Mind on my money so that's why I'm trying to make it
I am focused on making money to ensure financial stability.
Yeah, but the money's what you make it
The value of money is determined by how it's earned and used.
Let it make you, see where it's gon' take ya
Allow money to shape your life and determine your path.
Hey, you'll be headed nowhere, moving so fast you won't even care, yeah
Going through life too quickly without purpose leads to a meaningless existence.
But when you get there, what you gon' do when nobody's there?
When you achieve your goals, you must be prepared to handle the consequences and face your fears.
Hey, I know what you're gonna say, made it there alone so you don't worry 'bout they, hey
You may think you got there alone, but you still need to consider the opinions and feelings of others.
But when it all goes away, you're gonna be stuck, so what I'm trying to say is
If everything falls apart, you will be left with nothing if you neglected your values and morals.
Isn't it clear that you are only hurting yourself?
Your actions have consequences that affect you and your well-being.
You will never grow if you lose control over yourself
To develop as a person and achieve your goals, you need to maintain self-control.
(Don't let go) If you don't get a hold of yourself
You must learn how to control your emotions to prevent them from controlling you.
Then you will end up with no self
Losing control leads to a loss of identity and sense of self.
Playing the game for the fame in the end
Focusing on fame and popularity may lead to neglecting your true self and values.
But what do you gain when you're paying to win
Paying a price for success may lead to losing what truly matters.
You don't, you better keep your soul
Success is not worth sacrificing your values and morals for.
Set sail or get sold, oh
Choose to live life on your own terms or be controlled by external forces.
[Kanye West]
Kanye West's verse in the song.
I sold my soul to the devil, that's a crappy deal
Kanye West sold his integrity for fame and fortune, which was a regrettable decision.
Least it came with a few toys like the Happy Meal
Even though he sold his soul for fame and fortune, he still received material possessions and experiences.
This game, you could never win
The entertainment industry is designed to exploit and manipulate artists for profit.
'Cause they love you, then they hate you, then they love you again
The public's perception of artists is fickle and constantly changing.
Get away from me loneliness, get away from me misery
Kanye West struggled with loneliness and depression and wanted to escape those feelings.
Get away from me fake shit, I can't take the phoniness,
Kanye West dislikes fake people and their inauthentic behavior.
Get away from me wack tracks, I can only make only hits
Kanye West strives to create music of high quality and will not settle for mediocrity.
I'm an only child lost in the world, where did the lonely kids go when the bell ring?
Kanye West feels isolated and disconnected from the world, even though he is famous.
And feeling like hell rings, bringing me back down, checking my background, it's ironic what's happening
Kanye West's past mistakes and regrets haunt him and cause him to feel anxious and depressed.
Imagine if I didn't have the ends, I wouldn't have so many imaginary friends
If Kanye West were not wealthy and famous, he would not have as many fake friends as he does now.
I'm spaced out dog, I be on that moon talk, wonder if God asked Mike how to moonwalk
Kanye West's mind is often in a different world, and he wonders about the relationship between God and Michael Jackson.
I swear to mom, I wish me and my father talk more
Kanye West regrets not spending more time with his late father.
I stopped visiting around the time I was a sophomore
Kanye West drifted apart from his father when he was in high school.
I guess everything I hate about me I see in him
Kanye West realizes that he has traits in common with his father that he does not like about himself.
And I ain't finna change, so we'll never agree again
Kanye West knows that he and his father will never see eye-to-eye, and he will not change for anyone.
Just a few things pouring out my soul, Rosewood we could see out with our eyes closed
Kanye West is expressing his innermost thoughts and feelings, and Rosewood is a place where he can be honest and vulnerable.
Don't lose your so-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oul
Do not sacrifice your integrity and values for external validation and gain.
Oh-oh, let go-oh, let go of your ego
Release your sense of self-importance and self-centeredness to live a more fulfilling life.
Don't sell your so-oh-oul, sail your so-oul
Do not give up your values and morals to achieve success, but rather find your true path in life.
Sailing so-oh-oul, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Embark on a journey to discover your true self and purpose in life.
Contributed by Layla M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
jazmin
Lyrics:
See I got a lot to say
And I ain't afraid to say it
Mind on money so it's why I'm tryin' to make it
Yeah, but the money's what you make it
Let it make you see where it's gon' take ya
Hey, you'll be headed nowhere
Moving so fast you won't even care
Yeah, but when you get there
What you gon' do when nobody's there?
Ay, I know what you're gonna say
Made it there alone so you don't worry 'bout they
Hey, but when it all goes away
You gonna be stuck so what I'm tryna say is
Don't lose your soul
Oh, let go, let go of your ego
Don't sell your soul
Sail your soul
Sailing soul
Is it really worth it?
You are only hurting yourself
You will never grow
If you lose control over yourself
(Don't let go)
If you don't get a hold of yourself
Then you will end up with no self
You're playing the game
For the fame in the end
But what do you gain
When you're paying to win?
You don't
You better keep your soul
Set sail or get sold, oh
Don't lose your soul...
Oh, let go, let go of your ego
Don't sell your soul
Sail your soul
Sailing soul
Amber
This album is what started my spiritual journey, my life has literally come full circle in my awakening.
Lee
It’s amazing right!
Blue ocean 🌊💐
This right here!
Muken
thats whats up, hope u still doing well
Kiara Chilombo
Queen is coming through with the throwback joints
D W
Oh girl I had no clue😭😭thought this was new and this was the energy she was going for after chilombo🤣🤣
jazmin
Lyrics:
See I got a lot to say
And I ain't afraid to say it
Mind on money so it's why I'm tryin' to make it
Yeah, but the money's what you make it
Let it make you see where it's gon' take ya
Hey, you'll be headed nowhere
Moving so fast you won't even care
Yeah, but when you get there
What you gon' do when nobody's there?
Ay, I know what you're gonna say
Made it there alone so you don't worry 'bout they
Hey, but when it all goes away
You gonna be stuck so what I'm tryna say is
Don't lose your soul
Oh, let go, let go of your ego
Don't sell your soul
Sail your soul
Sailing soul
Is it really worth it?
You are only hurting yourself
You will never grow
If you lose control over yourself
(Don't let go)
If you don't get a hold of yourself
Then you will end up with no self
You're playing the game
For the fame in the end
But what do you gain
When you're paying to win?
You don't
You better keep your soul
Set sail or get sold, oh
Don't lose your soul...
Oh, let go, let go of your ego
Don't sell your soul
Sail your soul
Sailing soul
Chanecia Life Coach
10 years ago this song didn't mean much. 10 years and a spiritual awakening later, it makes HELLA sense. Grateful for you and the beauty you spread ❤❤❤❤
𝓒 𝓐 𝓝 𝓔 𝓛 𝓐
One of the best songs in the album.
Walid
I'm discovering this song in 2021 - realizing that this is one of the best songs from Jhené