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.
Surrender
Jhené Aiko Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take a vow to be down for life
Got you right in the candle light
Blow it out, how I blow your mind
Going, slowly
Floating, towards me
Don't ever ignore me
Surrender
Render yourself to me
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Surrender
Render yourself to me
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Met you at the edge of my mind
Hanging by a thread in limelight
Just when you had asked for closure
That is when the signs got closer
Exit 405 to Sepulveda
Come to the West side, I will show you love
It is only right if you open up
Tryna take your mind over
I'm a boss bitch, how you don't fuck with me?
Know what it is, you know these bitches just can't fuck with me
I write all my shit, you know I'm all about my publishing
I take my time with it, ain't no rushing me, yeah
Going, slowly
Floating, towards me
Don't ever ignore me
You'll be sorry, yeah, yeah
Surrender
Render yourself to me
Render yourself to me
Surrender
Render yourself to me, yeah
Render yourself to me
I'm a boss bitch, how you don't fuck with me?
I'm a-I'm a boss bitch, how you don't fuck with me, fuck-fuck with me?
I'm a boss bitch, how you don't fuck with me?
I take my time with it, ain't no rushing me-rushing me
I'm a boss bitch, how you don't fuck with me?
I'm a-I'm a boss bitch, how you don't fuck with me, fuck-fuck with me?
I'm a boss bitch, how you don't fuck with me?
I-i-i take my time with it, ain't no rushing me-no rushing me
Surrender
Render yourself to me
Ay, yeah
Surrender to quantum consciousness
Which gave us all that we be
Can't you see?
And it is all, all for free
Your soul, your mind
Your heart, your body
Your potentiality, your actuality
Your spirituality, your reality
We get it all for free, so
Why can't we give it all back, easily?
Surrender
The lyrics of "Surrender" by Jhené Aiko, featuring Dr. Chill, speak about surrendering oneself to another, letting go of control, and embracing a romantic relationship. The singer mentions meeting the person at the edge of her mind and feeling a connection that she wishes to pursue further. She talks about the signs that continuously bring the two people closer to each other, despite the distance between them. As the song progresses, Jhené sings about the importance of surrendering oneself to love and how it is a necessary step in any relationship. The outro of the song is a chanting of the word "surrender" repeated several times and calling for the listener to embrace the concept of giving into love.
The lyrics present a contrast between the idea of control and submission, with the former being represented by the singer's rap verses and the latter by the chorus. This juxtaposition emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself to love and embracing vulnerability.
Interestingly, the song features a reference to the Sepulveda exit 405 in Los Angeles, California, which connects the San Fernando Valley with the Westside. This is significant as Jhené is from Los Angeles, and the reference further emphasizes the idea of bridging distances and bringing people closer together.
Moreover, Jhené Aiko is known for her soulful R&B sound and her emotional songwriting style, often featuring melancholic and introspective lyrics. "Surrender" continues to showcase this unique style, but with a more upbeat and danceable production.
Line by Line Meaning
This is how Heaven sounds at night
The sound of this ambiance is heavenly and perfect for the night time.
Take a vow to be down for life
Make a lifelong commitment to stick together through thick and thin.
Got you right in the candle light
I have your undivided attention in the romantic ambiance of candlelight.
Blow it out, how I blow your mind
I will impress and surprise you with my skills and talent, leaving you speechless.
Going, slowly
Moving closer gradually and deliberately.
Floating, towards me
Approaching from a relaxed and effortless state.
Don't ever ignore me
Always pay attention and acknowledge my existence and worth.
You'll be sorry, yeah, yeah
Ignoring me will result in regret and remorse in the future.
Surrender
Give yourself completely to me.
Render yourself to me
Submit to my power and authority over you.
Oh yeah, oh yeah
Affirming the request for submission.
Met you at the edge of my mind
I discovered you in the furthest depths of my consciousness.
Hanging by a thread in limelight
You were barely holding on in a life of fame and attention.
Just when you had asked for closure
When you were seeking a resolution or conclusion to a matter in your life.
That is when the signs got closer
The indications of a connection between us became more apparent and stronger.
Exit 405 to Sepulveda
Specific directions on how to reach a place where I will show love.
Come to the West side, I will show you love
Encouragement to visit a geographical location to receive affection and care.
It is only right if you open up
It is appropriate and expected for you to be vulnerable and reveal your true self.
Tryna take your mind over
Attempting to gain control over your thoughts and feelings.
I'm a boss bitch, how you don't fuck with me?
Emphasis on the strong and confident nature of the artist.
Know what it is, you know these bitches just can't fuck with me
Confidence in one's abilities and recognition of superiority over others.
I write all my shit, you know I'm all about my publishing
Pride in one's accomplishments and dedication to their craft.
I take my time with it, ain't no rushing me, yeah
The singer puts in time and effort to ensure their work is high quality.
Ay, yeah
An exclamation or confirmation of affirmation.
Surrender to quantum consciousness
Submit to the universal energy and higher power that governs our lives.
Which gave us all that we be
Gratitude for the gifts and opportunities bestowed upon us by the universe.
Can't you see?
A rhetorical question asking why others cannot recognize the value of these gifts.
And it is all, all for free
Acknowledgment that these gifts are not earned or deserved, but given freely.
Your soul, your mind
Reference to the interconnected nature of the human experience.
Your heart, your body
Reference to the emotional and physical components of human existence.
Your potentiality, your actuality
Recognition of the potential for growth and change in human life.
Your spirituality, your reality
Acknowledgement of the importance of both the spiritual and tangible aspects of life.
We get it all for free, so
Reminder of the gift of life and all that comes with it.
Why can't we give it all back, easily?
Questioning why it is so difficult for humans to give back to the world that gives them so much.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Brian Keith Warfield, Jhene Aiko Chilombo, Karamo Chilombo, Maclean Robinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Lisa-th4zg
getting goosebumps every time.. there's not one time when i don'f feel this or any other of her songs. it's always the same deep feeling. it makes me feel elevated & aligned. she's like a guide on my spiritual journey✨
i love Dr. Chill at the end of some of her songs. his words are very wise & enriching.
"And it is all, all for free
Your soul, your mind, your heart, your body
Your potentiality, your actuality
Your spirituality, your reality
We get it all for free
So why can't we give it all back? Easily.
Surrender🍃"
@jamesazrael8065
I dont think jhene even knows the impact her songs have on people. I lost my girl and my job within two days this week and I've had this album on repeat since in came out this morning just to help me heal. One day I will meet her and just say thank you.
@jboogie841
Stay up God✊ better day's await you
@parischambers4546
Keep your head up stay strong ❤️ don’t give up.
@lungelongobese3107
Heal sweetheart ❤️❤️❤️❤️
@93945mike
💙💙💙🙏
@a3na672
Jhene is the last person you should listen too during that shit literally all depressing lmfaoo her songs are based on terrible relationships lmfao
@spacemanspiff8073
This is the best song on the album. Only the real ones will appreciate it.
@bayanibrahim1418
Yes yes yes I totally agree
@skylarparhms7255
i agree too, this is the song everyone should be talking about
@QUISPEECH
Girl!!! Only the real