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.
You Are Here
Jhené Aiko Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hope you are, hope you are who you say
If you aren't who I thought
It'll break my heart
Hate to ramble on about it
I am not too proud about it
I've been tryna go around it
It's too much, I am astounded
Wow
You're too good to be worth a shot
What are you not saying that I should know?
'Cause I should know
If you're for sure or all for show
Don't play with my love, messing with my heart
That's gonna be tough for you to pull off
Gave me a new start, taking it too far
It's gonna be hard if you really aren't
Who you say that you are
Hope you are who you say you are
Hope you are who you say, you are the one
If you aren't who I thought
It would break my heart
Hope you are who you say you are
Hope you are who you say, you are the one
If you aren't who I thought
It would break my heart
Caught me slipping, I was tripping and I almost gave up
Now I'm living in your vision, I don't wanna wake up
From a dream, lover, I'ma lean on ya
Please don't lead me on
You know I don't play that
How I'm living, I don't want no payback
From a past lover, bad lover
Please don't do me wrong
Don't play with my love, messing with my heart
That's gonna be hard for you to pull off
Gave me a new start, taking it too far
It's gonna be hard if you really aren't
Who you say that you are
Hope you are who you say you are
Hope you are who you say, you are the one
If you aren't who I thought
It would break my heart
Hope you are who you say you are
Hope you are who you say, you are the one
If you aren't who I thought
It would break my heart
Break my heart, don't break my heart
I pray to God, don't break my heart
Don't break my heart, it's all I got
I swear to God if you break my heart
Tell me that it's something special
Tell me you never felt it
Tell me I'm your new obsession
Tell me that you really are the one
If you aren't who I thought
It would break my heart
The song "You Are Here" by Jhené Aiko is a plea for honesty and authenticity in a relationship. The opening lines express the hope that the other person is who they say they are, and the fear that finding out otherwise would be heartbreaking. The singer acknowledges her own vulnerability and past mistakes, hinting at a history of running away from problems and avoiding confrontation. She doesn't want to waste time on someone who is only pretending to be interested, and begs her lover not to play with her emotions.
The chorus is built around the phrase "hope you are who you say you are," repeated several times with variations. This creates a sense of doubt and uncertainty, balanced by the hope and desire expressed in the lyrics. The second verse goes into more detail about the singer's past experiences, emphasizing the importance of trust and honesty in any new relationship. She is afraid of being hurt again, and doesn't want to repeat the same mistakes. The bridge brings a sense of urgency and desperation to the song, with the singer praying not to have her heart broken and pleading with her lover to be truthful.
Overall, "You Are Here" is a candid and heartfelt expression of the need for honesty and trust in a relationship. The lyrics capture the complex emotions of fear, hope, and desire that come with falling in love, while also acknowledging the risks involved. The song is a reminder that true love requires courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to face the truth.
Line by Line Meaning
Spotlight
Opening line, sets the stage for the rest of the song.
Hope you are, hope you are who you say
Expresses the hope that the person being addressed is genuine and trustworthy.
If you aren't who I thought
Fear that the person may not be who they appear to be.
It'll break my heart
The consequences of finding out that the person is not genuine would be devastating.
Hate to ramble on about it
Acknowledges that dwelling on this topic may be tedious for listeners.
I am not too proud about it
Acknowledges a sense of vulnerability in addressing this topic.
I've been on the run, I've been tryna ride around it
Attempts to avoid confronting the issue.
It's too much, I am astounded
Overwhelmed by the weight of the situation.
Wow
An interjection that expresses surprise or shock.
You're too good to be worth a shot
Doubts the person's sincerity or worthiness of being pursued.
What are you not saying that I should know?
Expresses suspicion or wariness that there may be hidden information or motives.
'Cause I should know
Asserts the right to know the truth about the person being pursued.
If you're for sure or all for show
Asks directly if the person is genuine or only pretending.
Don't play with my love, messing with my heart
Warns the person not to toy with their emotions.
That's gonna be tough for you to pull off
Suggests that it would be difficult or impossible for the person to deceive them.
Gave me a new start, taking it too far
Acknowledges that the relationship has progressed, but expresses concern that it may have gone too far if the person is not genuine.
It's gonna be hard if you really aren't
Who you say that you are
Reiterates that the consequences of deception would be difficult or painful.
Hope you are who you say you are
Repeats the hope that the person is genuine and trustworthy.
Hope you are who you say, you are the one
Desires that the person is the right one for them.
Caught me slipping, I was tripping and I almost gave up
Admits a moment of weakness in their pursuit of the person.
Now I'm living in your vision, I don't wanna wake up
Expresses contentment and happiness being with the person if they are genuine.
From a dream, lover, I'ma lean on ya
Uses the metaphor of a dream to express how much they desire the person's love and support.
Please don't lead me on
Asks the person to be honest and not deceive them.
You know I don't play that
Asserts that they will not tolerate deception or games in a romantic relationship.
How I'm living, I don't want no payback
Expresses that they do not have ulterior motives or expect anything in return for their feelings.
From a past lover, bad lover
May be referencing a past relationship that was not trustworthy or genuine.
Please don't do me wrong
Asks the person to treat them with care and respect.
Break my heart, don't break my heart
Expresses a fear that their heart will be broken if the person is not genuine.
I pray to God, don't break my heart
Uses religious language to express the seriousness of their fear and desire for the person to be genuine.
It's all I got
Emphasizes the importance of their heart and emotional well-being in their life.
I swear to God if you break my heart
Affirms the seriousness of their desire for the person to be genuine.
Tell me that it's something special
Desires to know that the feelings between them are genuine and not just superficial or casual.
Tell me you never felt it
Asks the person to confirm that they also feel a deep connection or attraction to one another.
Tell me I'm your new obsession
Desires to be the person's focus and most important romantic interest.
Tell me that you really are the one
Asks the person to confirm that they are the right one for each other.
If you aren't who I thought
Reiterates the fear of being deceived or let down if the person is not genuine.
It would break my heart
Affirms the emotional weight and seriousness of the situation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Amaire Johnson, Jhene Aiko Chilombo, Brian Warfield, Maclean Robinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Niababii585
Hope you are, hope you are who you say
If you aren't who I thought
It'll break my heart
Hate to ramble on about it
I am not too proud about it
I've been on the run, I've been tryna ride around it
I've been tryna go around it
It's too much, I am astounded
Wow
You're too good to be worth a shot
What are you not saying that I should know?
'Cause I should know
If you're for sure or all for show
Don't play with my love, messing with my heart
That's gonna be tough for you to pull off
Gave me a new start, taking it too far
It's gonna be hard if you really aren't
Who you say that you are
Hope you are who you say you are
Hope you are who you say, you are the one
If you aren't who I thought
It would break my heart
Hope you are who you say you are
Hope you are who you say, you are the one
If you aren't who I thought
It would break my heart
Caught me slipping, I was tripping and I almost gave up
Now I'm living in your vision, I don't wanna wake up
From a dream, lover, I'ma lean on ya
Please don't lead me on
You know I don't play that
How I'm living, I don't want no payback
From a past lover, bad lover
Please don't do me wrong
Don't play with my love, messing with my heart
That's gonna be hard for you to pull off
Gave me a new start, taking it too far
It's gonna be hard if you really aren't
Who you say that you are
Hope you are who you say you are
Hope you are who you say, you are the one
If you aren't who I thought
It would break my heart
Hope you are who you say you are
Hope you are who you say, you are the one
If you aren't who I thought
It would break my heart
Break my heart, don't break my heart
I pray to God, don't break my heart
Don't break my heart, it's all I got
I swear to God if you break my heart
Tell me that it's something special
Tell me you never felt it
Tell me I'm your new obsession
Tell me that you really are the one
If you aren't who I thought
It would break my heart
@phylishac
“Don’t break my heart, it’s all I got. I swear to god, if you break my heart.”
@reinaawoaahxoxo
222 likes 💕✨✨
@karrieblue1611
333 likes 💙
@jasminedean182
@@karrieblue1611 I. Kk
@camerontheham4547
Hope you are who you say you are,you are the one,if you aren't who I thought it'll break my heart - jhene is amazing and that's the part I like :)
@missdawn23
Sends me every time 😔
@mikebrown5402
She has truly touch me with this one. Jus basically listening to a womens heart and desires for a true relationship.
@NuUnique
She's living in another dimension 5d like myself...She's an old soul..not many understand the true essence of her music💜💡💜💡
@andrewharty4079
Her music takes you out of this world its like therapy
@tropicspirit6498
That's true.. Only people with an expanded consciousness, with a deep awareness can feel the words she's singing. But it's for everyone even for people who aren't spiritual because she is also teaching - she has such an important role in this world. She's one of the really woke people