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.
calm
Jhené Aiko Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(I)
(I)
(I)
I'm satisfied with life
I do not just get by, I thrive
What a miracle to be up and alive
I can not relate to the hate that they made up in their mind
I do not participate because every single time I'm
Down on my luck
Down in the dumps
Down in my darkest hour
You lift me up
You pick me up
You give me so much power
And now I know I'm never alone
It is so easy to see that
It is your love lighting me up
And I know whatever happens, I'll be happy
'Cause I happen to be good in any situation
Calm and patient, by your grace, I'ma be
I'll be singing through the pain
I'ma dance in the rain, I'ma feel it
I'ma always keep the faith
I'ma be okay, 'cause I'm still in it
And it isn't easy, I know it, believe me
It wasn't always this way
Of all of the things I have tried out
My favorite is giving thanks and praying
More than a wish, more than I imagine
I manifest by making it happen
There is a gift, even in the madness
And when I'm
Down in the dumps
Down on my luck
Down in my darkest hour (in my darkest hour)
You lift me up
You pick me up
You give me so much power (so much power)
And now I know I'm never alone
It is so easy to see that (it's so easy)
It is your love lighting me up
And I know whatever happens I'll be happy (and I know)
'Cause I happen to be good in any situation
Calm and patient, by your grace, I'ma be
I'll be singing through the pain (I'll be singing through the pain)
I'ma dance in the rain, I'ma feel it
I'ma always keep the faith
I'ma be okay, 'cause I'm still here
'Cause I'm still in it
And I know I owe you all my praise and thanks
And I refuse to lose even one bit of faith
It's the way that you're always showing me
Your grace, oh, your grace
Grace
Calm and patient
Pull me by your grace, yeah and it's-
I like you, I like you, I thank you, I
Thank you, oh
In "Calm & Patient," Jhené Aiko expresses her deep satisfaction with life and her steadfast faith in herself and God. The opening verse reveals her gratitude for being alive and well, while sending love and empathy to those going through tough times. Aiko shares that she doesn't understand the hate that people make up in their minds, and so she doesn't participate in such negativity. The chorus then echoes her conviction in her ability to thrive in any situation, with the help of a higher power. She acknowledges that it's not easy, but her favorite remedy is giving thanks and praying. Throughout the song, Aiko repeats that the source of her strength is a loving presence, which is always available to her and lights her up.
The bridge is particularly potent, as Aiko sings about getting through the darkest moments - feeling "down on my luck" or "in the dumps" - with the help of that divine presence, which gives her immense power. She claims that this power allows her to sing through the pain and dance in the rain, all while keeping the faith that everything will be alright. She also mentions that she owes all her praise and thanks to the source of that power, and she refuses to lose even one bit of faith. The song ends with Aiko thanking the listener, or possibly her higher power, for being there for her.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm satisfied with life
I am content with my life and its current state
I do not just get by, I thrive
I am not merely surviving but thriving in life
What a miracle to be up and alive
It is a miraculous blessing to be alive and well
Sending love to those who are stuck in the fight
I am sending love to those who are struggling and fighting through difficult situations
I can not relate to the hate that they made up in their mind
I cannot understand or identify with the negative thoughts and feelings that others have created in their own minds
I do not participate because every single time I'm
I choose not to engage in negative behavior or actions because every time I do so, I am affected negatively
Down on my luck
Feeling unlucky or facing a difficult situation
Down in the dumps
Feeling emotionally low or depressed
Down in my darkest hour
Feeling extremely low and depressed during the most difficult times
You lift me up
You provide me with the emotional support and encouragement I need to feel better
You pick me up
You help me get back on my feet and overcome negative situations
You give me so much power
You provide me with the strength and motivation I need to move forward
And now I know I'm never alone
I realize that I am never truly alone because I always have someone to support me
It is so easy to see that
It is simple to recognize and acknowledge the support and love that is there for me
It is your love lighting me up
The love that I receive from someone else helps to lift my spirits and provide me with joy and positivity
And I know whatever happens, I'll be happy
I have confidence that no matter what happens, I will remain happy and content with my life
'Cause I happen to be good in any situation
I have the ability to handle any situation that comes my way
Calm and patient, by your grace, I'ma be
By being calm and patient, and with the help of grace, I will succeed
I'll be singing through the pain
I will continue to sing and remain joyful even during difficult times
I'ma dance in the rain, I'ma feel it
I will embrace the difficult situations and feelings just as I would embrace rain and feel it
I'ma always keep the faith
I will always have faith and trust that things will work out
I'ma be okay, 'cause I'm still in it
I will be okay because I am still in the game, still trying and persevering
And it isn't easy, I know it, believe me
I am aware that it is not easy and I understand the difficulties and challenges involved
It wasn't always this way
Things were not always as positive and happy as they are now
Of all of things I have tried out
Out of all the things I have experienced or attempted
My favorite is giving thanks and praying
The one that stands out as my favorite is expressing gratitude and praying
More than a wish, more than I imagine
It is more than a mere wish and surpasses my imagination
I manifest by making it happen
I bring my desires to fruition by taking action and making them happen
There is a gift, even in the madness
Even in the craziness and confusion of life, there is still something to be thankful for
And I know I owe you all my praise and thanks
I am aware that I owe all my gratitude and thanks to someone else
And I refuse to lose even one bit of faith
I will not let go of my faith and trust in the good in the world
It's the way that you're always showing me
You always show me in your own way
Your grace, oh, your grace
Your grace and love are immeasurable and demonstrate your support and care for me
Calm and patient
Being calm and patient in the face of difficulty
Pull me by your grace, yeah and it's-
Your grace helps to guide me and pull me through difficult situations
I like you, I like you, I thank you, I
I appreciate and thank you for all that you do for me
Thank you, oh
Thank you from the bottom of my heart
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jhene Chilombo, Amaire Johnson, Julian-Quan Viet Le, Larry Lambert
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rissaclayton
Aw this is the best thing an artist can do for society right now. We need to heal ourselves. We need to be kind to one another whenever possible. Our souls are hurting individually, hurting us as a whole. We are such powerful and divine creatures stuck in a loop of comparison and expectation. You are protected though. 💛
@Qveenmick
Carissa Clayton you spoke exactly what I’ve been feeling. Humans as a whole seem to be so unhappy these days. Hopefully this will help people the same way I believe it helped me.
@krisboyd2865
My Goodness! Straight Tears but So Much Peace Of Mind!
@AutochthonousHeiress
Carissa Clayton Yesssssssss Clarissa beautifully freaking said!!!
@precious2477
Spiritual ☉
@corrinediggs2565
🙏🏾💜
@floralsubliminals907
May everyone who listens to this be granted protection, peace and happiness. Period
@floofff
May your intentions be reciprocated. 🙏🏼💗
@melonycarter529
To You As Well Queen🙏💫
@dojaschromatica3227
same to you ❤️