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.
real now (feat. Dominik HOPE
Jhené Aiko Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tryna pinpoint the exact moment where I went wrong
Damn, I'm wasted
And my mind is racin' and frankly my dear
I've gotten so tired of chasin'
And my life is so outta place and I can't make it fit
So my best solution is just to escape from it
So po' another drink
'Cause I don't wanna think
Girl, I'd rather feel for you
What I feel
What I feel now
What is real
What is real now?
Am I still
Am I here now?
If I'm still
Will I feel now?
What is real now?
Will I feel now?
What is real now?
Will I feel now?
What is real now?
I can't afford more problems
I don't have time to solve 'em
Thinkin' he smiles too often
I do not cry that often
I need to cry more often
Am I livin' or, dyin' or
Findin' somethin' worth fightin' for?
I'm the only real I see
I'm the only real I see
What I feel (what I feel)
What I feel now (what I feel now)
What is real? (What is real? What is real?)
What is real now? (What is real now?)
Am I still (am I still)
Am I here now? (Am I here now?)
If I'm still
Will I feel now?
What is real now?
Will I feel now? (Will I feel now?)
What is real now? (What is real now?)
Will I feel now? (Will I feel now?)
What is real now? (What is real now?)
Uh, good intentions, good intentions
Young old soul, these my hood admissions
Searchin' heaven's admissions
In these streets, we livin'
The young raisin' the younger
We hunger for ears to listen
But I come in peace with peace and hair grease
Waves like Catalina, problems you can't see
A soul full of problems, eyes filled with glee
If you don't like bein' judged then you shouldn't judge me
I'll never change
What I feel (what I feel)
What I feel now (what I feel now)
What is real? (What is real? What is real?)
What is real now? (What is real now?)
Am I still (am I still)
Am I here now? (Am I here now?)
If I'm still
Will I feel now?
What is real now?
Will I feel now? (Will I feel now?)
What is real now? (What is real now?)
Will I feel now? (Will I feel now?)
What is real now? (What is real now?)
Wake me up if I'm dreamin' now
Get me outta this hazy cloud
Feelin' like I'm free fallin' down
But I'm never gon' hit the ground
Gone through way too many ups and downs
Breakin' free from these chains right now
Won't let nothin' else hold me down
Lettin' go of it all, it all, it all
What I feel (what I feel)
What I feel now (what I feel now)
What is real? (What is real? What is real?)
What is real now? (What is real now?)
Am I still (am I still)
Am I here now? (Am I here now?)
If I'm still
Will I feel now?
What is real now?
Will I feel now? (Will I feel now?)
What is real now? (What is real now?)
Will I feel now? (Will I feel now?)
What is real now? (What is real now?)
In "Real Now," Jhené Aiko explores themes of escapist tendencies, self-discovery, and the struggle to find authenticity in a chaotic world. The song opens with a reference to Cîroc and lemonade mixed in a Styrofoam cup, symbolizing the indulgence in substances to numb oneself. She reflects on the moment where she believes she went wrong in her life. Feeling wasted and overwhelmed, she expresses her fatigue from constantly chasing something intangible.
Aiko's mind is racing, and she feels like her life is out of place, unable to make it fit. Her solution becomes escaping from her problems through the consumption of alcohol and pills, wanting to avoid thinking and instead embracing the temporary release of emotions. She implies that she would rather feel love than stress or overthink about her situation.
The chorus consists of a series of existential questions. Aiko questions what is real now, emphasizing her uncertainty about her own existence and whether she can truly feel alive. She wonders if she is still present in her own life and if she will be able to experience genuine emotions.
The verse by Dominik HOPE adds another layer to the song. He speaks about his good intentions and the struggles of growing up in a difficult environment. He acknowledges the desire for understanding and acceptance, urging others to avoid judging him if they dislike being judged themselves. He concludes with the statement, "I'll never change," emphasizing his determination to remain true to himself.
The song concludes with the repeated chorus, expressing a desire to be awakened from a dream-like state and to break free from the hazy cloud of confusion. Aiko describes the feeling of freefalling but still refusing to hit the ground, indicating her resilience and unwillingness to be held down by anything. She is ready to let go of all the burdens and find her authenticity and truth.
Overall, "Real Now" delves into the experience of feeling lost and disconnected, seeking solace and escapism. It also explores the struggle to find one's true self, while confronting the external pressures and judgments of society. Ultimately, the song emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and finding inner peace amidst the chaos of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Cîroc and lemonade mixed in my Styrofoam
I have combined Cîroc and lemonade in a Styrofoam cup, indicating my desire to escape reality through substance use.
Tryna pinpoint the exact moment where I went wrong
I am attempting to identify the specific time when I made a mistake or went off track in my life.
Damn, I'm wasted
I am heavily intoxicated or under the influence, expressing a sense of detachment from reality.
And my mind is racin' and frankly my dear
My thoughts are racing, and honestly, my dear, I am overwhelmed with anxiety and confusion.
I've gotten so tired of chasin'
I have grown weary of pursuing something or someone, feeling exhausted by the constant pursuit.
And my life is so outta place and I can't make it fit
My life feels disordered and chaotic, and I cannot find a way to make it harmonize or align properly.
So my best solution is just to escape from it
Given the circumstances, my most viable option seems to be to avoid or evade my problems altogether.
So po' another drink
Therefore, pour me another alcoholic beverage.
Gimme a pill or two
Give me a couple of pills, suggesting a desire for pharmaceutical substances to alter my state of mind.
'Cause I don't wanna think
Because I wish to avoid the process of thinking and reflecting on my current situation.
Girl, I'd rather feel for you
Instead, I would prefer to let my emotions guide me, particularly in relation to a romantic interest.
I can't afford more problems
I do not have the capacity to handle additional difficulties or complications.
I don't have time to solve 'em
I lack the time necessary to resolve or address these problems adequately.
Thinkin' he smiles too often
I find it suspicious or concerning that he smiles excessively, suggesting that there may be hidden intentions behind his cheerful demeanor.
I do not cry that often
I do not frequently shed tears or express vulnerability.
I need to cry more often
I recognize the importance of allowing myself to experience and process emotions through tears more regularly.
Am I livin' or, dyin' or
I am questioning whether I am truly living a fulfilling life or merely existing and slowly deteriorating.
Findin' somethin' worth fightin' for?
Am I able to discover something or someone that is genuinely worth the effort and struggle to defend or preserve?
I'm the only real I see
In a world filled with facade and pretense, I perceive myself as the only authentic and genuine individual.
Uh, good intentions, good intentions
I operate with positive intentions and motives in my actions and decisions.
Young old soul, these my hood admissions
Despite my youthful appearance, I possess an old soul, and these lyrics serve as my confessions from the neighborhood.
Searchin' heaven's admissions
I am seeking validation or acceptance from a higher power or realm, looking for a sense of belonging or approval.
In these streets, we livin'
Within the context of our urban environment, we navigate and survive, facing various challenges and experiences.
The young raisin' the younger
The new generation is being raised and influenced by the youth themselves, indicating a cycle of younger individuals assuming roles of guidance and mentorship.
We hunger for ears to listen
We yearn for someone willing to lend an ear and truly hear our stories, struggles, and aspirations.
But I come in peace with peace and hair grease
I approach situations and interactions with a peaceful mindset and a laid-back attitude, representing my cultural roots and heritage.
Waves like Catalina, problems you can't see
Similar to the majestic waves of Catalina Island, I possess hidden complexities and challenges that may not be immediately apparent to others.
A soul full of problems, eyes filled with glee
Within my inner self, I carry a burden of issues, yet outwardly, I present a demeanor of happiness and joy.
If you don't like bein' judged then you shouldn't judge me
If you are averse to being subjected to judgment, then it is best for you to refrain from judging me as well.
I'll never change
I possess a steadfastness in my character and individuality, asserting that I will always stay true to myself.
Wake me up if I'm dreamin' now
If I am currently in a state of reverie or illusion, please rouse me and bring me back to reality.
Get me outta this hazy cloud
Remove me from this state of confusion, uncertainty, and mental fog.
Feelin' like I'm free fallin' down
Sensation of descending aimlessly and without control, similar to a free fall.
But I'm never gon' hit the ground
Despite the feeling of falling, I will never reach the point of complete collapse or despair.
Gone through way too many ups and downs
I have experienced numerous fluctuations and fluctuations in my life, both positive and negative.
Breakin' free from these chains right now
I am liberating myself from the constraints and limitations that have bound me, taking steps towards true freedom.
Won't let nothin' else hold me down
I refuse to allow any other circumstances or individuals to hinder my progress or restrict my potential.
Lettin' go of it all, it all, it all
Releasing and relinquishing all the burdens, attachments, and baggage that have weighed me down.
What I feel (what I feel)
The emotions and sensations that I experience.
What I feel now (what I feel now)
The present state of my emotions and sensations.
What is real? (What is real? What is real?)
What truly exists or has genuine substance and significance?
What is real now? (What is real now?)
What is currently real or tangible in my life?
Am I still (am I still)
Am I continuing to exist or survive?
Am I here now? (Am I here now?)
Am I truly present and engaged in my current circumstances?
If I'm still
If I am indeed still existing.
Will I feel now?
Will I be able to experience or perceive emotions and sensations?
Will I feel now? (Will I feel now?)
Is it possible for me to genuinely feel and connect with my emotions?
What is real now? (What is real now?)
What is the current reality or truth in my life?
Will I feel now? (Will I feel now?)
Am I capable of experiencing emotions and sensations in the present moment?
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kevin Roosevelt Moore II, Jhene Aiko Chilombo, Dominik Franklin, Marquis Wright
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jazminroxs9
Lyrics:
Ciroc and lemonade mixed in my styrofoam
tryna pinpoint the exact moment where I went wrong
Damn I'm wasted
and my mind is racin' and frankly my dear
I've gotten so tired of chasin'
And my life is so outta place and I can't make it fit
so my best solution is just to escape from it
So pour another drink
Gimme a pillow too
'cause I don't wanna think, girl I'd rather feel for you
What I feel
what I feel now
What is real
what is real now?
Am I still
am I here now?
If I'm still
Will I feel now, what is real now? Will I feel now, what is real now?
Will I feel now, what is real now?
I can't afford more problems
I don't have time to solve 'em
Thinkin' he smiles too often
I do not cry that often
I need to cry more often
Am I living or, dying or
finding something worth fighting for?
I'm the only real I see
I'm the only real I see
What I feel
what I feel now
What is real
what is real now?
Am I still
am I here now?
If I'm still
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Good intentions, good intentions
Young old soul, these my hood admissions
Searchin' heaven's admissions
In these streets, we livin'
The young raising the younger
We hunger for ears to listen
But I come in peace with peace and hair grease
Waves like Catalina, problems you can't see
A soul full of problems
Eyes filled with glee
If you don't like being judged then you shouldn't judge me
(I'll never change)
What I feel
what I feel now
What is real
what is real now?
Am I still
am I here now?
If I'm still
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Wake me up if I'm dreamin' now
Get me outta this hazy cloud
Feelin' like I'm free fallin' down
but I'm never gon' hit the ground
Gone through way too many ups and downs
Breakin' free from these chains right now
Won't let nothin' else hold me down
Letting go of it all, it all, it all
What I feel
what I feel now
What is real
what is real now?
Am I still
am I here now?
If I'm still
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Will I feel now, what is real now?
@shannenmackenzie
All her music heals the soul ❤️
@kennethhubler1693
So true yes!!!!
@POVNY-rf4yo
This woman is in my opinion the greatest! No bad intentions or vibes 😐....
@tvCARLINEA
Damn this whole mixtape is memories 🥺 this shit timeless
@Man_eee
Yes Queen although I didn't have the best momories while listening to this, You can realize how much you've grown since.
@tvCARLINEA
Man_eee that’s facts!!
@sabrinasiggers1602
I love this song. This ENTIRE mixtape was 🔥.
@dennishamilton6234
One of my favorite songs by Jhene is this one right here REAL NOW ALWAYS WAS , ALWAYS WILL BE
@jazminroxs9
Lyrics:
Ciroc and lemonade mixed in my styrofoam
tryna pinpoint the exact moment where I went wrong
Damn I'm wasted
and my mind is racin' and frankly my dear
I've gotten so tired of chasin'
And my life is so outta place and I can't make it fit
so my best solution is just to escape from it
So pour another drink
Gimme a pillow too
'cause I don't wanna think, girl I'd rather feel for you
What I feel
what I feel now
What is real
what is real now?
Am I still
am I here now?
If I'm still
Will I feel now, what is real now? Will I feel now, what is real now?
Will I feel now, what is real now?
I can't afford more problems
I don't have time to solve 'em
Thinkin' he smiles too often
I do not cry that often
I need to cry more often
Am I living or, dying or
finding something worth fighting for?
I'm the only real I see
I'm the only real I see
What I feel
what I feel now
What is real
what is real now?
Am I still
am I here now?
If I'm still
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Good intentions, good intentions
Young old soul, these my hood admissions
Searchin' heaven's admissions
In these streets, we livin'
The young raising the younger
We hunger for ears to listen
But I come in peace with peace and hair grease
Waves like Catalina, problems you can't see
A soul full of problems
Eyes filled with glee
If you don't like being judged then you shouldn't judge me
(I'll never change)
What I feel
what I feel now
What is real
what is real now?
Am I still
am I here now?
If I'm still
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Wake me up if I'm dreamin' now
Get me outta this hazy cloud
Feelin' like I'm free fallin' down
but I'm never gon' hit the ground
Gone through way too many ups and downs
Breakin' free from these chains right now
Won't let nothin' else hold me down
Letting go of it all, it all, it all
What I feel
what I feel now
What is real
what is real now?
Am I still
am I here now?
If I'm still
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Will I feel now, what is real now?
Will I feel now, what is real now?
@MXO-ei6tv
*Faking these smiles too often 💙