Jhené Aiko is an American singer-songwriter and rapper born on March 16, 1988. She started her music career in 2002 singing backup vocals and appearing in music videos for the R&B group B2K.
A record label signed her the same year and promoted her as the “cousin” of B2K member Lil’ Fizz to build her fanbase even though they aren’t related. Her first album was supposed to come out in 2003 but got postponed because she chose to focus on her education instead.
In March 2011, Jhené Aiko returned to music with a mixtape called “Sailing Soul(s)”. Later that year she signed with producer No I.D.’s label ARTium Recordings which is part of Def Jam Recordings. Her big break came when she collaborated with Lil Wayne on Big Sean‘s 2013 hit song “Beware” which marked her first top 40 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In November of the same year, she released her first extended play (EP) called “Sail Out” which included popular songs like “3:16 AM” “Bed Peace” featuring Childish Gambino, and “The Worst” which received a quintuple platinum certification from the RIAA.
Aiko’s first studio album “Souled Out” came out in 2014 and was a hit both critically and commercially. Her subsequent albums “Trip” and “Chilombo” also enjoyed success with “Chilombo” peaking at number three on the Billboard 200 chart. Her work on “Chilombo” earned her three Grammy Award nominations including one for Album of the Year.
| Full Name | Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo |
| Date of Birth | March 16, 1988 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter |
| Height | 5 feet 1 inches (157 cm) |
| Spouse | Dot da Genius Big Sean |
| Children | Namiko Love Browner (daughter) |
| Net Worth | $6 million |
Jhené Aiko’s Early Life and Education
Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo was born on March 16, 1988, in Los Angeles California. Her childhood was marked by challenges when her family’s home in South Los Angeles burned down when she was seven years old. They relocated to areas near Slauson Avenue like View Park–Windsor Hills Baldwin Hills and Ladera Heights. She was homeschooled until high school and fondly refers to her neighborhood as “Slauson Hills.”
Her parents are Christina Yamamoto and Karamo Chilombo a pediatrician. They are divorced and she has seven siblings — four from both sides of her family and three half-siblings from her father’s side. Her older sister Mila J is also an R&B singer.
Jhené Aiko’s heritage reflects a mix of cultures: her mother is of Spanish Dominican and Japanese descent while her father is of Native American African-American and German-Jewish descent. Her maternal grandfather was Japanese and her maternal grandmother is Dominican. She started taking vocal lessons in Culver City but had to stop when she unexpectedly became pregnant.
Career
Jhené Aiko started her music career by singing on several B2K tracks and even contributed to the soundtrack of the movie “The Master of Disguise” in 2002. She was signed to The Ultimate Group and managed by Chris Stokes at the time. Despite being marketed as the cousin of B2K’s rapper Lil’ Fizz they’re not related. This was a strategy by her labels, Sony, The Ultimate Group, and Epic Records to boost her popularity through association with B2K. However, Aiko confirms that she and Lil’ Fizz grew up together and were close like family.
She featured on several tracks for B2K’s remix albums and even covered “Santa Baby” which was included on their album “Santa Hooked Me Up.” Aiko also appeared in multiple music videos during this period.
At just 15 years old, Jhené Aiko released a video for her single “NO L.O.V.E” which aired on BET’s 106 & Park. She was set to release her debut album titled “My Name Is Jhené” in 2003 through Sony The Ultimate Group and Epic but due to issues at Epic Records, the album never came out. Aiko eventually left those labels to focus on her education.
From 2007 to 2011, Aiko returned to music releasing a mixtape called “Sailing Soul(s)” in 2011. The mixtape featured collaborations with artists like Miguel, Drake, and Kanye West. She later released her debut EP “Sail Out” in 2013 which included the popular song “The Worst.”
In 2012, Aiko signed with No I.D.’s Artium Records through Def Jam and released the single “3:16 AM” as part of her “Sail Out” project. She gained further recognition with her appearances on songs like Big Sean’s “Beware.” Her debut studio album “Souled Out” was released in 2014 to critical and commercial success debuting at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart.
In February 2015, Jhené Aiko received three Grammy Award nominations at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. These included nods for Best R&B Song for “The Worst” and Best Urban Contemporary Album for Sail Out. Around the same time she announced joining J. Cole on his Forest Hills Drive Tour. Shortly after in March 2015, she released the track “Living Room Flow” for free. Aiko also covered “In a World of My Own / Very Good Advice” from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland featured on the “We Love Disney” album released in October 2015.
Moving to March 2016, Jhené Aiko revealed a collaboration album with rapper Big Sean under the name Twenty88. Their debut album was initially exclusive to TIDAL for four days and then available for download in early April. The album explores the complexities of relationships touching on themes like conflict memories and intimacy.
From late 2016 to mid-2017, Aiko released several singles outside of albums including “Maniac,” “First Fuck” with 6lack, and “Hello Ego” featuring Chris Brown. Her second studio album “Trip” was a surprise release in September 2017 preceded by the single “While We’re Young.” A 23-minute autobiographical film also titled Trip co-directed by Aiko accompanied the album.
In 2018, Jhené Aiko joined Lana Del Rey on select dates of her LA to the Moon Tour. This collaboration lasted from January 5 to 13.
From 2019 onwards Aiko’s focus shifted to her next album “Chilombo” which dropped in March 2020. The lead single “Triggered (Freestyle)” debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 and explored personal themes including past relationships.
In July 2022, Aiko launched Allel Sound in partnership with Def Jam Records signing rapper August 8 and featuring on his single “Water Sign.”
Net Worth
Jhené Aiko has an estimated net worth of $6 Million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The main source of Jhené Aiko’s net worth primarily comes from her successful career as a singer, songwriter, and musician. She earns money through album sales, concerts, and royalties from her music being played on platforms like radio and streaming services.
Additionally, she likely generates income from endorsements and collaborations with brands. Aiko’s consistent presence in the music industry and her ability to connect with audiences through her music contribute significantly to her overall net worth.
Personal life
In 2004 when Jhené Aiko was 16 years old she was baptized at a church called Foursquare. She dated an American R&B singer named O’Ryan from 2005 to 2008. When she was 20 Aiko gave birth to their daughter on November 19, 2008.
Before her brother Miyagi passed away from cancer on July 19, 2012, Aiko recorded a song called “For My Brother” on her laptop. Originally she intended it just for him to hear and he was able to listen to it shortly before he died.
On August 27, 2013, Jhené Aiko was in a car accident in Los Angeles with her daughter, older sister Miyoko, and O’Ryan. She suffered injuries but thankfully the others were unharmed.
On March 16, 2016, Jhené Aiko and Dot da Genius revealed they were married. However, on August 9, 2016, Aiko filed for divorce from Dot da Genius due to irreconcilable differences. They finalized their divorce in October 2017.
Since 2016, Aiko has had an on-and-off relationship with Big Sean. They welcomed their son Noah on November 8, 2022.
Evolution
Jhené Aiko is a soprano singer known for her “sensually sweet voice” according to Rap-Up. Jim Farber of the New York Daily News describes her voice as “feathery” with a high pitch and a dreamy style that floats above the music both sexy and distant. Farber also considers Aiko as the female counterpart to Frank Ocean. Jordan Sargent of Pitchfork Media compares Aiko’s vocals to R&B artists like Cassie Brandy Ciara and the late Aaliyah. Her lyrics are often direct and sharp sometimes described as girlish.
Musically Aiko is associated with a new style called alternative R&B which offers a different take on contemporary R&B. She also explores genres like psychedelic classic R&B and hip hop. Aiko herself labels her music as “alternative” and “new-generation R&B” drawing parallels to artists such as Frank Ocean Miguel and Drake.
Aiko writes music daily often starting with lines or poems that she later turns into melodies. She describes her writing process as freestyle capturing her feelings in the moment sometimes taking days or even a month to complete a piece. In 2017, she published her first book 2Fish which includes poems, songs, and drawings she’s created since she was twelve. Several verses from the book appear on her album Trip released the same year.
During album recordings, Jhené Aiko prefers to freestyle her lyrics singing melodies until words emerge. She emphasizes the importance of spontaneity in her creative process often avoiding extensive written notes. Aiko admits to using cannabis as a creative aid during her early projects but opted to record sober for her debut studio album.
Aiko’s influences include Tupac whom she admires for his authenticity and courage in music. She also cites Aaliyah, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, and Kid Cudi as major inspirations. Aiko attributes her passion for singing to artists like Brandy, and Beyoncé, India.Arie, and Amel Larrieux praised their vocal techniques and musical styles.
Growing up in a musical family, Aiko was influenced by her siblings’ bands and listened to artists like TLC, Alanis Morissette, Fiona Apple, Lil’ Kim, and Sade Adu during the 1990s shaping her eclectic musical taste.
