When I say that I love Jhene Aiko, know that I truly LOVE Jhene Aiko. Also, know that this was an instant love. There was something about her that felt so familiar from day one. Something that immediately put my soul at ease.
She’s A Lover Of Words
Jhene is real. She literally pours everything she has into her music. She shares experiences that are relatable and raw. Jhene is not afraid to admit that she's a girl that has been through some things.
Her lyrics touch me so much that it makes me emotional at times. In fact, there is not one Jhene Aiko song that doesn’t evoke some sort of emotion from me. Some songs make me feel relaxed. Other songs make me feel glad that someone else understands. Some songs make me feel empowered.
And let’s not forget the fact that her voice is nothing less than angelic. The sensuality and aloofness of her voice makes listening to her a soothing experience.
Expression has always come easy to her. Jhene even considered taking up a career in communications simply because she’s always had such a way with words. Sometimes you just know.
Her Style Is Unique
Jhene is so effortlessly fly. She has this super laid-back, hippie style that really works for her. She knows and loves who she is. It shows through the way she dresses. I love that she never feels the need to over do it. I love that she stays true to who she is.
Jhene can slay you whole entire life wearing no make-up and dressed in a skirt down to her ankles. She’s THAT pretty. And let's not forget the fact that she has her own line of super earthy sandals flying off the shelves!
She has this natural glow that shines inside and out. The fact that she’s mixed with Japanese, African-American, Spanish, and Native-American probably doesn’t hurt either.
She’s Been Through A Lot
Like me, Jhene has been through a lot. Not only did she make it past hard times, but she became a stronger person because of it.
Originally from Los Angeles, California, Aiko was initially promoted as Fizz from B2K’s cousin. This was a marketing tool used by her labels that allowed her to be featured on many tracks and music videos during this time.
Jhene planned to release her debut album titled ‘My Name Is Jhene’ in 2003. Unfortunately, tension at the label led to her asking to be released from the label.
She decided to take some time off from music and focus on finishing high school.
The grind didn’t stop there. Jhene was working two jobs at the age of 18. After her daughter was born, Aiko took a restaurant job in the day, then came home to record her mixtape at night.
Her first mixtape ‘Sailing Souls’ was released March 16, 2011.
Jhene’s struggles didn’t end there. She lost her brother to a two-year battle with cancer in 2012. He was 26.
The two were extremely close and Jhene feels that his energy is still with her every day. In memory of him, She had a ‘tattoo memorial service’ where she had the tattoos that her brother wasn’t able to get, tattooed on her body.
One of her most-noted tattoos reads “Why aren’t you smiling?” on her wrist. These were the last words her brother tweeted her.
Her Vibe Is Undeniable
What I love most about Jhene Aiko is that she challenges us all to “let go of our egos.” She stays true to herself and never sacrifices her artistry.
She understands that we are all one with the universe and that no one is any better than anyone else. Jhene promotes self-love simply by loving herself.
