Why We Love That Jhene Aiko 'Souled Out'

By Kate Mueller on September 18, 2014

via Billboard

There is not a single “radio record” on Jhene’s new album “Souled Out.” That is not taking away from her music, but a simple fact. That doesn’t mean her songs won’t be requested; it just means Jhene is making music that SHE loves.

If she were trying to be commercially successful, she would have put features all over the album from 2 Chainz, Pharrell and all the other big names. She would have used the same beat as “Don’t Tell ‘Em,” “Loyal” and “Show Me” (which all have the same style). Instead, she made music that is personal, and fits her life and style.

Apparently, Jhene has been grouped in the “PBR&B” category with other artists such as Frank Ocean, Sade, Janelle Monae, Miguel and the Wknd. This subcategory of R&B is known as the “hipster” R&B, a title many of these artists aren’t happy with. Their genre-bending beats and raw lyrics don’t need to be categorized, but need to be recognized as just pure talent.

via teemix

Jhene is a veteran to the music industry, despite this being her debut album. You may recognize her as B2K member Lil’ Fizz’s sister (which isn’t true, but was used as a marketing strategy).

She was signed to a record deal at the age of 12, but decided to leave the music industry four years later. This decision leaves us baffled because over the last year we’ve seen her everywhere – on songs with Wale, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar and most recently with Chris Brown. Why did she take the break?

She wanted to finish high school and live life like a normal teenager – learning and experiencing life, as she should. She wanted to live in the real world, rather than the Hollywood Hills. She soon found herself wanting to get back into the industry because she felt ready.

Before going into a label meeting, she was told to “sell herself” in order to get a deal. That was her ah-ha moment. She didn’t want to “sell” her soul, she wanted to “sail” her soul.

“Sail your soul … don’t sell your soul. It’s the only thing we can take with us … wherever it is we go …
- Jhene Aiko

Somewhere in between this moment and the release of the “Souled Out” album, she had a daughter, Namiko, and suffered the loss of her brother, Miyagi, to cancer. These two events would inspire what we hear from Jhene on her mixtapes, EPs and this debut album.

“’Souled Out’ is a conceptual chronicling of the singer’s journey from darkness to light, rooted in tales of tragedy and spiritual awakening.”
- Bradley Stern, Time

Her stories are personal, deep and meaningful – something that the radio doesn’t deserve, but needs. Her songs won’t be playing in the club, but they will be someone’s favorite song.

While every song has its purpose and the album as a whole is great, here are some fan favorites that are MUST listens:

5. To Love & Die (ft. Cocaine 80’s)

via R&B Genius

One of the few songs with a feature, but was released as the first single a few months back.
Who can relate: Anyone who would do anything to be with the person they love.
Favorite line: Her reference to 50 Cent’s “Many Men (Wish Death)
“Many many men wish death upon me …”

4. The Pressure

Her second single off the album that has a Frank Ocean vibe going on.
Who can relate: Anyone who has felt the pressures of relationships, fidelity, career and everything else that hits us in life.
Favorite line: “The way you feel is not my problem … I don’t want to see you go …”

3. W.A.Y.S.

via Tumblr

A song about her brother’s favorite saying. She has the quote tattooed on herself as a constant reminder of why she keeps a smile on her face.
Stands for: Why Aren’t You Smiling
Who can relate: Everyone. Life happens and brings difficulties, but you just have to keep going.
Favorite line: “You have got to trust the signs; everything will turn out fine … so why aren’t you smiling?”

2. Promises (ft. Namiko & Miyagi)

via Instagram

A song featuring probably her favorite features on the album: her daughter and brother.
Who can relate: Anyone who has dealt with the loss of a loved one or being away from loved ones to pursue your dreams.
Favorite line: “Everything is alright; everything’s in your mind … life is what you make it.”

1. Lyin King

via Tumblr

A play of words on “Lion King.” Kind of sounds like a female response to Drake’s “Good Ones Go (Interlude).”
Who can relate: Anyone who has had someone prey on their emotions and taken advantage of their love.
Favorite Line: “Mr. Serial Lover, I wish your mother loved you like I could’ve that way you would’ve known how to love a woman.”

Her lyrics are easy to relate to, even as a childless, college student. So listen and HEAR what she is singing, because if you don’t listen close, you’ll miss out on an inspirational and thought-provoking album. In case you’re not already in love with her (which you should be), here’s a “Behind the Seen” look at her and the making of her album.

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