Jhené Aiko

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Lore & Background

Aiko's journey to *Souled Out* began after she left Epic Records in 2003 and focused on school and raising her daughter. She returned to music in 2008 and released her debut mixtape *Sailing Soul(s)* in 2011, which was certified Gold by DatPiff for 100,000 downloads. In 2012, she met producer No I.D., who signed her to his ARTium Recordings imprint through Def Jam. During the album's recording, Aiko set up workshops with producers to create a cohesive sound, writing under the influence of cannabis for inspiration but recording sober. She wrote "Spotless Mind" in 45 minutes while touring with Lauryn Hill and Nas, using GarageBand. The album's titles "Eternal Sunshine" and "Spotless Mind" were inspired by the 2004 film *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*. Aiko revealed that only Cocaine 80s and her daughter Namiko would feature on the album.

In Their Own Story

In the studio, Aiko would freestyle when writing, singing melodies until she had words, with little written down. She averaged writing and recording four songs a month, and in February she planned to write at least ten more. She did many sessions with her daughter, recording and singing directly at her, and writing verses about her late brother. For "Promise," she brought her daughter into the studio after practicing the song in the car, saying, "Remember that song we've been singing?" and recorded from there. Aiko worked with producers No I.D., Key Wane, Fisticuffs, and Dot da Genius to ensure a cohesive sound, using live instruments for a more intricate production. By November 2013, the album's production was done, needing only finishing touches and mixing, though she continued recording new material.

Reader's Guide

*Souled Out* is an alternative R&B album that incorporates psychedelic music, R&B, neo soul, hip hop, and elements of electronica. Its songs are loosely structured with electronic guitar sounds, synths, drums, and atmospheric noises. The album is a concept album that follows a woman's evolution through heartbreak to enlightenment, with lyrics about relationships, life lessons, philosophies, and truths. Aiko served as executive producer and wrote all lyrics, contracting four key producers to create a cohesive sound. The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, selling 70,000 copies in its first week, and at number one on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. It received generally positive reviews, with critics commending its production, lyrics, and themes. The album spawned three singles: "To Love & Die," "The Pressure," and "Spotless Mind."

Aiko's vocals were described as fusing perfectly with the production, floating over beats to create a luminous aura. Critics compared her voice to Aaliyah's, noting a similar falsetto and ability to convey sultry innocence. The album's production was called one of its strongest points, with silky psychedelic sounds and hypnotic synths.

Did You Know?

• Aiko wrote 'Spotless Mind' in 45 minutes while on tour with Lauryn Hill and Nas, using GarageBand.
• The titles 'Eternal Sunshine' and 'Spotless Mind' were inspired by the 2004 film *Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind*.
• Aiko's debut mixtape *Sailing Soul(s)* was certified Gold by DatPiff for 100,000 downloads.
• Aiko wrote under the influence of cannabis for inspiration but recorded the songs when she was sober.
• Her daughter Namiko appears as a guest feature on the album, recorded after they practiced the song together in the car.