Jhene Aiko Biography

Jhene Aiko Efuru Chilombo is an American singer and songwriter. She began her music career by collaborating with the R&B boy band B2K. In 2011 she released her first mixtape called Sailing Soul(s). In 2013 she was featured, along with Lil Wayne, on Big Sean’s single Beware. Additionally, she released her first EP, Sail Out, which spawned a platinum single. Finally, in 2014 she released her first studio album, Souled Out. 

Early Career 

Aiko began singing in 2002. She was contributing vocals to B2K, both as a marketing stunt to attract fans and because she was childhood friends with the lead member. Besides that, she was featured in several of their music videos. Furthermore, she recorded some songs for some movie soundtracks, such as Barbershop, The Master of Disguise andYou Got Served. She also released a song and music video for it, NO L.O.V.E.  After a break, the young R&B singer released her first mixtape, which included collaborations with Miguel, Drake and Kanye West.

Breakthrough & Success

In 2012, Aiko released 3:16AM, as the first single from her upcoming EP. Moreover, she collaborated with Big Sean and, later, she performed as an opening act for Darke. In late 2013, her EP Sail Out was released and debuted at number 8 on the Billboard 200. The third single,  The Worst, turned out to be a huge success, topping the R&B/Hip-Hop charts, while also reaching Billboard Hot 100. Following up on that success, the artist released To Love & Die, the lead single from her debut album, in 2014. Moreso, a few months later she toured with The Weekend and ScHoolboy Q.

Shortly after, she released her album, Souled Out. It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard 200 and several other charts. It spawned 3 more popular tracks. In 2015, Jhene Aiko received 3 Grammy nominations. In late 2016, Aiko released her latest single, Maniac, to promote her upcoming album.

Photo source: LaLive