How Jhené Aiko learned to put “Happiness over Everything” in her new album CHILOMBO

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Jhené Efuru Aiko Chilombo has been in the music business for quite a long time. At age 12, Jhené signed her first record deal with Epic Records; laying down vocals on several B2K tracks in the early 2000s. 12-year-old Aiko even opened for the boy band’s tour “Scream Tour 3” in 2003. When Aiko was 15, she asked to be released from Epic Records due to conflicts of interest regarding who she was as an artist. In 2008 at the age of 20, Jhené and O’ryan Browner’s (brother of former B2K singer, Omarion) daughter Namiko Love Browner was born.

Fast forward to March 16th, 2011, after an 8-year hiatus Jhené made her return to the music business. Jhené released her debut mixtape, Sailing Soul(s) via her website jheneaiko.com, with features from artists such as Kanye West, Drake, and Miguel. In 2012 Aiko signed a deal with legendary producer No I.D. 's record label, Artium Records, (Def Jam affiliate) to prepare for the release of her debut album. November 12th, 2013, Aiko released her debut EP Sail Out. Featured on the album were popular artists Kendrick Lamar, Vince Staples, Childish Gambino, and Ab-soul. Aiko has since gone on to release TWENTY 88 which is a collaboration album with rapper and boyfriend Big Sean, her second studio album Trip, and now CHILOMBO.

In May of 2019, it seemed as if Jhené was back in album mode. Jhené released “Triggered (freestyle)” which was a breakup song aimed towards rapper Big Sean. The song itself triggered the release of four more singles over the next year: “Trigger Protection Mantra”, “None Of Your Concern” featuring Big Sean & Ty Dolla $ign, “P*$$Y Fairy”, and “Happiness Over Everything” featuring Miguel & Future.

On February 21, 2020, Aiko went to Instagram to announce that CHILOMBO would release on March 6th. Later that week Aiko described her then-upcoming third studio album as a celebration of her coming into her own personal power.

CHILOMBO was released on March 6, 2020, through Def Jam. The album boasts 20 songs and has an 01:03:34 timestamp on it. The album features some old faces we’re used to seeing on Jhené’s albums, as well as some new ones. Big Sean, H.E.R., Future, Miguel, Ab-Soul, Dr. Chill, Nas, John Legend, and Ty Dolla $ign all feature on the project.

“Triggered (freestyle)” and “None Of Your Concern” featuring Big Sean & Ty Dolla $ign are tracks two and three on CHILOMBO. With these songs being back to back, they immediately give listeners a perspective on her and Sean’s relationship. Rather than bottling up her emotions, Jhené went to the studio to express her irritation through a freestyle. Jhené doesn’t leave any room for confusion on this track. Instead of sending subtle shots, all of her bars are direct. The singer even went on the Rap Genius website to provide verified commentary on the song. On “None Of Your Concern”, Jhené and Big Sean are dealing with the aftershock of their relationship. Although the two artists do tell each other how they felt during the downfall of their relationship; much of the song focuses on how they plan to move on: with, or without one another.

“Happiness Over Everything” featuring Miguel & Future, “Tryna Smoke”, and “Party For Me” featuring Ty Dolla $ign all show a side of Jhené that fans are not used to seeing. The three songs draw many comparisons to 90s West Coast Rap. The production on the three tracks are based on funk music and have very laid-back melodies; if you couple that with the fact that the lyrics are related to partying and drugs, listeners are definitely reminded of where Jhené is from. “Party For Me” stands out the most out of the three. While listening fans took to Twitter to say they felt like she channeled her “Inner Nipsey Hussle” on the track, it turns out they were right. The track interpolated Nipsey’s flow on his song “Dedication”. “Party For Me” is seen as a tribute to the late rapper.

It wouldn’t be a true R&B project without a sensual slow bop, and Jhené delivers just that on track 6 with “P*$$Y Fairy (OTW)”. Although the song is your classic seductive R&B track, it stands out from most songs with a similar subject matter because of its storytelling. Jhené paints a vivid picture of sexual fantasizing, tension, and the actual experience. This is one of the most popular tracks on the project, with many of its lyrics flooding our timelines since its release.

As a whole, CHILOMBO is quite the experience. If Jhené’s massive dragon tattoo on her back was no indication, fans should know she’s evolved. On Jhené’s social media, you can find the singer reading books like ‘FEAR, Essential Wisdom for Getting Through the Storm’, by Thich Nhat Hanh or ‘Becoming Supernatural’, by DR. Joe Dispenza. There’s a common theme Jhené’s new favorite reads, and her new music share: the concept of healing. In every song on CHILOMBO, the singer has the sounds of a crystal singing bowl embedded into every track. The bowls are used for healing, meditation, reducing stress, and balancing chakras. Along with singing bowls, the album is filled with uplifting and reassuring lyrics.

On CHILOMBO the four singles on the album were some of the best songs on the project. Often, by the time an artist's full project comes out, their singles are played out. Even though Jhené beautifully steps out of her comfort zone vocally on “Speak”, “Magic Hour”, and “Lightning and Thunder” featuring John Legend; her singles still stand out.

You can hit me up on twitter @004COURT and let me know what you think.

Favorite Tracks

None Of Your Concern (Feat. Big Sean)

Tryna Smoke

Magic Hour

Rating: 9

Listen to CHILOMBO here:

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