More than just a pretty face You wouldnt know it from looking at her, but Jhene Aiko has been relatively invisible throughout her musical career. At age 14, she got her start contributing backing vocals to the RB group B2K. In the past few years, shes become a highcaliber muse, singing hooks for Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Big Sean, J. Cole and Wale. Now shes ready to break out on her own. On EP Sail Out, released last November, Gambino and Lamar sing for her, and she toured with Drake on his 2013 Would You Like a Tour? Aiko pairs with Drake on his From Time and her current single, The Worst, is No. 16 on USA TODAYs urban airplay chart Finally at the wheel After years of working on other peoples music, shes eager to call the shots. When I was younger, I was just the singer and Id get songs sent to me and I had no connection with them. Then Id do the music videos and I couldnt pick my own clothes. I wouldnt feel proud because it wasnt my vision, says Aiko, 25. Now that Im doing everything I want, its so much more satisfying. Patience is a virtue Standing in the wings for the last decade doesnt bother Aiko, who is of Japanese, AfricanAmerican and Native American descent. Early on, Epic label executives tried to mold her into a pop star, but she insisted on writing her own music, and by 16, she walked away. Shes the youngest of five and has three halfsiblings, so shes used to waiting for her turn. Ive always been the little sister. Thats pretty much what its like with the people I work with, says the singer, whose full name is Jhen Aiko Efuru Chilombo. They respect me as an artist. They see me as one of the guys. Tiny, but tough When it comes to her craft, shes a giant control freak. I like to be involved in everything. Sometimes its frustrating to get my vision across, she says. Instead of explaining it, writing it down, sometimes its easier for me to vocalproduce myself. Its harder but more rewarding, because at the end of the day, I can sit back and know that all that work is real. She also does her own rapping under the name J. Hennessy Hard work comes easy Shes used to it. When I was 18, I had two jobs. During the day, I worked at my uncles law office as a receptionist, then Id take the bus to the mall to work a second job, says the Los Angeles native. Then, a few years after I had my daughter Namiko, now 5, I worked at a vegan restaurant. I thought thered be these nice people all about peace and love, but they werent. Most of the clientele were picky and demanding. Being a single working mother? Not so easy With her fulllength album, Souled Out, expected this summer, Aikos schedule will just become more demanding. Ive got a spot on Conan and Im playing Coachella in April, and, hopefully, Ill play a few dates on Drakes European tour, she says. My schedule can get crazy, but I have a very supportive family. My oldest sister really keeps everything in order. When Im out of town, she or my mom or my daughters father ORyan Omir Browner, singer Omarions younger brother will care for her. But when Aiko is home, she keeps her worklife balance in check. I take my daughter to school every day, and if Im working at night, I try to get back to put her to bed, she says. I think if I work really hard now, I can slow down in a few years and even bring her to my shows. Dreaming of sleep For her song Bed Peace, with Childish Gambino, Aiko found inspiration in John Lennon and Yoko Ono. I loved them as a couple. They photographed themselves in bed together, they did everything together, she says. Everyone knows who The Beatles are, but I dont think younger people know John and Yokos message of world peace. Thats what this song is about. Bed Peace is also about being in bed. I would love to spend all day in bed, she says. Im like a cat. I can sleep whenever, wherever.
aiko, shes, bed, drake, gambino