Jhené Aiko Net Worth, Early Life, Breakthrough Success, Assets
Jhené Aiko is an American singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of contemporary R&B and ethereal soundscapes. With a net worth of $6 million, Aiko has made significant strides in the music industry since her early career.
Early Career and Mixtape Release
In the early 2000s, Jhené Aiko was poised to release an album with Sony’s Epic Records; however, due to label complications, the project never materialized. She made her comeback in 2011 with the mixtape “Sailing Soul(s),” which marked her reintroduction to the music scene. This mixtape featured collaborations with prominent artists such as Drake, Kanye West, and Miguel, showcasing her artistic evolution and maturity.
Debut Studio Album
Jhené Aiko’s debut studio album, “Souled Out,” was released in 2014 and solidified her position in the industry. The album received critical acclaim, with singles like “The Worst” achieving significant airplay. Her music is characterized by emotional depth, often exploring themes of love, pain, and self-discovery.
Collaborative Project
In 2016, Aiko collaborated with rapper Big Sean under the name Twenty88. This project explored complex relationship dynamics and seamlessly blended Aiko’s R&B vocals with Big Sean’s rap verses.
Second Album
Aiko’s second studio album, “Trip,” was released in 2017 alongside a short film and poetry collection. This multifaceted project addressed themes of grief and healing, inspired by the loss of her brother. It highlighted her storytelling abilities and willingness to confront personal struggles through her art.
Recent Works
Her most recent album, “Chilombo,” released in 2020, earned multiple Grammy nominations. The album features a mix of contemporary R&B infused with elements of hip-hop and traditional soul influences. The title “Chilombo,” which is derived from Aiko’s last name, reflects her return to her roots and a celebration of her heritage.
Early Life
Jhené Aiko Efuru Chilombo was born on March 16, 1988, in Los Angeles, California. She is the daughter of Christina Yamamoto and Karamo Chilombo, with a rich multicultural background that includes Spanish, Dominican, Japanese, Native American, African-American, and German-Jewish heritage. After a house fire when she was seven years old, Aiko moved with her family to Slauson Avenue. She was homeschooled until high school and grew up alongside seven siblings and three half-siblings. Aiko developed an interest in music early on, taking vocal lessons and writing poetry.
Career
Jhené Aiko began her musical career in 2002 by contributing vocals to several B2K releases while signed to The Ultimate Group. She appeared in various music videos during this time and released songs like “NO L.O.V.E.” Although she was set to release her debut album in 2003, it was shelved due to tensions at her record label.
Following this setback, she chose to focus on her education for several years.In 2007, Aiko returned to music with a more independent approach. Her mixtape “Sailing Soul(s)” was released on March 16, 2011, featuring collaborations with notable artists. In 2012, she signed with No I.D.’s Artium Records imprint through Def Jam.
Breakthrough Success
Aiko’s debut EP “Sail Out,” released in November 2013, debuted at eighth on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. The single “The Worst” topped the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop charts, making Aiko the first female artist to achieve this since Jazmine Sullivan in 2008. Her debut studio album “Souled Out,” released in September 2014, debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and topped the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.In February 2015, she received three Grammy nominations at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards for her contributions to contemporary R&B.
Personal Life
Jhené Aiko’s personal life has included notable relationships. She dated R&B singer O’Ryan from 2005 to 2008 and had a daughter named Namiko Love Browner in November 2008. In March 2016, she married Oladipo “Dot da Genius” Omishore but filed for divorce later that year due to irreconcilable differences. Since late 2016, Aiko has had an on-again-off-again relationship with Big Sean; they welcomed a son together in November 2022.
Assets
In terms of real estate investments and assets, Aiko purchased a home for $2.5 million in LA’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood in 2020. In 2021, she acquired another property for $3.4 million in Encino but later listed it for sale at $3.65 million.
Musical Influences
Jhené Aiko cites several artists as influences on her music career, including Tupac, Aaliyah, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Brandy, John Mayer, Janet Jackson, Ciara, Nicki Minaj, and Kid Cudi. Known for her soprano voice and association with PBR&B—a style that serves as an alternative to contemporary R&B—Aiko continues to evolve as an artist while remaining deeply connected to her roots and personal experiences.