Kris Campbell
MC 301 Contributor/ Staff
We have all vibed to the tunes of her different sounds and have grown accustomed to her presence in the music industry. Often referred to as the “female Drake” due to here songbird melodies and acoustic runs, songstress Jhené Aiko released her most interpersonal masterpiece last week.
The creative firework is entitled, “Souled Out,” a play on words that creates a second thought for her listeners.
But there is no mystery behind the origin of the debut album’s title. The inspiration behind it is the thought of ones soul leaving the body and roaming freely as energy.
In this album, the songbird pays homage to her deceased brother who she believes is still with her and her daughter who she promises that if anything happens to her, she will be alright, in a song called, “Promises.”
In “Wading,” Aiko takes the act of walking through water and actually “waiting” and combine them both as she waits for her over. She refers to turning blue from the act, creating a visual of her holding her breath under the water and from that, turning blue as if she was running out of air, close to dying due to lack of oxygen. Ultimately, Aiko expresses that this is the feeling that she feels when dealing with a lover as she continues to try to show that she is “as good as it gets,” but yet, “not perfect.”
The ultimate soul “out of body experience,” the rest of the album focuses on “good vibes only” and how she no longer regrets the mistakes in the pass and how she realizes that everything happens for a reason and if one does not experience life then one can not truly grow; the album being evidence of mental and musical growth.
Jazmine Scott, a junior health care administration major from Madison, Miss. said, “I think she is progressing. Her music is a lot different than what it once was. I think she is the next female Drake.”
Coming from a family with a background in the music industry, Aiko is no stranger to the music world. The singer/songwriter has two sisters who are also in the music industry, including Mila J, Miss “Smoke, Drink, Breakup” herself.
Aiko began getting national attention after releasing a mix tape called “Sailing Souls” and after being featured on Drake’s “From Time” track and performing on tour with him.
Kori Conerly, a sophomore marketing major from Saginaw, Mich. said, “I loved it. I expected nothing less from her. I think she is just talking about more real stuff. Her first album is more about heartbreak and this one is more personal.”
Already having a video for “The Pressure,” a single off the just released album, Aiko foreshadows what her fans and the music industry can expect from her this year.
The next female Drake or not, Jhené Aiko continues to make a name for herself.
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