5 Classic Songs From ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist’ Nominee Jhené Aiko
The angelic R&B songbird Jhené Aiko reclaimed her position in the music industry in March 2011 and hasn’t looked back yet since cementing herself as one the of the best in the genre with her angelic vocals and clever lyrics about love and pain.
Jhené is set to go up against several other genre power players including Alicia Keys, Doja Cat ,H.E.R. Jazmine Sullivan, and SZA for the 2021 Soul Train Award for this year’s “Best R&B/Soul Female Artist.” As a refresher course to remind readers of why Jhené earned her nominations, check out a short list of some of her best work.
“Spotless Mind”
This laidback production comes from legendary producer No I.D. The California native debuted this little number during her performance at Coachella and it would later be featured on her debut album Souled Out.
“Sativa” ft Swae Lee
Back with frequent collaborators The Fisticuffs, Jhené released this record as the second single from Trip in early January 2018. The R&B songstress sings about her favorite strain of cannabis--sativa--in this Swae Lee assisted hit.
“The Pressure”
This song demonstrates Jhené’s signature angelic vocals on this deep R&B cut off her 2014 album Souled Out (Deluxe). The song about relationship problems was inspired by the pressures the singer felt to complete her debut album.
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“While We’re Young”
Jhené sings about running away with her lover in the airy tune. She told NPR: "'While We're Young' is my ideal love situation. It's also the feeling of a new love, when you're kind of naïve and first falling in love with someone and super optimistic about everything."
“W.A.Y.S.”
Not everything is about heartaches and relationships. In this track, Jhené reminds us that in tough times “You gotta keep going.” The song's title is an acronym for the singer's late brother Miyagi’s favorite saying, "Why Aren't You Smiling?" Aiko lost her brother to cancer in July 2012.
Watch the 2021 Soul Train Awards on Sunday, November 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.
