Rap-Up.com || Rap-Up TV: Jhené Aiko Talks ‘Souled Out’ Debut, Love for Kid Cudi and Tupac

Jhené Aiko takes Rap-Up TV on her journey from being signed to Sony/Epic at the age of 12 to touring with B2K to meeting up with No I.D., who brought her to Def Jam. Now at 24, the much-buzzed-about singer has found her own lane and is working on her debut album Souled Out with some help from No I.D. (Kanye West, Nas), KeY Wane (“Amen”), and the Fisticuffs, who produced the majority of her 2011 mixtape Sailing Soul(s). She is also eyeing a collabo with Big Sean (Jhené has recorded a song for his next album) and some Top Dawg Entertainment artists.

Kid Cudi is at the top of her wish list. “That’s pretty much one of the only people that I listen to consistently. No matter what he puts out, I’m one of those fans. He can do no wrong in my eyes,” said Jhené, who would also like to collaborate with Eminem and Kendrick Lamar.

One artist who’s had a major impact on her career is Tupac Shakur. “He’s an icon for speaking your mind and being you even if it’s controversial,” shared the L.A. native. “He’s been a big inspiration for me just to stick to who I am and to actually stand for something through music.”

Just last month, Jhené lost her older brother to cancer. She penned the touching tribute “For My Brother” in his honor and played it for him on the day he passed away. “It was really special for me and I’m just glad that he got to hear it,” she said.

For more on Jhené, check out her latest music video for “3:16AM.”

Posted in Kid Cudi, Rap-Up TV, Tupac Shakur | Permalink

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12 Comments

nicole
August 21st, 2012 at 8:17 am
she sounds and looks like cassie when she was at her beginning. just so much prettier and more real

[Reply]
A$$ Reply:
August 21st, 2012 at 7:11 pm
@nicole, err I was with you until you said “prettier and more real”. Jhene Aiko has more talent than Cassie, but no way in hell is she hotter. Jhene Aiko is connected with B2K…lame…..

[Reply]
Bluieez Jo Pa25 Boy Reply:
August 22nd, 2012 at 12:10 am
@nicole, she sounds Like herself Not Nobody else

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Yup
August 21st, 2012 at 9:08 am
Love her and wish her the best. She is so humble and chill,

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MusiqLover
August 21st, 2012 at 10:23 am
Love love love this girl. Can’t wait for new music and the album. Her mixtape is dope.

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cmd
August 21st, 2012 at 10:59 am
she’s perfect

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Be3000
August 21st, 2012 at 12:23 pm
she’s real

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Bluieez Jo Pa25 Boy
August 22nd, 2012 at 12:09 am
nice

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tell'em
August 22nd, 2012 at 12:17 am
Can’t wait for her album. Shes really talented and I love how real she is. She’s not trying to impress anyone.

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Vee
August 26th, 2012 at 1:26 am
ahh :) I LOVE THIS GIRL HER VOICE IS LONG OVER DUE HER MUSIC IS AMAZING I HAVE BEEN A BIG FAN FOR A LONG TIME AND I LOVE HER MIXTAPE EVERY SONG. MY CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO HER AND HER FAMILY SHE IS SO PRETTY

[Reply]
Rap-Up.com || New Music: Jhené Aiko – ‘Everything Must Go’
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[...] is gearing up to release her Def Jam debut Souled Out, which is set to feature appearances from Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul. “I swear I pour my [...]
Naption New Music: Jhené Aiko – ‘Everything Must Go’ » Naption
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[...] is gearing up to release her Def Jam debut Souled Out, which is set to feature appearances from Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul. “I swear I pour my [...]