Jhené Aiko Covers Tupac's 'Keep Ya Head Up' for Rap-Up Sessions
In addition to debuting her summertime single “Bed Peace,” Jhené Aiko paid homage to one of her favorite artists, Tupac Shakur, by covering his 1993 hit “Keep Ya Head Up” for Rap-Up Sessions. During her visit to our Hollywood studio, the pretty and petite songstress put an acoustic spin on the hip-hop classic, which she performs live on tour.
The L.A. native grew up listening to the rap legend on the radio. “I think he’s a global icon for speaking your mind, being controversial, and just having something to say in your music,” she told Rap-Up TV. “He had it all—the look, the music, and he really stood for something. Even if you just wanna make the world happy or make ’em dance, it should be for a reason and not just for personal gain, and I think he really took responsibility for that. He knew the power in music.”
Aside from “Keep Ya Head Up,” her favorite ‘Pac song is “I Get Around.” “If I’m feelin’ sad I’ll put on ‘Keep Ya Head Up,’ but if I’m feelin’ like I just wanna have fun or if it’s a nice summer day, I’ll put on ‘I Get Around.'”
Jhené will release her EP Sail Out later this summer with appearances from Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar, and her rap alter ego J. Hennessy.