Jhené Aiko Returns with Los Angeles-Inspired Album 'Westside Whimsy'
Jhené Aiko released her fourth studio album, "Westside Whimsy," on Friday, her first since 2020's "Chilombo." The 20-track project pays homage to her hometown and includes collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Tyga, and Larry June. The album features the ethereal ballad "So Good" with Lamar.
The 20-track project is Aiko's first full-length release since her 2020 album "Chilombo," which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. It serves as a tribute to her Los Angeles roots, featuring a roster of fellow California artists.
The album opens with a brief jazz snippet and includes a meditative closing track celebrating the city's resilience. Alongside the Lamar collaboration, it features contributions from Ab-Soul, Tyga, and Larry June, with varied tempos ranging from midtempo grooves to slower, ethereal ballads.
This release could reinvigorate interest in West Coast R&B, as Aiko's collaboration with high-profile peers like Kendrick Lamar may draw crossover audiences. The album's meditative and introspective tracks could offer listeners a soothing counterpoint to mainstream pop, potentially influencing trends toward slower, more atmospheric production. Additionally, the project may solidify Aiko's enduring relevance in a rapidly shifting music landscape.