On Tuesday, (Sept. 9) the L.A. songbird Jhene Aiko finally released her debut album, Souled Out. The album was skimp on collaborations (and we aren’t complaining) but there are some musicians that Jhene may need to consider hopping on a track with. The sailing soul has no problems holding her own on a track, but when she does do collaborations (like with Drake and J. Cole) they come out stellar.
Flip through to see 11 other artists we wouldn’t mind Ms. Aiko doing a song with.
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Sade
Jhene has been deemed hip hop’s Sade due to the similarity of their gentle, soft voices. Why not put these two on a track so they can make angelic sounding music together?
If you saw their 2014 BET Awards performance (we hope you did) of Jhene’s hit single “The Worst” then you know they had great chemistry while on stage. Jhene was able to keep up with the “All of Me” singer and step out of her comfort zone of singing so softly, and we liked that. It would be sonically pleasing to have these two transfer their chemistry into the studio to crank out a hit.
Mila J
Since they are sisters and all they both share delicate vocals, but when it comes to their personal and lyrical deliverances, they have styles of their own. Jhene gives off hippie vibes while her big sis is more hip-hop inspired. A collabo between the two is destined to be a hit.
Pharrell Williams
Whether Pharrell is on the production side or hops in the booth to lay some vocals, he would bring out a vibrant side of Jhene with some of his bright, retro inspired production or by meshing his warm, smooth voice with hers.
Justin Timberlake
Justin and Jhene’s voice would mesh well together over an acoustic instrumental, which is right of the 26-year-old songstress’ alley.
The combination of Jhene’s ethereal voice and Chris’ impactful sound would birth an gripping experience sonically. And yes, we know there’s one on Breezy’s brand new album, X, but we’d like another!
Jay Z
Hova would go best on a remix of one of Ms. Aiko’s hots with a boom-bap twist (like Mya’s “Best of Me” remix).
DJ Mustard
Some of Mustard’s best production is heard when he slows the beat down to ooze a more mellow vibe. He would have to craft an instrumental that is tender with bright sounding pianos and gentle percussion to compliment her ethereal voice.
On wax, Jhene is usually laid back and doesn’t turn up much. Teaming up on the “2 On” singer would push Jhene to put her hippy aura on the shelf show her wild side.
Usher
A ballad would suit this duo just fine. Or maybe a mid-tempo tune with a bounce courtesy of Jermaine Durpi. Either way, we would surely fall it love with it.
Wale
Mix his poetic spiel about love with her heartfelt reflections about her past relationships and we would have a hit.
Trey can get Jhene to tap into her sexy side. She has much sex appeal but she doesn’t exude it on wax. Getting in the studio with Trey Songz would surely bring it out of her.