Jhené Aiko Returns After 6 Years: New Album 'Westside Whimsy' Out Friday

Jhené Aiko has officially announced her upcoming album, titled 'Westside Whimsy.' This highly anticipated release is scheduled for Friday, September 11th, marking a significant return for the Grammy-nominated singer after a hiatus of over six years. The album's cover art, featuring Aiko with crystal tears, was revealed alongside the announcement made on Tuesday, September 8th.

Inspiration for 'Westside Whimsy' stems from the vibrant culture of the 1990s and Aiko's deep connection to her home state, California. She has previously mentioned the influence of West Coast car culture, surfing, and a generally laid-back, beachy vibe, drawing parallels to magical road trips. This thematic influence was hinted at earlier in the year when she collaborated on a smoothie named Westside Whimsy.

Aiko's last album, 'Chilombo,' was released in March 2020, just before the global COVID-19 pandemic began. 'Chilombo' achieved significant success, debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and earning a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. The announcement of 'Westside Whimsy' has already garnered enthusiastic responses from fellow artists.