Jhene Aiko talks Not Selling Sex, Childish Gambino, Drake, Pretty Bird, Nas + More

by @NickHuffBarili · September 29

Exclusive in-depth interview with Jhene Aiko. In part 3 Jhene talks to Nick Huff Barili about why she chose to only have one rap feature in her album as opposed to her ep which featured many rappers. Jhene details that the only rap feature on Souled Out was Common on the albums final track Pretty Bird. After talking about how she made Pretty Bird, Jhene goes on to share her thoughts of Childish Gambino’s recent statement that Rap is done. “I just fell like the lines are being blurred. There is no such thing as a rapper any more. Every rapper sings now. Every singer raps now. They play the guitar. I think everyone is just experimenting and sort of drawing from all the things that we are exposed to which is everything.” While stating that she doesn’t find herself in competition with any other artists in particular, Jhene states that she is inspired by male rappers like Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Jay Z more so than R&B artist. “I consider myself a lyricist and so I am definitely inspired by a lot rappers because all they have is their words….The lyrics are the most important thing to me.” When asked about the current state of R&B Jhene states “Specially with female artists it’s all about selling sex and selling your body. The emphasis is not on the music or what you are saying.” The interview ends with Jhene sharing her experience of touring with Nas and Drake.