Jhené Aiko has officially ended her six-year hiatus, announcing that her highly anticipated new studio album, “Westside Whimsy,” will be released this Friday, Sept. 11.
The announcement came via social media Tuesday, where Aiko shared the project’s cover art featuring a close-up of the singer against a teal backdrop, adorned with crystal teardrops. The album, released through Def Jam Recordings, marks her first full-length effort since the critically acclaimed “Chilombo,” which debuted in March 2020.
Aiko first introduced the “Westside Whimsy” title to fans in January through a collaboration with the high-end grocer Erewhon Market, where she launched a limited-run smoothie of the same name. During a California wellness retreat in April, the 38-year-old artist offered insight into the sonic direction of the project, citing heavy influences from her home state and the previous century. “All the music of the ‘90s has really influenced me, but especially West Coast car culture, surfing culture, beach, laid-back,” Aiko said during the retreat.
She added that the magical atmosphere of California and her love for long road trips served as primary inspirations for the new music. The announcement sparked immediate excitement across the music industry, drawing supportive comments from peers including Kehlani, H.E.R., Ella Mai and Chloe Bailey.
“You guys so much has happened in the last 6 years ..I’m so excited and nervous to share this with you. It’s like every time I tried to lock in, life knocked me on my ass. I’m so grateful that I was finally able to finish..love you” Aiko wrote via Instagram.
Fans have spent years waiting for a follow-up to her signature blend of ethereal R&B and soulful storytelling. With “Westside Whimsy” arriving just days after its official announcement, the R&B community is bracing for what Aiko describes as a “magical” tribute to the West Coast. The album will be available on all major streaming platforms this Friday.
