The writing, recording and producing of the EP began shortly after Aiko was signed to Def Jam in 2012. In 2012, Aiko met with American record producer and vice president of A&R at Def Jam, No I.D., who signed Aiko to his Artium Records imprint, through Def Jam. After leaving Sony Records, Aiko released her first mixtape Sailing Soul(s) (2011), independently the mixtape featured appearances from well-known artists and was met with generally positive reviews. It will be Aiko's first release under the label after leaving her contract with Sony Music Entertainment in 2003. Sail Out is that unexpected encounter with an old acquaintance: it’s pleasant, but at the same time, you’re often not stressing to relive it.Sail Out is the debut extended play (EP) by American recording artist Jhené Aiko, released on November 12, 2013, through Def Jam Recordings.

Similarly, the guest rappers - Vince Staples, Ab-Soul, and a decent Childish Gambino - come and go without adding anything substantial. Hooks don’t stick like they’re supposed to, as on the forgettable faux-independent “The Worst”. Sail Out never quite excels, though, because those big moments are all too few. When combined with twinkling production (“The Vapors”, “Stay Ready (What A Life)”) and airy tension (“WTH”, “3:16am”), Aiko’s presence produces an easy, lived-in experience. That matter-of-fact relatability is both her trump card and a liability. Later, on finale “Comfort Inn Ending (Freestyle)”, one of Sail Out’s most emotional tracks and a highlight: “And I should’ve never fucked you on a boat on your birthday/ And I never would’ve came into your house in the first place/ If I would’ve known that you would hurt me like in the worst way.” It’s not inward reflection as much as just not having found the right guy. Aiko is simplistic about her demands on the Childish Gambino-featuring “Bed Peace”: “You show up right away/ We make love then and then we fuck/ And then you’d give me my space.” She doesn’t seek much transcendence. The sensual singing works with a lyrical directness that’s sometime acute, sometime girlish. Not to discredit Aiko’s talent as a singer, but Sail Out forgoes vocal conviction for coy, soothing intimacy. That said, she doesn’t overwhelm with talent like Lamar does, her performances - like much of Sail Out - merely “just right.” Aiko is similar in her reserve, as her only sign of actually being the femme fatale she’s trying to be lies in her focused gaze and arched eyebrows. Lamar plays the humble, everyman who’ll paradoxically show off his world-beating rhyme skill. Much like Kendrick Lamar (a feature on Aiko’s new album, Sail Out), her persona contrasts her actions. Jhene Aiko isn’t the best upcoming R&B artist, but she is one of the most accessible.

Jhené aiko sail out