It’s been quite some time in the making, but r&b songstress Jhene Aiko has finally released her hotly anticipated third studio album, Chilombo.
The brand new project features the first single “P*$$y Fairy (OTW),” and features appearances from Big Sean, H.E.R., Miguel, Future and more.
“I make music for healing purposes, for myself,” Aiko told Essence last month. “It’s like journaling or when people paint. It’s sort of an escape. It’s turning pain or frustration into something; into art. Sharing it is also therapeutic because when people express to you that they are relating to it, you’re like, ‘Oh, I’m not alone in what I’m going through.'”
Speaking to Billboard ahead of the album’s release, Aiko revealed that the album isn’t just about music — there’s some extra magic at play when it comes to Chilombo.
“[This album] is an introduction to sound bowls for people who don’t really know about them — this is me introducing my newfound love. The bowls I use are crystal alchemy sound bowls made from gemstones and infused with things like platinum or made out of rubies and diamonds — and all of these different elements and properties contribute to their healing factors,” she explained.
“I basically was recording and had a session at my house where I just played different bowls to the music; every chakra has a note that corresponds with it. For instance, on “P*$$Y Fairy (OTW),” there’s actually two bowls in there: There’s a D bowl and there’s an A bowl, and they’re both playing and resonating within your body when you’re listening to that song.”
