Jhené Aiko is finally back — and after six years away from the album game, she’s bringing a little West Coast magic with her.
The R&B singer announced Tuesday that her highly anticipated new studio album, “Westside Whimsy,” will arrive this Friday, Sept. 11, through Def Jam Recordings.
Aiko revealed the news on social media alongside the project’s cover art, which shows a close-up of the singer against a teal backdrop, complete with crystal teardrops.
The album marks her first full-length project since “Chilombo,” which arrived in March 2020.
And Aiko knows fans have been waiting.
“You guys so much has happened in the last 6 years ..I’m so excited and nervous to share this with you,” she wrote on Instagram. “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 first began teasing the “Westside Whimsy” era back in January through a collaboration with Erewhon Market, where she launched a limited-run smoothie carrying the same name.
Then, during a California wellness retreat in April, the singer offered a glimpse into what inspired the sound of the upcoming project.
She pointed to the influence of ’90s music, West Coast car culture, surfing, beaches and California’s laid-back atmosphere.
“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.
Long road trips and what she described as the magical atmosphere of California also helped shape the album.
Now, that vision is almost ready for public consumption.
The announcement immediately drew excitement from fellow artists, with Kehlani, H.E.R., Ella Mai and Chloe Bailey among those offering support in the comments.
For fans who have spent years waiting for Aiko’s ethereal R&B sound and soulful storytelling to return to the album format, the wait is officially almost over.
“Westside Whimsy” lands Friday, Sept. 11 — and Jhené Aiko is finally ready to let the world hear what took six years to make.
