With the success of her “Sail Out EP” and notable features with artists like Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, and Childish Gambino, Jhené Aiko has given the world a project that is nothing short from personal.

In a very courageous and bold way, the Hip-hop/R&B; singer and songwriter released her debut album “Souled Out” on Sept. 9.

Aiko exemplifies the concept of finding oneself with her heart-felt lyrics and breathy vocals.

Featured on the album are 14 intimate tracks that all pour out with heavy emotions over mid-tempo, mellow beats. A bass infused “Limbo Limbo Limbo” starts the album off expressing uncertain feelings in a past relationship of Aiko’s. The use of wordplay exists through the word limbo, describing a place between Heaven and Hell where Jhené finds herself dealing with the hardships she has been given in life.

The first single, “The Pressure,” deals with the pressure she is faced with to make it in the music industry, to maintain healthy relationships, and to ultimately keep it real with her fans.

In response to a tweet from a fan, she shares that “Promises” is the best song she thinks she has written. Featured on the track’s intro are her late brother, Miyagi, and her daughter, Namiko. This emotional track has Jhené making a promise to her daughter that she’ll be the best mother she possibly can be and promising her brother that she will make it despite the pain she feels from his absence when he lost his battle with brain cancer.

To wrap up the album, “Pretty Bird (Freestyle)” featuring Common, reminds one to not lose oneself in pain and to keep persevering. The term “Pretty Bird” refers to someone with given talents, beauty, and personality that has been through hard times and is losing sight of their goals or self much like Jhené during her hard times.

In a world full pop music that sounds seemingly the same, Jhené has found her individuality and creativity as an urban solo artist.