Jhené Aiko Celebrates Souled Out 10th Anniversary with Platinum Certification

A decade after its original release, Jhené Aiko’s debut studio album Souled Out has officially been certified Platinum by the RIAA, marking over one million units sold. Originally released on September 9, 2014, Souled Out is a deeply personal and spiritually charged record that blended elements of neo-soul, ambient pop, and alternative R&B. The album introduced Aiko's unique style to a broader audience and solidified her as a key voice in contemporary R&B. Its success was immediate, debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and topping the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart with first-week sales exceeding 70,000 copies.

Over time, Souled Out has continued to resonate with fans, earning several additional RIAA certifications in 2024. “Eternal Sunshine” and “Remember” have both achieved Gold status. “Eternal Sunshine” stands out as one of Aiko’s most poignant tracks, with its reflective lyrics exploring themes of memory and loss. Despite not charting on the Billboard Hot 100, the track has steadily grown in popularity, amassing over 60 million streams on Spotify and more than 25 million views on YouTube. Similarly, “Remember,” with its haunting melody and introspective lyricism, also reached Gold status, bolstered by its place in the hearts of Aiko’s dedicated fanbase.

In addition to these Gold certifications, three tracks from Souled Out—“W.A.Y.S.,” “Blue Dream,” and “Spotless Mind”—have gone Platinum. “W.A.Y.S.,” an acronym for “Why Aren’t You Smiling?”, was written in memory of Aiko’s brother, Miyagi, who passed away in 2012. The song, which is a heartfelt tribute to his memory, has become one of Aiko’s signature tracks and a fan favorite during her live performances. The track’s enduring message of resilience and personal strength has helped it accumulate over 100 million streams on Spotify, making its Platinum certification a significant milestone.

“Spotless Mind” and “Blue Dream” have similarly maintained strong listener engagement over the years. “Spotless Mind,” with its dreamy guitar riffs and introspective lyrics, explores themes of love and personal growth, and its music video has amassed over 30 million views on YouTube. The track now boasts over 150 million Spotify streams, solidifying its place in Aiko’s catalog as one of her most beloved songs. “Blue Dream” also reached Platinum status, underscoring its slow but steady rise in popularity. Both songs reflect Aiko’s signature style—ethereal, deeply personal, and rooted in emotional complexity.

These certifications come at a time when Jhené Aiko’s career has continued to evolve and flourish. Her 2020 album Chilombo earned three Grammy nominations, including one for Album of the Year, further cementing her status as a key figure in modern R&B. Chilombo featured a blend of her signature introspective lyricism with more experimental elements, such as the use of sound healing techniques like crystal singing bowls. Aiko’s ability to consistently innovate while staying true to her core sound has made her one of the most respected and influential artists in the genre.

In addition to her solo work, Aiko has also become known for her wide range of collaborations with top artists across different genres. She has worked with the likes of Big Sean (with whom she formed the duo TWENTY88), Drake, Childish Gambino, and John Legend. Her versatility and skill in seamlessly moving between genres—whether it be R&B, hip-hop, or alternative music—have earned her widespread acclaim.