Music·Feature

Jhené Aiko Announces 'Westside Whimsy,' Her First Studio Album Since 'Chilombo'

Jhené Aiko has announced her fourth studio album, "Westside Whimsy," set for release on Friday, September 11, via Def Jam Recordings, marking her first full-length project since 2020.

Published: September 9, 2026·Updated: September 10, 2026

Catch up on the essentials

The announcement confirmed a September 11 release date through Def Jam Recordings, making the project her first full-length studio album in more than six years.
The 38-year-old has also expanded into business ventures over the past year, launching her jewelry brand ALEEL and partnering with Erewhon on the signature menu item that shared the album's eventual title.
The announcement drew enthusiastic responses from fellow artists, with Kehlani, Ella Mai, H.E.R., Amine, Blxst, Chloe Bailey and Lauren Jauregui among those leaving comments.

Selected from this article · 2026-09-09

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A Surprise Reveal on Instagram

High-energy band performance on a stage with colorful lights and an engaged crowd.

Jhené Aiko unveiled her fourth studio album, "Westside Whimsy," on Instagram on Tuesday, September 8, sharing the project's cover art — which shows the singer with crystal tears — alongside a short caption reading, "Westside Whimsy (THE ALBUM) out Friday." The announcement confirmed a September 11 release date through Def Jam Recordings, making the project her first full-length studio album in more than six years.

Return After 'Chilombo'

"Westside Whimsy" arrives on the heels of Aiko's third studio album, "Chilombo," which was released on March 6, 2020, via ArtClub International, ARTium Recordings and Def Jam Recordings. "Chilombo" debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 152,000 equivalent album units in its opening week and was certified platinum by the RIAA in January 2021. It earned three Grammy nominations at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Progressive R&B Album.

A Long-Teased Title

Aiko first hinted at the album title in January when she named a collaboration with luxury grocery chain Erewhon "Westside Whimsy." She revisited the phrase at a wellness experience event in April, telling attendees that 1990s music, West Coast car and surfing culture, and her home state of California had shaped her new project. The 38-year-old has also expanded into business ventures over the past year, launching her jewelry brand ALEEL and partnering with Erewhon on the signature menu item that shared the album's eventual title.

Peers React to the News

The announcement drew enthusiastic responses from fellow artists, with Kehlani, Ella Mai, H.E.R., Amine, Blxst, Chloe Bailey and Lauren Jauregui among those leaving comments. Jauregui wrote, "Welcome back, reina!! Can't wait." Aiko has continued releasing collaborative material during her album hiatus, most recently teaming with Larry June on "California Dream," featured on his August album "Who Coppin'."

What Remains Unannounced

As of the album's reveal, Aiko had not shared the tracklist, runtime or any featured artists for "Westside Whimsy," leaving the project largely a mystery ahead of its Friday arrival. Her 2024 compilation "The Magic Hour Collection" collected career-spanning tracks including "The Worst," "Sativa" and "Stay Ready (What a Life)" alongside the single "guidance," which earned Aiko a seventh Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance at the 2025 ceremony.