Billboard recently sat down with Jhene Aiko and Big Sean to talk about their collaborative project Twenty88.
In the article, the new duo share their experience of playing the role of lovers as well as the recording process.
Check out an excerpt below:
Why did you decide to form Twenty88?
Jhené Aiko Whenever I come out for one of Sean’s shows or vice versa, people come up and say, “You guys should do a whole project together!” So it was like, “OK!”
Big Sean A lot of people don’t get along when it comes to collabs. A lot of things have been forced by the powers. But this is the furthest thing from that. Jhené is more than just a friend. I don’t know how else to describe it — me and her are just cool like that. I love her and I know she loves me. I was down to make that commitment — something that will last and be different from the rest.
Aiko He made sure I committed to it. Because I have a lot going on with my daughter and just… being crazy! (Laughs.) It’s so rare to find someone you work so well with and that you’re actually close to.
Sean, you take your singing to a new level on the album.
Sean That was one of the things I loved most: I got to try new things. I intend to sing more in my career.
Aiko Sean did a reference for a song for me — he sang so beautifully.
You play lovers on the album. As friends, was that hard?
Aiko I don’t really make love songs or sexual songs — I don’t usually deal with those emotions. A lot of my songs are dark and sad. So this was fun, to put myself into another character.
Sean The things we learned in our past relationships, the ups and downs, we were able to channel all that.
My two-cents: I find it interesting that when no one realized that Jhene was married, they played up the possibility of them dating. But when stories arose that Jhene’s husband wasn’t too pleased with the shenanigans, this article was very clear to refer to them as best friends.
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