The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, selling 70,000 copies doubling the first week sales of her debut EP the album also debuted at number one on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and US R&B Albums. Aiko served as the albums executive producer and wrote the albums lyrics, she contracted four key producers to contribute with production and help create a cohesive sound.Īn anticipated release, the album was released to commercial and critical success. A concept album, Souled Out features the evolution of a woman's heartbreak before becoming enlightened, the album features lyrics that revolve around relationships, life lessons, philosophies and truths. Its songs are loosely structured and feature electronic guitar sounds, synths, drums, and atmospheric noises. Souled Out is an PBR&B album with a diverse musical style that incorporates psychedelic music, R&B, neo soul, hip hop and elements of electronica. Following her record deal, Aiko immediately began working on the album during the recording process, Aiko released her debut EP Sail Out (2013), to bridge the gap between her mixtape and the album. After raising her profile with the mixtape, Aiko met with record producer No I.D., and subsequently secured a recording contract with his newly found record label imprint, Artium.
After leaving Epic Records in 2003, Aiko took a hiatus from her music career and returned in 2011, with the release of her debut mixtape Sailing Soul(s). Souled Out is the debut studio album by American R&B recording artist Jhené Aiko, released on Septemby Def Jam and ARTium Recordings.