On Thursday night while you were probably sleeping to go to work on Friday, Jhene Aiko dropped a surprise album. One feature on Aiko's new project, Trip, would stand out in particular as the ultimate collaboration for music enthusiasts. Aiko and Brandy's "Ascension" lyrics are poignant enough to give you all the feels, but just having these two legendary black women on a track together has sent fans into hysterics.
The soulful tune, which appears to be about rising above life's dramas, has quickly become a personal favorite for many fans of both Aiko and Brandy. Aiko, herself a longtime fan of the '90s singer, recently revealed to Billboard that Brandy had a huge influence on her career, saying, “She has the perfect voice.”
After listening to the single, it's easy to see why "Ascension" has gained so much social media attention from fans. The pairing of Aiko's and Brandy's voices is magical, while the lyrics offer an inspiring message that's easily relatable to many. The song kicks off with introspective questioning:
"What do you do it for?
What are you running for?
What are you running towards?
What are you trying to prove?
What do you got to lose?
What is the path you choose?"
It then moves onto the repetitive chorus about making mistakes and wrong turns:
"I lost my way
I lost my way again"
The first verse mentions an awakening inspired by someone, perhaps a spiritual deity, showing up to provide direction:
"Then you showed up and I got up
Yeah, sort of
Found my way again"
And then the chorus returns, using heaven and hell as metaphors for the highs and lows in life:
"I’m on my way, I’m on my way
I’m on my way, I’m on my way to heaven
I’m on my way, I’m on my way
I’m on my way, if I can make it out of this hell
I know I can and I know I will"
The second verse appears to be speaking about self love and spirituality:
"I know of a cover girl
From another in the world
Analog, not digital
Invisible and spiritual
One, now I got a love"
And then the chorus repeats once again before the outro reminds everyone that being down will only last for so long.
All in all, Trip features 22 tracks, with other guest appearances from artists like Big Sean, Swae Lee and Kurupt. But it's this collaboration with Brandy in particular that had fans screaming.
1. Soul Snatched
One Twitter user had to be excused upon hearing the news about Aiko and Brandy's collaboration.
2. Extreme Joy
Another fan couldn't even handle the excitement.
3. Instant Gratification
This person decided to get straight to the point.
4. Attitude Of Gratitude
This fan was extremely grateful for the Brandy feature.
5. Amazing Space
Meanwhile, this user was happy for about the impact that new music is having on the world.
6. Wiggin' Out
This user nearly lost a hairpiece amid the news. We've all been there.
The arrival of Trip comes just one day after the singer released a short film of the same name, in which she starred and co-directed alongside Girls' Trip writer Tracy Oliver. The new project is Aiko's first solo release since the success of her breakout album Souled Out in 2014.
It's safe to say that "Ascension" will be on repeat as fans continue to revel in the news of Jhene Aiko's surprise album release. After enduring three long years without solo music from the 29-year-old entertainer, most will agree that Trip was definitely worth the wait.
