Jhene Aiko On Her 'Trip' Album Going Under the Radar: 'It's Not About The Accolades and Attention'

Jhene Aiko is picture perfect while striking a pose at her Jhene Aiko 2Fish Poetry Book Launch Celebration on Tuesday (December 19) in Los Angeles.

The poetry book is a compilation of untitled poems that the 29-year-old singer started at the age of 16 until now, displaying her growth as a person and layered personality, according to Billboard. 2Fish‘s release is accompanied by a world-wide book tour, making stops in New York City, San Francisco, Paris and London.

While promoting the book, Jhene opened up about her latest album Trip going under the radar. “I feel like with [Trip] — I was working so long on it and there’s so many layers to it — it did feel a little like, ‘Oh, hey, no one noticed all the hard work I put into it’,” Jhene expressed. “At the end of the day I have to check in with myself and ask why do I really make music? What is really important to me? I feel like the things I read and the things I practice and the person I want to be — it’s not about the accolades and attention.”

“Because I’m in the business, it’s something you want and have a desire [for], to be nominated for a Grammy and be at the top of everyone’s list,” Jhene added. “I just have to realize that with the path I’m on, those things aren’t important. It feels good to be acknowledged and have your hard work celebrated. It’s a humbling experience that I’ve dealt with for many years. I’m probably the most humbled person in the world.”