Jhene Aiko Raps In A New Solo Version Of “Stay Ready (What A Life)”: Listen

Christina Lee | May 29, 2014 7:26 am

Jhene Aiko reintroduces herself in a new solo version of “Stay Ready (What A Life).” The original version, off her 2013 EP Sail Out, featured a verse by Kendrick Lamar – fitting, as Aiko surfaced on a number of Black Hippy projects prior to its release. This new take, released today (May 29), features bars written by Lamar but performed by Aiko herself, credited as J Henny. (“It’s me off that Henny,” she says.)

Aiko can often sound distant, with her understated R&B murmur paired with the Fisticuffs‘ stark production, to where Sail Out can feel a little one-note. That said, along with her enduring Hot 100 hit “The Worst,” this revised version of “Stay Ready” is proof that Aiko’s fighting that urge while staying true to her minimalistic tendencies – sounding at peace one moment, in charge the next. Here’s to hoping that J Henny pops up in her debut album Souled Out, due this summer.

Hear Jhene Aiko’s solo version of “Stay Ready (What a Life)” after the jump.

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