With the surprise of their new group, Twenty88, and subsequent album set to drop on Friday, Big Sean and Jhené Aiko covered Flaunt Magazine and discussed how the duo came about.
Throughout the interview, which had Jhené in New Zealand and Sean in Los Angeles video conferencing in, their chemistry is highlighted: “The whole idea of the man and woman duet” Aiko continues, “Especially a whole project, is just good for people to see. That duality is a perfect combination.”
The story went on to discuss the inner workings of the album —most of it was recorded at Big Sean’s house in Hollywood Hills. The album will come along with a short film, where the two will play “adult film stars”:
“It’s a ’70s aesthetic, but we’re in the future.” Aiko explains. They draw from various influences—Blaxploitation films like Coffy (1973)—where a smart, strong Pam Grier empowers herself and goes vigilante against organized crime—and Roger Moore’s Bond films—style, luxury, and debonair masculinity are definitive parts of Sean’s undeniable appeal—and even 2015’s sci-fi Ex Machina.
But in terms of how close they are? According to the story, they went on a date before in 2012. Now?
Chemistry aside, they both insist that they’re single and just enjoying each other’s company. “It was fun for me to do something that was not so serious as far as me telling all of my deepest, darkest thoughts and being extra introspective. I don’t really record love songs. I usually express it when it’s gone bad. It was good to have songs from when it was a happy moment. It’s us having fun. And it’s also a look into our future too, you know, maybe…”
Now here we were thinking Jhené married Dot Da Genius…….
Read the whole story and check out the whole photoshoot on Flaunt‘s website.
