Westside Whimsy is the fourth studio album by the American singer and songwriter Jhené Aiko. It was released on September 11, 2026, by ArtClub International and Def Jam Recordings. Six years following the release of her previous studio album Chilombo (2020), Aiko surprise announced the album on her social media the week of its release. The album includes collaborations with Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar, Larry June, Ohma, and Tyga.
Contents
Background
Shortly after the release of her third studio album, Chilombo (2020), Aiko intended to embark on the Magic Hour Tour. However, it was subsequently cancelled following lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, during her hiatus from music, Aiko re-released her 2011 mixtape Sailing Soul(s) to all streaming platforms to honor the project's 10-year anniversary. In 2022, Aiko gave birth to her second child and son Noah with rapper Big Sean.
In a 2026 interview with Complex, Aiko described that the album as "laid-back", which is heavily influenced by 1990s music. The album was also inspired by her hometown in California, with elements of West Coast culture and surf culture. Aiko stated: "When I think of California, it's just such a magical place and I love a good road trip and I've been doing them for many years."
Release and promotion
On November 18, 2025, Aiko released a single "Break", which would appear on the album. In January 2026, in partnership with Erewhon, she announced her sixth studio album, Westside Whimsy, teasing the album's title. On September 8, 2026, Aiko surprise announced Westside Whimsy on all social media platforms the week of the album's release. A day after, she revealed the album's track list consisting of 20 tracks.
Personnel
Credits were adapted from Spotify.