After leaving Epic Records in 2003, Aiko took a hiatus from her music career and returned in 2011, with the release of her debut mixtape Sailing Soul(s).

In 2011, she released her debut mixtape Sailing Soul(s), which was received well by critics and was certified Gold by mixtape-sharing website DatPiff, for downloads of 100,000.

The EP was met with positive reviews from critics and debuted at number eight on the US Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 34,000 copies in the United States.

[6][7] Aiko stated that she was working on the album every day either recording or writing, but is taking her time as she doesn't want "to put out some nonsense".

[8] During the album's recording Aiko set up workshops in which she and the producers would talk about the songs in order to create a cohesive sound and the belief that the music is "from one artist and this culmination of minds that share the same vision".

[9] In April 2014, Aiko began recording her interviews in order to put something together to show her fan base the process of the album and "the work that went into it, and little random things".

[15] In November 2013, during an interview with Vice, Aiko stated that the album's production was done and all that was needed was finished touches and mixing; she also revealed that she would still continue to record new material.

Aiko's newfound style lies somewhere between the soothing sounds of Sade and what can be nebulously described as "future R&B," a broad spectrum of pioneering music-makers making tunes best served in the midnight hour, including The Weeknd, Tinashe and FKA Twigs.

An alternative R&B album, Souled Out explores a variety of genres including psychedelic music, classic R&B and hip hop.

[19] The album's songs blend the neo soul, hip hop and electronica genres into downbeat, loosely structured soundscapes according to Julia Leconte of Now.

[19] Stern noted the album's production as having stretches of instrumentation that contain slow-burning and "honey-soaked" melodies, flowing from start to finish, comparative to a "modern meditative chant".

[22] Dana Moran of RedEye described Aiko's voice as "velvety", continuing to call her vocals "husky and sleek, guarded and seductive".

[9] The album also touches upon vulnerable insights of Aiko's personal life such as her fears as a single parent and the death of her brother Miyagi.

[17] In an in-depth review of the album's lyrics Ken Capobianco of The Boston Globe wrote; The set is smartly conceived with a finely calibrated continuity as her songs reflect a young woman in search of life's foundations; through 14 tracks she traces the vicissitudes of love, journeying from promise through hurt into hope.

and Dot da Genius, create expansive, inventive tracks that mirror the allure of her lithe vocals and intimate phrasing.

is built over crashing sounds over a hip hop production and contains underlying string instruments and echoed drumbeats, with lyrics that speak about Aiko having a "bright future" and for her to shake "off negative thoughts.

[33] The song is predominately an R&B track that is backed by a "funky bass, gentle rhythm and acoustic guitars" inspired by soft rock.

[35] "It's Cool" is a breezy R&B track that contains bluesy riff and instrumentals and lyrically describes Aiko developing love for a man who was initially just a physical interest.

"[29] "Wading" is a mid tempo song,[25] with a "dreamy" production, lyrically Aiko speaks on the idea of a man watching the girl he wants drift away because he's afraid to step up and be great.

[37] "The Pressure" is an alternative R&B song built over a hip-hop production, containing guitars and synths, and backed by "metallic slaps and a shaky beat.

[40] "Promises" contains an electric guitar infused backdrop provided by Norwegian electronic duo Röyksopp; the song also features vocals from her late brother.

[50] During Aiko's performance in April at the 2014 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, she premiered a live rendition of "Spotless Mind" including her band and a string quartet.

[67] The month-long tour started December 2, in Washington, D.C., with stops in New York, Philadelphia, Toronto, Chicago, and two dates at L.A.'s Club Nokia.

[68] On February 13, 2015, Aiko was announced as a special guest on the European leg of rapper J. Cole's Forest Hills Drive Tour.

"[75] Pitchfork's Craig Jenkins concluded "Souled Out capably buffs Jhené Aiko's strengths and shellacks her faults, but the moments where she steps out into the depth of her story transcend the synergy of a group of musicians with good chemistry.

"[77] Marcus K. Dowling of HipHopDX felt Aiko's writing was "intentionally simple and evocative", continuing to say "you're as much sucked into wondering just what she's going to say next as much as you just want to hear a high-quality song.

and Dot da Genius, create expansive, inventive tracks that mirror the allure of her lithe vocals and intimate phrasing.

"[25] Erin Lowers from XXL called Aiko and the album a "breath of fresh air in a musical sea that's often changing tides and taking artists with it.

"[19] Rick Florino of Artistdirect named Aiko as one of musics most "important voices", continuing to note Souled Out as being one of 2014's best albums.

[18] In a more mixed review Julia Leconte of Now said "It's nice to see Aiko atypically solo (Common provides the only rap feature), but more variety would be welcome.