{{Short description|American R&B singer (born 1982)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Mila J | image = Mila J 2018.png | caption = Mila J performing in 2018 | birth_name = Jamila Akiko Aba Chilombo<ref name=r1>[http://www.projectmilaj.com/ Biography]. projectmilaj.com</ref> | alias = {{flatlist| * Heika * Japollonia * Karate ChopHer }} | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1982|11|18}} | birth_place = Los Angeles, California, U.S.<ref name=bio2>[http://www.billboard.com/artist/311257/mila-j/biography Mila J. Biography]. ''Billboard''</ref> | occupations = {{flatlist| * Singer * rapper * songwriter * dancer }} | years_active = 1991{{ndash}}present | genre = {{flatlist| * R&B * hip hop }} | label = {{flatlist| * Motown * Universal Motown * November Reign * Silent Partner * TUG }} | associated_acts = {{flatlist| * B.o.B * Chris Stokes * IMx * Jhené Aiko * Jodeci * Mýa * Omarion * Young Rome }} | website = {{URL|projectmilaj.com}} }} '''Jamila Akiko Aba Chilombo''' (born November 18, 1982),<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jamila Akikoaba Chilombo, Born 11/18/1982 in California {{!}} CaliforniaBirthIndex.org|url=https://www.californiabirthindex.org/birth/jamila_akikoaba_chilombo_born_1982_15274228|access-date=November 6, 2021|website=californiabirthindex.org}}</ref> known professionally as '''Mila J''', is an American R&B singer and rapper. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she is the older sister of R&B singer Jhené Aiko and is known for being in Prince's video for "Diamonds and Pearls" and appearing on tracks by RaRa, IMx, Trey Songz and Omarion. She released several singles in 2006–2009 under the name "Mila J" and then went on a hiatus for a number of years after the shelving of her original debut studio album, ''Split Personality'', before returning as "Japollonia" in 2012 and then reverting to Mila J a year later.
She was signed to Motown from 2013 to 2017 and released two EPs, ''Made in L.A.'' (2014) and ''213'' (2016) while signed to them. In 2017, she released her official debut album, ''Dopamine''. Mila is now an independent artist.
== Early life == Jamila was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Christina Yamamoto,<ref name=r1 /> an art teacher of African-American and Japanese heritage,<ref name="LA Times">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-mila-j-20170808-story.html|title=Through ups and downs and forgotten girl groups, R&B singer Mila J is still standing tall|date=December 20, 2017|via=LA Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-01-29 |title=Jhené Aiko and the Problem of Multiracial Self-Representation |url=https://discovernikkei.org/en/journal/2019/1/29/jhene-aiko/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Discover Nikkei}}</ref> and Dr. Karamo Chilombo (né Gregory Wycliff Barnes), a pediatrician who performs as a musician under the name Dr. Chill.<ref name="LA Times" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Osoro |first=Yul Vincent |date=2020-12-23 |title=Dr. Karamo Chilombo: 10 quick facts about Jhene Aiko's dad - Tuko.co.ke |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/397750-dr-karamo-chilombo-10-quick-facts-jhene-aikos-dad.html |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=www.tuko.co.ke |language=en}}</ref> Her parents later divorced.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kaykispeaks.com/2011/09/kayki-speaks-with-jhene-aiko-her-road.html |title=KayKi Speaks with Jhene Aiko- Her road to now, incredible new mixtape, & more |publisher=KayKiSpeaks.com |access-date=May 7, 2012}}</ref> She has seven siblings: Miyoko, Jahi, Miyagi, Jhené Aiko, Marcia, Dio, and Kareena.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/tv/music-videos/mila-j-on-growing-up-mixed-collaborating-with-sis-jhene-aiko|title=Mila J on Growing Up Mixed & Collaborating With Sis Jhene Aiko|work=Complex|access-date=August 16, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/2014/07/mila-j-talks-new-album-new-deal-little-sis-jhene-aiko/|title=Mila J Talks New Album, New Deal & Little Sis Jhene Aiko|work=Vibe|access-date=August 16, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Lauren |date=2022-06-07 |title=Jhené Aiko's 7 Siblings Ranked Oldest to Youngest |url=https://www.oldest.org/people/aiko-siblings/ |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Oldest.org |language=en-US}}</ref> Her middle name, Akiko, is of Japanese origin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Mike |title=Meaning, origin and history of the name Akiko |url=https://www.behindthename.com/name/akiko |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Behind the Name |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Origin and Meaning of First Name Akiko {{!}} Search Family History on Ancestry®. |url=https://www.ancestry.com/first-name-meaning/akiko#:~:text=This%20traditional%20Japanese%20name%20is,vibrant%20colors%20and%20natural%20beauty. |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=www.ancestry.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
== Career ==
=== Career beginnings === In the start of her career, Mila J joined an up-and-coming dance group, bringing her to the attention of Chris Stokes. Through Stokes, Mila auditioned for and starred as a dancer in Prince's "Diamonds and Pearls" video, released in 1991. Stokes had begun managing Jamila and her sister Miyoko and eventually led them to form the American R&B group Gyrl. The group began touring with R&B group Immature, which at the time was signed to MCA/Silas Records.
Gyrl's members were Jamila, Miyoko and Paulette Maxwell. While they were backup dancers for Immature, the group's name was Innocence. As backup dancers, they appeared in music videos such as "Da Munchies", "Constantly", the remix to "Constantly", and "I Don't Mind". In 1995, Silas Records has released Gyrl's official debut single, "Play Another Slow Jam". The song peaked at number 74 on the US Hot R&B Singles,<ref name="Gyrl Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs">{{Cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/303287/gyrl/chart?f=367 |title=Gyrl - Chart history | Billboard |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 17, 2016 |archive-date=August 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822175733/https://www.billboard.com/artist/303287/gyrl/chart?f=367 |url-status=dead }}</ref> staying on the chart for over six weeks, but did not chart on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100. After the release of their debut single, Paulette left the group.<ref name=r2 /> In 1997, Glorika "Jeanae'" Briley and Tai-Amber Hoo later joined Gyrl, and released the single "Get Your Groove On", featured in the movie B*A*P*S. This single peaked at number 91 on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/303287/gyrl/chart|title=Gyrl|magazine=Billboard}}</ref> and number 30 on the US Hot R&B Singles chart,<ref name="Gyrl Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs" /> staying on the chart for over 14 weeks, becoming their highest chart appearance at that time. After that, the group disbanded.<ref name=r2>[http://musicrareobscure.blogspot.com.br/2012/05/gyrl.html Rare and Obscure Music: Gyrl]. musicrareobscure.blogspot.com.br. May 20, 2012</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=August 2015}}
In 2005, Mila was a member of another girl group, Dame Four, with Tomasina Parrot, Tennille Mathis and Mercedes Nelson, who released the single "How We Roll". Dame Four split up soon thereafter.
In the early 2000s Mila took a hiatus from the music industry, saying that due to having been in a variety of girl groups, she did not know who she was as an artist. During her hiatus, Mila said, "I definitely think I was able to really figure out who I was as a solo artist and what I wanted to talk about, what I wanted to address—be myself, basically. It was a break because I was in the industry for a minute."<ref>Brittany Lewis (March 26, 2014) [http://globalgrind.com/2014/03/26/mila-j-jhene-aiko-people-are-going-to-create-sibling-rivalry-there-is-none-exclusive-interview/ Mila J On Jhene Aiko: "People Are Always Going To Create Sibling Rivalry & There Is None" (EXCLUSIVE)]. Global Grind</ref>
=== 2006–2013: Breakthrough and major-label releases === {{BLP sources section|date=June 2016}} She eventually signed with Universal Motown under the direction of label executive and trail blazer, Sylvia Rhone.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mila J – Universal Music Publishing |url=https://www.umusicpub.com/us/Artists/M/Mila-J.aspx |publisher=umusicqpub.com |access-date=November 14, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Through ups and downs and forgotten girl groups, R&B singer Mila J is still standing tall|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-mila-j-20170808-story.html|last=Easter|first=Makeda|date=December 20, 2017|website=Los Angeles Times|language=en-US}}</ref> After appearing on tracks by RaRa, IMx, and Omarion, Chilombo's debut album was set to be called ''Split Personality'', being executively produced by Chris Stokes, who is also a composer on the record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/split-personality-mw0000550295 |title=Mila J |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=August 31, 2012}}</ref> The album featured a number of appearances from artists on the T.U.G. roster, including proteges and its associates, such as Marques Houston, Young Rome, Rufus Blaq, and The Underdogs. She performed two songs, "Complete" and "I'm Mi", from the unreleased album during ''Showtime at the Apollo''. Universal stated that the album was set for a summer 2006 release.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mila J: Good Lookin Out PROMO MUSIC AUDIO CD Marques Houston|url=https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mila-J-Good-Lookin-Out-PROMO-MUSIC-AUDIO-CD-Marques-Houston-Edit-Acappella-LP-5-/401906576270|website=eBay}}</ref>
In 2012 Jamila redefined herself, changing her name and appearance from the soft feminine Mila J to the rough-around-the-edges Japallonia. She released a mixtape for free download through DatPiff, supported by a music video, "Blinded".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://markets.chron.com/chron/news/read?GUID=22157139 |title=Pop/R&B Artist Japallonia to Drop First Album in 2012 |work=Houston Chronicle |access-date=August 31, 2012 }}{{dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The mixtape received more than 700,000 downloads.{{Citation needed|date=September 2016}} She released her "Movin On" music video with VEVO and gave away the single for free on her website and VEVO page. In 2024 performed as special guest on the Magic Hour Tour headlined by sister Jhene Aiko.
=== 2014–present: Return to music, ''M.I.L.A'' & full-length LP === {{Main|M.I.L.A.}}
Once again billing herself as Mila J, she released her first single, "Smoke, Drink, Break-Up", with the music video premiering on ''BET's'' 106 & Park. The single peaked at #33 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. On May 28, she performed the song at BET's 106 & Park. After the lead single release, she was featured on Trey Songz's Trigga on the song "Disrespectful" and several other projects. She was working on the album ''M.I.L.A.'', which stands for ''Made In Los Angeles''.<ref name="rap-up.com">[http://www.rap-up.com/2014/04/22/rap-up-tv-mila-j-talks-debut-influences-musical-family/ Rap-Up TV: Mila J Talks Debut, Influences, & Musical Family]. Rap-Up TV. April 22, 2014</ref> She said the album will have a 1990s vibe and contains a lot of relationship-based songs such as "Pain in My Heart" and "Times Like These". B.o.B, Ty Dolla Sign, Problem are some of the features mentioned on this project. On August 27, she premiered the lyric video of her second single, "My Main", produced by DJ Mustard and featuring Ty Dolla $ign, on her YouTube channel.<ref name="youtube.com">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6sLlFe8IU8 Mila J-My Main Lyric Video]. YouTube. August 26, 2014</ref>
In 2015, Mila was featured on Jodeci's album ''The Past, The Present, The Future'' with a track titled "Body Parts". Mila collaborated with duo BC KINGDOM on their joint EP ''PRESS START'', experimenting with sounds unlike her previous work. Her stage name briefly changed to MILA. Critics called the EP "melancholically dark and edgy" and a "Summer's love jam" for the fans.{{Citation needed|date=September 2016}} On June 10, she reverted her stage name back to Mila J and premiered a new single, "FreakNic", off her upcoming untitled debut full-length LP. She released her second mixtape, ''The Waiting Game'', on November 12, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/2015/11/mila-j-rolls-the-waiting-game-mixtape/|title=Mila J Rolls Out Her New Mixtape, 'The Waiting Game'|date=November 12, 2015}}</ref> In 2016, Mila was featured on the songs "Don't Get No Betta" with Timbaland, "Me and You", "TBH", "Bad Girls Club" with Honey Cocaine and Dawn Richard, and a cover of Prince's "Erotic City".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/tags/mila-j/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429104524/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/tags/mila-j/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 29, 2014 |title=Mila J new music |website=Hotnewhiphop |access-date=June 1, 2016}}</ref>
In early 2017, Mila left Motown record label and became independent. On April 7, 2017, she released her 13-track debut album, ''Dopamine''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Dopamome by Mila J on Apple Music|url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/dopamine/1223804987|website=iTunes (UK Store)|date=April 7, 2017|access-date=April 11, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dopamine by Mila J on Apple Music|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/dopamine/1223804987|website=iTunes (U.S. Store)|date=April 11, 2017}}</ref>
== Influences == Mila has cited Janet Jackson as her main inspiration. "I just love how she entertains", Mila said of Jackson. "You go to her shows, she's gon' have a million dancers—lights, camera, action. It was just cool to see a female dancing and singing."<ref name="rap-up.com" /> Mýa, Brandy, Prince and TLC<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rap-Up TV: Mila J Talks Debut, Influences, & Musical Family |url=https://www.rap-up.com/rap-up-tv/rap-up-tv-mila-j-talks-debut-influences-musical-family/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Rap-Up |language=en-US}}</ref> are also huge inspirations to Mila.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mila J Talks To VIBE About New EP & Touring With Jeremih|url=https://www.vibe.com/2016/09/mila-j-interview-new-album-ep-213|last=Davis|first=Shanice|date=September 6, 2016|website=Vibe}}</ref>
== Awards and nominations == {| class=wikitable |- ! Year !! Awards !! Work !! Category !! Result |- |rowspan="2"| 2014 |rowspan="2"| World Music Awards<ref>{{cite web|title=World Music Awards 2014 {{!}} Award Show Nominees/Winners 2014|url=https://www.quotev.com/story/5324887/Award-Show-NomineesWinners-2014/37|date=May 27, 2014|website=Quotev}}</ref> | Herself | World's Best R&B Artist | {{nom}} |- | "Smoke, Drink, Break-Up" | World's Best Song | {{nom}} {{end}}
== Discography == {{Main|Mila J discography}} * ''Dopamine'' (2017) * ''Holiday'' (2019)
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == <!-- per WP:ELMINOFFICIAL, choose one official website only --> * {{Official website|www.projectmilaj.com}}
{{Mila J}} {{Authority control}}
Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:American hip-hop singers Category:American women singer-songwriters Category:American women musicians of Japanese descent Category:American rhythm and blues singer-songwriters Category:American female dancers Category:Rappers from Los Angeles Category:21st-century American dancers Category:Singers from Los Angeles Category:Singer-songwriters from California Category:American dancers of Asian descent Category:People from Ladera Heights, California Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters Category:21st-century American women singers Category:Universal Motown Records artists Category:African-American women musicians