Mila J

Mila J, born Jamila Akiko Aba Chilombo on November 18, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, began her career at an early age. She appeared as a dancer in Prince’s 1991 music video “Diamonds and Pearls.” Following this, she became involved in several girl groups. She was a member of Gyrl alongside her sister Miyoko and Paulette Maxwell, which released the single “Play Another Slow Jam” in 1995, reaching number 74 on the US Hot R&B Singles chart. After lineup changes, Gyrl released “Get Your Groove On” in 1997, peaking at number 91 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 30 on the US Hot R&B Singles chart. She later joined another girl group, Dame Four, which released the single “How We Roll” before disbanding.

After a hiatus from the music industry in the early 2000s, Mila J returned as a solo artist, initially signing with Universal Motown. Her debut album, “Split Personality,” was planned by Universal for a summer 2006 release but was shelved. During this period, she appeared on tracks by artists such as RaRa, IMx, and Omarion. In 2012, she re-emerged under the name Japallonia, releasing a mixtape that garnered over 700,000 downloads. She reverted to Mila J in 2013 and signed with Motown, releasing the EP “M.I.L.A.” (Made In Los Angeles) in 2014, which featured the single “Smoke, Drink, Break-Up.” This single peaked at number 33 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. She also appeared on Trey Songz’s album “Trigga” on the song “Disrespectful.”

In 2016, she released her second EP under Motown, “213.” In early 2017, Mila J transitioned to being an independent artist, releasing her official debut album, “Dopamine,” on April 7, 2017. Her career trajectory demonstrates adaptability and persistence in the music industry, consistently releasing new material and exploring various artistic avenues. In 2024, she performed as a special guest on the Magic Hour Tour, headlined by her sister Jhené Aiko.