Mila J

Jamila Akiko Aba Chilombo, known professionally as Mila J, is an American R&B singer and rapper. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, she is best known as a solo musical artist and for her early appearances in music projects, including Prince's "Diamonds and Pearls" video. She is the older sister of R&B singer Jhené Aiko and has appeared on tracks alongside artists such as RaRa, IMx, Trey Songz, and Omarion.

Jamila was born on November 18, 1982, in Los Angeles, California. Her parents are Christina Yamamoto, an art teacher of African-American and Japanese heritage, and Dr. Karamo Chilombo (born Gregory Wycliff Barnes), a pediatrician and musician who performs under the name Dr. Chill. Her middle name, Akiko, is of Japanese origin. Following her parents' divorce, she grew up in a family that included seven siblings: Miyoko, Jahi, Miyagi, Jhené Aiko, Marcia, Dio, and Kareena.

At the start of her career, Jamila joined a dance group that brought her to the attention of manager Chris Stokes. In 1991, she auditioned for and appeared as a dancer in Prince's "Diamonds and Pearls" music video. Stokes later formed the R&B group Gyrl with Jamila, her sister Miyoko, and Paulette Maxwell. Initially acting as backup dancers called Innocence for the group Immature, Gyrl released their debut single "Play Another Slow Jam" in 1995. After Maxwell left, Glorika "Jeanae'" Briley and Tai-Amber Hoo joined the group, releasing "Get Your Groove On" for the film B*A*P*S before disbanding. In 2005, Jamila joined the group Dame Four, releasing the single "How We Roll" prior to their split.

Following her work in various girl groups, Jamila took a hiatus from the music industry to define her identity as a solo performer. Returning under the name Mila J, she signed with Universal Motown under Sylvia Rhone. Her planned debut album, Split Personality, was executively produced by Chris Stokes, but it was ultimately shelved. In 2012, she temporarily adopted the stage name Japallonia, releasing a self-titled mixtape on DatPiff that received over 700,000 downloads, alongside the music videos "Blinded" and "Movin On."

Reverting to the name Mila J, she released the single "Smoke, Drink, Break-Up" in 2014, performing it on BET's 106 & Park. Signed to Motown from 2013 to 2017, she released the EPs Made in L.A. (2014) and 213 (2016), as well as the 2015 mixtape The Waiting Game. During this period, she collaborated on the joint EP PRESS START with BC KINGDOM and appeared on tracks with Jodeci, Trey Songz, Timbaland, Honey Cocaine, and Dawn Richard.

In early 2017, Mila J left Motown to become an independent artist. On April 7, 2017, she released her official 13-track debut studio album, Dopamine. In 2024, she performed as a special guest on the Magic Hour Tour headlined by her sister, Jhené Aiko. Throughout her career, she has cited Janet Jackson as her main musical influence, alongside Mýa, Brandy, Prince, and TLC.