[usr 3.5]

One of the coolest, calmest, and most collected R&B singers, Jhené Aiko, returns with a remix of “Sativa,” assisted by Rae Sremmurd.

After releasing Trip in 2017, the always cool, calm, and collected Jhené Aiko is back with another single, “Sativa.” “Sativa” isn’t a new song – it appeared as the seventh track on Trip.  Furthermore, Swae Lee was a featured guest on the original. So, what makes this “Sativa” different from the first? The difference is that Slim Jxmmi arrives on the reissued version (verse three), hence why Rae Sremmurd are listed as featured guests, and not solely Swae Lee.

The remix of “Sativa” also ends up being more than thirty seconds shorter than the original.  Swae Lee delivers the chorus, with his signature, sweet, upper register vocals. He paints the sleek, sexy backdrop beautifully.

“Why you make it so complicated? / Off the drink, we concentratin’ / I know you won’t leave me hangin’ / Smokin’ weed out the container / We spend cash for entertainment / There’s more where that came from, that’s all I’m sayin’ / It’s me and you, and we makin’ arrangements / It’s you and me, and we makin’ arrangements.”

Jhené Aiko enters next, retaining her easy-going, cool vocal style.  She never gets too excited, yet her restrained style is alluring. She exhibits a bit more oomph on the pre-chorus, while she blends nicely with Swae on the second chorus.  Directly following her second verse, Slim Jxmmi raps on the third verse, a welcome contrast to everything that precedes.  

Final Thoughts

All in all, “Sativa,” in its remixed version, is a success.  It’s well-produced, and all three musicians deliver respectable performances.  The best of the three? Jhené Aiko.  She’s not overdone by Rae Sremmurd on her own song.

Jhene Aiko • Sativa (Ft. Rae Sremmurd) – Single • Def Jam • Release: 1.26.18

Photo Credit: Def Jam