Aminé Explained

Aminé
Birth Name:Adam Aminé Daniel
Birth Date:1994 4, mf=yes
Birth Place:Woodlawn, Portland, Oregon, US
Years Active:2014–present

Adam Aminé Daniel (born April 18, 1994) is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He first gained notability for his commercial debut single, "Caroline", which peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.[1] Aminé released his debut studio album Good for You, on July 28, 2017,[2] and his second studio album, Limbo, on August 7, 2020.

Early life and education

Aminé is the son of an Ethiopian father and an Eritrean mother.[3] [4] [5] [6] Aminé's mother worked at a post office and his father was a teacher and translator part-time.[7] Aminé was born and raised in the Northeast Portland neighborhood of Woodlawn. He grew up speaking Amharic at home.[8]

Aminé graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School, and attended Portland State University to study marketing before dropping out to focus on his music career full time.[9] [10] Aminé worked as an intern at the hip-hop publication Complex.[11]

Career

2014–2015: Early career and career beginnings

On January 17, 2014, Aminé began his music career after releasing his debut mixtape, Odyssey to Me. On September 4, 2014, Aminé also went on to release his debut extended play, titled En Vogue. On August 31, 2015, Aminé followed suit with his second mixtape titled, Calling Brío.[5] [12]

2016–2017: Breakthrough with "Caroline" and Good for You

See main article: Caroline (Aminé song) and Good for You (album). On March 9, 2016, Aminé released his debut single, titled "Caroline". Aminé went on to release his self-directed music video for "Caroline" through his Vevo channel on YouTube on June 1, 2016.[13] The song debuted at number 96 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and would later rise to number 11.[1] In June 2017, the song was certified three-times platinum by the RIAA.[14]

In August 2016, Aminé partnered with Republic Records. Aminé went on to release his second single under Republic Records, titled "Baba" on November 4, 2016, following the success of "Caroline".[15] On November 15, 2016, Aminé performed "Caroline" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.[16]

On March 9, 2017, Aminé released a new single titled, "REDMERCEDES".[17] The music video for the song was released on April 7, 2017, through his Vevo channel on YouTube.[18] The song had been praised for being influenced by early 2000s rap, such as songs by Missy Elliott.[19] The official remix of the song features vocals from Missy Elliott and AJ Tracey.[20] The remix was released to iTunes on May 26, 2017.[21] Aminé went on to release another single on the same day titled, "Heebiejeebies" which features vocals from Kehlani.[22]

Aminé was named as one of the ten members of XXL's "2017 Freshman Class" on June 13, 2017, alongside rappers A Boogie wit da Hoodie, PnB Rock, Playboi Carti, Ugly God, Kyle, MadeinTYO, Kamaiyah, Kap G, and XXXTentacion.[23] Aminé went on to release the single "Turf" three days later.[24]

On June 22, 2017, Aminé announced and revealed the album's title and cover of his debut studio album titled Good for You.[25] Leading up to the release of the album, Aminé released the singles "Blinds" and "Wedding Crashers" featuring vocals from rapper Offset.[26] [27] Good for You was released on July 28, 2017.[2] The album debuted at number 31 on the US Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 13,000 copies first week.[28] Following the release of Good for You, Aminé released the single "Squeeze" on October 21, 2017.[29]

2018–2020: OnePointFive and Limbo

See main article: OnePointFive and Limbo (Aminé album). On January 16, 2018, Aminé was featured on Rejjie Snow's single titled "Egyptian Luvr".[30] [31] [32] Aminé later released the single "Campfire" featuring Injury Reserve on April 6.[33] After teasing a 2018 project release, the project, titled OnePointFive, was announced on August 14, 2018, alongside the cover art, tracklist and its release date. The album was released to the public on August 15.[34] [35] He was later a part of the soundtrack for the 2018 movie, , with the song, "Invincible" on December 14.[36]

On February 26, 2020, Aminé released the single, "Shimmy".[37] On May 29, 2020, Aminé released the single "Riri".[38] On July 6, 2020, Aminé released the single "Compensating" featuring Young Thug, whilst announcing and revealing the cover art and release date for his second studio album, Limbo.[39] On August 7, 2020, Limbo was released.[40]

2021–present: TwoPointFive and KAYTRAMINÉ

On October 25, 2021, Aminé released the single, called "Charmander".[41] On November 3, Aminé announced on Instagram and Twitter that his mixtape, titled TwoPointFive, would release the following day on Friday.[42] The following day Aminé would reveal the tracklist and cover art for the mixtape[43] On November 5, TwoPointFive was released.[44]

On April 7, 2023, Aminé and Kaytranada released "4eva" featuring Pharrell Williams, the first single from their joint album.[45]

In October 2023, Aminé was featured in the track "C'mon" by South Korean singer Jini from the EP An Iron Hand in a Velvet Glove.[46]

Personal life

Aminé currently lives in Los Angeles. Aminé has listed Quentin Tarantino as his favorite director;[47] he wants to branch out into film directing and fashion.[48]

Aminé had a romantic relationship with singer Kehlani, which he mentions in his 2017 song "DR. WHOEVER".[49]

Political views

Aminé is an open critic of former U.S. President Donald Trump. During Aminé's television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on November 15, 2016, Aminé performed a remixed version of the song "Caroline". At the end of the performance, Aminé performed a verse dedicated to the results of the 2016 United States presidential election saying the lines:

9/11, a day that we never forgetting, 11/9, a day that we all regrettin', If my president is Trump then it's relevant enough to talk 'bout it on TV and not give a... I'm black, and I'm proud my skin is brown and I'm loud, everybody love it when a rapper tells some lies well that ain't me, homie, I guess that's a surprise America wanna act all happy and holy but deep down inside they're like Brad and Jolie, Caroline divine and I won't get specific, Club Banana the illest and it's too terrific, You can never make America great again, all you ever did was make this country hate again.[50] [51] [52] [53] [54]

When speaking about Trump's immigration policy during the 2016 presidential campaign, Aminé said, "My parents are immigrants to this country, they came to this country for a better opportunity just like everyone else."[55]

In October 2023, Aminé signed an open letter calling for President Joe Biden to push for an end to the bombing of the Gaza Strip amid the 2023 Israel–Hamas war and for a humanitarian corridor into Gaza to be established for humanitarian aid.[56]

Discography

See main article: Aminé discography.

Tours

Awards and nominations

YearAwardsCategoryNominated workResult
2017BET Hip Hop Awards[62] Best New Hip Hop ArtistHimself
2021Grammy AwardsBest Dance Recording"My High" (with Disclosure & Slowthai)

Notes and References

  1. Aminé – Chart History: Billboard Hot 100. Billboard. January 19, 2018.
  2. Web site: Good For You by Aminé on Apple Music. July 28, 2017 . Apple Music. July 29, 2017.
  3. Web site: Aminé Shares How His Mom, City Influenced the Music on 'Limbo' . August 31, 2020 .
  4. News: Caramanica . Jon . July 27, 2017 . Meet Aminé, a Joyful Rapper With an Eye on Politics . en-US . The New York Times . August 4, 2017 . 0362-4331.
  5. News: Singer. Matthew. Introducing: Aminé. October 24, 2016. Willamette Week. Mark Zusman. March 22, 2016.
  6. Web site: Rapper Aminé on pushing boundaries, wearing whiteface in the Trump era and his Coachella show. April 20, 2018. Los Angeles Times. en-US. May 14, 2020.
  7. News: Meet Aminé, a Joyful Rapper With an Eye on Politics. Caramanica. Jon. July 27, 2017. The New York Times. August 4, 2017. en-US. 0362-4331.
  8. Web site: Aminé's World of Fun Is Good for All of Us . 2023-03-20 . www.vice.com . August 4, 2017 . en.
  9. Web site: Introducing: Aminé. 2021-01-31. Willamette Week. March 22, 2016 . en-US.
  10. Web site: Crystal Ballroom – 3 Days in Portland featuring AMINE. McMenamins. en. August 4, 2017.
  11. News: Aminé Remembers the Time Mero Made Fun of Him at Complex. August 31, 2017. Vice. September 29, 2017. en-us.
  12. Aminé – 10 New Artists You Need to Know: November 2016. Rolling Stone. January 20, 2018.
  13. June 1, 2016 . Aminé – Caroline (Official Video) . AmineVEVO . . November 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211031221237/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j8ecF8Wt4E . October 31, 2021 . live.
  14. Web site: Gold & Platinum – RIAA. Recording Industry Association of America. April 6, 2017.
  15. Web site: Baba – Single by Aminé on Apple Music. November 4, 2016 . iTunes. January 20, 2018.
  16. January 7, 2017 . Aminé – Caroline (Live on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon) . AmineVEVO . . November 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210924231423/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eOxa39PSF4 . September 24, 2021 . live.
  17. Web site: Amine Takes a Ride in His "RedMercedes" on New Song. XXL. March 10, 2017 . August 5, 2017.
  18. April 7, 2017 . Aminé – REDMERCEDES (Official Video) . AmineVEVO . . November 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211112131933/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8lFeVfYw_s . November 12, 2021 . live.
  19. Web site: Screenshot. Lightshot. en. April 11, 2017.
  20. Web site: Berry. Peter. Missy Elliott and AJ Tracey Jump on Amine's 'RedMercedes' Remix. XXL. May 19, 2017. January 20, 2018.
  21. Web site: REDMERCEDES (Remix) [feat. Missy Elliott & AJ Tracey – Single by Aminé on Apple Music|date=May 26, 2017 |publisher=iTunes|access-date=January 19, 2018].
  22. Web site: Berry. Peter. Amine and Kehlani Collaborate on "Heebiejeebies". XXL. May 26, 2017. January 20, 2018.
  23. Web site: XXL Freshman 2017 Cover Revealed. XXL. June 13, 2017. June 24, 2017.
  24. Web site: Aminé Connects With Charlie Wilson for New Single "Turf". HypeBeast. June 16, 2017. January 20, 2018.
  25. Web site: Offset, Nelly Featured on Amine's 'Good for You' Album Tracklist. XXL. June 29, 2017 . July 17, 2017.
  26. Web site: Dandridge-Lemco. Ben. Listen To Aminé's New Single "Blinds". The Fader. June 30, 2017. January 20, 2018.
  27. Web site: Craighead. Olivia. Aminé Teams Up With Offset For "Wedding Crashers". The Fader. July 21, 2017. January 20, 2018.
  28. Web site: HITS Daily Double. August 8, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170807134919/http://hitsdailydouble.com/sales_plus_streaming. August 7, 2017.
  29. Web site: Squeeze – Single by Aminé on Apple Music. October 27, 2017 . iTunes. January 20, 2018.
  30. Cho. Regina. Rejjie Snow Links With Amine, Dana Williams and Kaytranada on 'Egyptian Luvr'. Billboard. January 17, 2018. January 20, 2018.
  31. Web site: Fresh. Mikey. Rejjie Snow Debuts "Egyptian Luvr" Video With Aminé & Kaytranada. The Fader. January 17, 2018. January 20, 2018.
  32. Web site: Gore. Sydney. Rejjie Snow, Aminé & Kaytranda Make Musical Magic On "Egyptian Lurv". TRL. January 16, 2018. January 20, 2018. January 17, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180117035422/http://trl.mtv.com/news/3058983/rejjie-snow-amine-kaytranada-egyptian-luvr/. dead.
  33. Web site: Campfire (feat. Injury Reserve) – Single by Aminé on Apple Music. iTunes. April 6, 2018. April 6, 2018.
  34. Aminé . Aminé . heyamine . 1029444007447818240 . August 14, 2018 . TONIGHT https://t.co/C2NmkqPNyH . en . November 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201109020013/https://twitter.com/heyamine/status/1029444007447818240 . November 9, 2020 . live.
  35. Aminé . Aminé . heyamine . 1029515562898997251 . August 14, 2018 . COVER + TRACKLIST https://t.co/GY2qjJ32Dp . en . November 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210816164633/https://twitter.com/heyamine/status/1029515562898997251 . August 16, 2021 . live.
  36. Web site: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Soundtrack From & Inspired by the Motion Picture) by Various Artists. Apple Music. December 14, 2018. February 26, 2020.
  37. Web site: Mahadevan. Tara. Aminé Drops New Video "Shimmy. Complex. February 26, 2020. February 26, 2020.
  38. June 24, 2020 . Aminé – Riri (Official Video) . Aminé . . November 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211101173128/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6LUnNqYGsg . November 1, 2021 . live.
  39. July 6, 2020 . Aminé – Compensating feat. Young Thug (Audio) . Aminé . . November 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210424161346/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PccMeL8HWl4 . April 24, 2021 . live.
  40. Web site: Listen to Aminé's New Album 'Limbo' f/ Summer Walker, Young Thug, Charlie Wilson, and More. August 8, 2020. Complex. en.
  41. Web site: Aminé Releases New Single and Video "Charmander". 2021-11-12. Complex. en.
  42. Aminé . Aminé . heyamine . 1455972238507741191 . November 3, 2021 . TWOPOINTFIVE – THIS FRIDAY https://t.co/4Uxfa4l3e0 . en . November 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211111110946/https://twitter.com/heyamine/status/1455972238507741191 . November 11, 2021 . live.
  43. Aminé . Aminé . heyamine . 1456310541492756482 . November 4, 2021 . COVER + TRACKLIST https://t.co/a7GSSpT1bg . en . November 14, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211104190206/https://twitter.com/heyamine/status/1456310541492756482 . November 4, 2021 . live.
  44. Web site: Stream Aminé's New Project 'TwoPointFive'. 2021-11-12. Complex. en.
  45. Web site: Monroe . Jazz . Kaytraminé (Kaytranada and Aminé) Announce Album, Enlist Pharrell Williams for New Song: Watch the Video . . April 7, 2023.
  46. Web site: 2023-10-12 . JINI debuts as solo artist after sudden departure from NMIXX . 2023-11-05 . koreatimes . en.
  47. Web site: How Tarantino & OutKast Shaped Aminé's Breakout Hit "Caroline". Genius. en. August 4, 2017.
  48. Behind the Creativity of Aminé's Bright & Colorful Style: Exclusive. Billboard. August 4, 2017.
  49. Web site: Mench . Chris . Aminé Raps About A Secret Former Relationship With Kehlani On "DR. WHOEVER" . . August 20, 2018.
  50. Web site: Aminé Flips His "Caroline" Hit Into An Anti-Trump Anthem On 'The Tonight Show'. 2017-08-04. Genius. en.
  51. Web site: Aminé Made A Political Statement With His Tonight Show Performance.. 2017-08-04. The FADER.
  52. News: 2016-11-16. Rapper Aminé Slams Donald Trump in Moving 'Tonight Show' Debut. en-US. EW.com. 2017-08-04.
  53. News: 2016-11-17. Aminé Debuts a Surprise Anti-Trump Anthem on the 'Jimmy Fallon'. en. ELLE. 2017-08-04.
  54. A Young Rapper's Bold Anti-Trump Message on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon". 2017-08-04. The New Yorker.
  55. Web site: Magazine. Tadias. Rolling Stone: Ethiopian American Aminé Among 10 New Artists You Need to Know at Tadias Magazine. August 4, 2017.
  56. Web site: Helfand . Raphael . October 25, 2023 . Dua Lipa, Dev Hynes, Caroline Polachek, and more call for ceasefire in Gaza . 2023-11-08 . The FADER . en.
  57. Web site: Aminé announces new album Limbo, shares new song with Young Thug: Listen . . July 6, 2020 . July 20, 2020 . Hussey, Allison.
  58. Web site: Amine Embarking On 'Tour For You' With Towkio. July 18, 2017 . January 19, 2018.
  59. Web site: Amine Announces 'TourPointFive' Tour 2018 Dates – Tickets on Sale. August 28, 2018. Tickets at TicketHub. en-US. December 29, 2018.
  60. Web site: The Best Tour Ever Tour.
  61. Web site: KAYTRAMINÉ - Tour . 2024-03-01 . kaytramine.com.
  62. Web site: Johnson. Cherise. Cardi B, DJ Khaled & Kendrick Lamar Lead Nominations For 2017 BET Hip Hop Awards. HipHopDX. September 21, 2017. January 21, 2018.