Aminé
Biography
Adam Aminé Daniel, known professionally as Aminé, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter born on April 18, 1994, in Portland, Oregon. He is the son of Ethiopian and Eritrean immigrants who moved to the United States in the 1990s. Aminé grew up in the Woodlawn neighborhood in Northeast Portland and graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School. He later attended Portland State University to study marketing but dropped out to pursue his music career. He also interned at the hip-hop publication Complex.
Career Beginnings
Aminé began his music career in 2014, releasing his debut mixtape, "Odyssey to Me," on January 17. This was followed by an EP titled "En Vogue" on September 4, 2014, and a second mixtape, "Calling Brío," on August 31, 2015. These early projects helped him find his voice and build a foundation for his future success.
Breakthrough with "Caroline"
Aminé gained mainstream recognition with the release of his commercial debut single, "Caroline," on March 9, 2016. The song became a massive hit, peaking at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The self-directed music video for "Caroline," released in June 2016, further boosted its popularity. The single was certified triple platinum by the RIAA. Following this success, Aminé signed a record deal with Republic Records in August 2016.
Studio Albums
Good for You (2017)
On July 28, 2017, Aminé released his debut studio album, "Good for You". The album was preceded by singles including "Caroline," "Heebiejeebies" featuring Kehlani, "Turf," and "Wedding Crashers" featuring Offset. "Good for You" debuted at number 31 on the US Billboard 200 chart and received positive reviews from critics. The album featured guest appearances from artists like Ty Dolla $ign and Nelly.
Limbo (2020)
Aminé's second studio album, "Limbo," was released on August 7, 2020. The album was supported by the singles "Shimmy," "Riri," and "Compensating" featuring Young Thug. "Limbo" debuted at number 16 on the Billboard 200 and featured collaborations with artists such as JID, Charlie Wilson, and Vince Staples. A deluxe version of the album with seven new tracks was released later that year.
Mixtapes and Other Projects
In addition to his studio albums, Aminé has released several mixtapes that he refers to as ".POINTFIVE" projects, which he describes as spontaneous and creative breaks between albums.
OnePointFive (2018)
Released on August 15, 2018, "OnePointFive" is a mixtape that followed his debut album. It included the multi-platinum single "Reel It In."
TwoPointFive (2021)
Aminé released the mixtape "TwoPointFive" in November 2021. The project saw him experimenting with club and dance music sounds and was led by the single "Charmander." He has stated that these ".POINTFIVE" projects allow him to create music with more freedom and without the high expectations of a studio album.
Musical Style
Aminé is known for his witty, colorful, and left-of-center approach to hip-hop. His music often blends fun and lighthearted themes with social commentary. He has been praised for his clever lyricism, unique flow, and the ability to seamlessly mix genres like pop and alternative into his sound. He is also known for directing his own music videos.