“Happiness Over Everything (H.O.E.)” by Jhené Aiko (ft. Miguel & Future)
As you’re likely already aware, a ‘hoe’ is a popular colloquialism, with a negative connotation, which is applied towards females who are perceived as being overly-promiscuous. And Jhené Aiko plays the role of such a lady, as in one who isn’t afraid to embrace her sensual side. Within the context of this song, what that idea ultimately boils down to is she not being apprehensive about hooking up with a dude whom she is attracted to, purely on a sensual level shall we say. But in her mind, she being free in such a manner actually alludes to her choosing “happiness over everything”. Or stated differently, she’s just doing what makes her happy, despite how certain people may judge her actions.
Miguel and Future step in
Indeed Miguel, who is featured on the chorus, is apparently playing the role of one of her romantic interests. And what he is saying is that he hopes she doesn’t believe that he thinks she’s the “h” word due to her sensual aggressiveness.
Meanwhile Future definitely comes off like a romantic interest. But his verse doesn’t necessarily fit into the overall theme of the song. It rather operates more along the lines of telling his partner how to behave, so to speak, in order for their relationship to be successful. Additionally he gives some insight into some personal thoughts concerning his career.
What “Happiness Over Everything (H.O.E)” really is
Overall, we can say that this is an ode to the female sex drive. Or more to the point, it supports an idea akin to a woman not needing to feel ashamed if she wants to for instance sleep with someone she just met.
Facts about “Happiness Over Everything”
This is the first time Jhené Aiko, a singer from L.A., has teamed up with Future, a rapper from Atlanta. But interestingly enough she did feature Californian singer Miguel before, on her 2011 track entitled “Hoe”. And “Hoe” is actually interpolated into “H.O.E.”.
Jhené Aiko, Future and Miguel co-wrote “Happiness Over Everything”. André 3000, of Outkast fame, is also credited as a writer, as his 2003 track “Where Are My Panties” is interpolated into “H.O.E.”. And the other credited writers are the track’s two producers, Mac Robinson and Brian Warfield. Robinson and Warfield are collectively known as The Fisticuffs.
Def Jam Records released “Happiness Over Everything (H.O.E.)” on 28 February 2020. It is featured on Jhené’s third-solo album, which is entitled “Chilombo”.
