Disclosed herein are aqueous dispersions comprising: at least one pigment present in an amount of at least 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the dispersion, the at least one pigment being selected from oxidized carbon blacks and modified carbon blacks having attached at least one organic group; and at least one organic solvent present in an amount of at least 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the dispersion, the at least one organic solvent having a Hansen hydrogen bonding parameter (δH) ranging from 13 to 50 MPa0.5, and a Hansen polarity parameter (δp) ranging from 5 to 13 MPa0.5, wherein the dispersion is substantially free of a surfactant. Also disclosed are methods of preparing aqueous dispersions and injet ink compositions prepared from the same.