Black Music Month: Ari Lennox
To many, she may be a new face on the music scene, but to her devoted following, she’s been here since early 2013. A singer, songwriter, and comedy lover – Ari Lennox is one of J. Cole’s newest artists under his Dreamville Records umbrella. Along with Bas, Cozz, Omen, Lute, J.I.D, EarthGang, and Cole himself, Ari Lennox stands as the first and only signed female to the record label. Dreamville also houses producers Elite, Ron Gilmore, and Cedric Brown.
Debuting her official EP on May 7, 2019, entitled Shea Butter Baby, Ari Lennox is nothing short of a melodic breath of fresh sound with hints of Erykah Badu undertones, inspired by classic Motown and traditional Neo-Soul. Belting out in her unique bravura, her range is so eclectic, it will catch any passerby’s heart and ear.
Originally from Washington, D.C., Ari Lennox humbly describes her own voice as "vulnerable but soulful, imperfect but pretty." Referencing her artistry, she explains, "Sometimes women are put in this box where we’re only supposed to talk about certain things, I want to be braver and riskier. I think people want to hear that kind of honesty and frankness."
Shea Butter Baby consists of twelve songs, in which each respectively, can be considered a hit.
My favorites are:
Up Late
Featuring another favorite new artist of mine, Masego, “Up Late” is a classic late-night call to your lover that not only knows how to come and go but may also be into simply cuddling. Doesn’t work for everyone but if you have a guy who can get with your M.O., then you’ve got a keeper. If you’re not sold on the lyrics alone, check out the visuals of pineappled hair, baby hair slicked, and shea buttered down in the middle of Simi Valley, CA – the music video alone will keep you listening for more.
Shea Butter Baby
Accompanied by J. Cole as a feature and a debut music video that surpassed 3 million views via YouTube within the first week, “Shea Butter Baby” is the epitome of embracing and loving exactly who you are – yes even those shea butter oil stains that you may leave behind...
Whipped Cream
Packed with an old school feel, this song goes into detail about that guy you definitely shouldn’t be with, yet you still can never really get out of your head. And as they say, ice cream and whipped cream is always a cure-all.
Facetime
When you’re first dating someone, you want to spend all the time in the world with them, even down to the very last wink of sleep. “Facetime” is THAT song!
Interested in discovering this artist? Find out more about her tour dates and discography at www.arilennox.com.
