Ari Lennox began uploading her music on the internet in 2012 as she released her debut mixtape, Five Finger Discount, and debut EP, Ariography, in 2013. In 2014, she continued to release her music on the internet including her independently released single "Bound". On July 21, 2015, she was featured on Omen's album Elephant Eyes on the track "Sweat it Out". Later that year, her music was circulating around the Dreamville team, as J. Cole wanted her to work with him on some references for Rihanna.
On December 8, it was announced that she was signed to Dreamville Records. She made an appearance on the collaborative album Revenge of the Dreamers II, on the track "Backseat" with Cozz. On October 21, 2016, she released her debut EP titled Pho. Ari Lennox later appeared on J. Cole's song "Change", and performed as an opening act on the 4 Your Eyez Only Tour in 2017.
In 2018, she went on to guest feature on two songs with her label-mates: EarthGang on "Nothing but the Best", and Bas on "Icarus". On July 16, 2018, Ari Lennox released the first single, "Whipped Cream", from her debut album, Shea Butter Baby with an accompanied music video on September 5. On November 9, she released two more singles called "40 Shades of Choke" and "Grampa". On November 13, she then released two more singles called "No One" and "Pedigree". She then appeared on the Creed II soundtrack with Cole on a track entitled "Shea Butter Baby" on November 16, and released as a single on February 26, 2019, for her debut album of the same name. The track was accompanied by a music video on February 20, 2019, and surpassed 3 million views via YouTube within the first week. In December 2018, she was a supporting act on the From East Atlanta With Love Tour with 6LACK.
On March 27, 2019, she announced her first headlining tour, with the first leg beginning on May 12 and ending on June 14 in her hometown Washington, D.C. Her debut album, Shea Butter Baby was released on May 7, 2019. Several times on this tour she was opened by Baby Rose and Mikhala Jené. She also went on the road with Lizzo on the Cuz I Love You Too Tour from July to October. The second leg of her headlining tour was in Europe, in December 2019. In February 2020, Ari Lennox was placed on BET's "Future 40" list, which is a list of "40 of the most inspiring and innovative vanguards who are redefining what it means to be unapologetically young, gifted & black". She released multiple singles in 2020 including "Bussit", "Chocolate Pomegranate", and a cover of "If You Want Me to Stay", as well as guest appearances and collaborations with Kiana Ledé, Skip Marley, 6LACK, and Spillage Village, among others.
charting single on the Billboard Hot 100, her first Radio No. 1 single, and reached number 3 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay. On March 31, 2022, she appeared on the Dreamville compilation D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape, on the songs "Coming Down" and "Blackberry Sap". On August 12, Ari Lennox released her second single, "Hoodie", and announced the title and release date for her second studio album, Age/Sex/Location. On August 31, she released the surprise EP Away Message, including the single "Queen Space" featuring Summer Walker.
Ari Lennox describes her own voice as "vulnerable but soulful; imperfect but pretty". Her voice has been compared to Erykah Badu. 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." Ari Lennox said in multiple interviews that she is inspired by 90s and 2000s R&B singers such as Mariah Carey, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Bilal, Whitney Houston, Aaliyah, Lauryn Hill, Amerie, Ciara, SWV, Mary J Blige, among many others, and soul singer Minnie Riperton. In an interview with The Fader, she also mentioned her admiration of Kanye West and how she found multiple other artists through him. The Gateway described Ari Lennox's sound as "successfully blends individual slices of classic Motown, modern R&B, and new-age soul into one seamless product."
Shea Butter Baby
Ari Lennox Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hold it, need it, need it, yeah
Shea butter baby, fuckin' up your pillow
Touch me, take me, kiss me
Love me, impress me
Pull up, black truck, ganja
Wrist so blinding, heart so timeless
Wishing, you could meet me, see me, read me
You lost in the shape of my hips
Hope there is a mood
If you really down, we can find it
Lost in an alley, make love by a trash can, ayy (oh, oh, oh, oh)
Hope there is a mood (oh, oh, oh, oh)
And if you really down we can find it
Lost in an alley, make love by a trash can
Shea butter baby, fuckin' up your pillow
Shea butter baby, fuckin' up your sheets (oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)
(Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh)
You crossed my mind, a thousand times
The cost was fine, I draw the line
I'm back, relapse, I'm fiending
Yes, what's that? In fact, I'm dreaming
Coconut oil, the scent of your body still lingers on sheets
I got a shot at you, you wouldn't reach
Cock back, cock back, trigger release
Pop that top, take a sip of your holiest water
I know I'm a part of your flow now
Said when you cut her, don't matter you love her
And now you got part of her soul, now
I ain't know then, but I know now
Apologies due, the one and the few
The ones I been through, but never loved you
I pray you found peace and you whole now
I'm doin' better, I got me a chocolate bar
Climbin' on top of the bar
Think of the shape, and I lick in the places you only gon' lick when you rock with her forever
You lost in the shape of my hips
Hope there is a mood
And if you really down, we can find it
Lost in an alley, make love by a trash can, ayy (oh, oh, oh, oh)
Hope there is a mood (oh, oh, oh, oh)
And if you really down we can find it
Lost in an alley, make love
Shea butter baby, fuckin' up your pillow
(I can get close to you baby, pull me closer, what are you about?)
Shea Butter baby, fuckin' up your sheets (oh, oh, oh, oh)
(I can get close to you baby, pull me closer, what are you about?)
The lyrics of Shea Butter Baby, one of Ari Lennox's most popular hits from her 2019 album of the same name, convey a potent and sensuous message. The singer starts by announcing her irresistible presence as a "Shea butter baby" that's about to mess up the listener's beddings. Then she proceeds to describe her desire to be touched, loved, and impressed. She suggests that they take a ride in a black truck, smoke some ganja, and indulge in each other's company. The imagery is vivid, and the theme of physical attraction is palpable throughout the song.
The second verse sees Ari reminiscing on a past experience with an old flame. She acknowledges that she was once addicted to their touch, but they couldn't reciprocate her love. She expresses hope for their well-being and apologizes for any wrong she may have done. She then signals her readiness to move on and find a new partner by flaunting her beauty and sexuality.
As for the music, Shea Butter Baby features a relaxed and jazzy production with hints of neo-soul and R&B. The focus is mainly on Ari's stunning vocals, which she delivers with confidence and emotion. The song's laid-back groove is infectious and soothing, making it easy to get lost in the sensuous mood.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooh
An expression of satisfaction and pleasure.
Hold it, need it, need it, yeah
I want you close, hold me tight and keep me forever.
Shea butter baby, fuckin' up your pillow
My natural hair oils and products are messing up your expensive pillowcases.
Touch me, take me, kiss me
I want your hands all over me, take me and kiss me passionately.
Love me, impress me
Show me that you love and care for me, impress me with your actions.
Pull up, black truck, ganja
Come pick me up in your black truck, let's smoke some weed and chill.
Wrist so blinding, heart so timeless
My jewelry is shiny and expensive, and my love is ageless and enduring.
Wishing, you could meet me, see me, read me
I want you to really get to know and understand me, to see beneath my surface.
You lost in the shape of my hips
You are mesmerized by the curves and shape of my body.
Hope there is a mood
I hope you are feeling the same sexual energy and vibe as me.
If you really down, we can find it
If you are really interested and available, we can pursue this vibe and make it happen.
Lost in an alley, make love by a trash can, ayy (oh, oh, oh, oh)
Let's take this passion and energy to a gritty and daring place, making love in an alley by a trash can.
And if you really down we can find it
If you are truly committed and ready, we will make it work no matter what.
Shea butter baby, fuckin' up your sheets
My natural hair oils and products are ruining your fancy bed sheets too!
You crossed my mind, a thousand times
I can't stop thinking about you, you are always on my mind.
The cost was fine, I draw the line
I was willing to pay any price for you, but now there are some things I won't tolerate.
I'm back, relapse, I'm fiending
I'm back to craving and longing for you like an addiction.
Coconut oil, the scent of your body still lingers on sheets
The memory of your scent and touch remains on my bed sheets, reminding me of our intimacy.
I got a shot at you, you wouldn't reach
I took a chance on you, but you never truly reciprocated my feelings.
Cock back, cock back, trigger release
I'm ready to let go and move on from this pain and heartache.
Pop that top, take a sip of your holiest water
Celebrate and enjoy the best parts of life with the best people, like taking a sip of the holiest water.
I know I'm a part of your flow now
I am now a significant and influential part of your life and daily routine.
Said when you cut her, don't matter you love her
You can't stop loving someone, even when you have to let them go.
And now you got part of her soul, now
You carry a piece of her soul with you, forever changed by the love and connection you shared.
I ain't know then, but I know now
I was naive and inexperienced before, but now I have learned from my mistakes and past relationships.
Apologies due, the one and the few
I owe apologies and regrets to the people who truly cared for me and who I hurt along the way.
The ones I been through, but never loved you
I went through the motions with some people, but I never truly loved them.
I pray you found peace and you whole now
I hope the people I hurt have found peace and healing within themselves.
I'm doin' better, I got me a chocolate bar
I am in a better place now, even enjoying the simple pleasures like a delicious chocolate bar.
Climbin' on top of the bar
I am living my best life, embracing my confidence and sexuality.
Think of the shape, and I lick in the places you only gon' lick when you rock with her forever
I am reminded of the passionate moments we shared and miss the physical intimacy we had together when I am feeling some type of way.
Shea Butter baby, fuckin' up your pillow
My natural hair oils and products continue to mess up your expensive pillowcases even after our relationship has ended.
Shea Butter baby, fuckin' up your sheets (oh, oh, oh, oh)
My natural hair oils and products are still ruining your fancy bed sheets even after we have moved on.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Michael Len Williams, Courtney Shanade Salter, Jermaine Cole
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind