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."
Backseat
Ari Lennox Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Would you hit it in the back seat of my ride
And I know it's risky right
But I want it in the backseat of my hm
Oowee these fellas can't mind their business, hm
You spank it so they know I'm taken, hm
They don't wanna girl this crazy, hm
Won't you hit it how I like
Would you hit it in the back seat of my ride
And I know it's risky right
But I want it in the backseat of my hm
They might suspect, but who gon' check me, hm
Ooh ooh this car is getting foggy, hm
The brown skin all on my body, hm
The brown skin done drive me crazy, hm
Won't you hit it how I like
Would you hit it in the back seat of my ride
And I know it's risky right
But I want it in the backseat of my ride
Won't you hit it how I like
Would you hit it in the back seat of my ride
And I know it's risky right
But I want it in the backseat of my hm
Look, there's nothing to complicate
Ain't no need for conversation
I'm sure that your body got a lot to say
You know that I brought a plate
Cause you told me you only work from 6-to-9
Wait you know I'm off at 8
I'm tryin' to contemplate and concentrate on where to take your ass
I think I got a place, backseat of my car
I ain't got a place, but baby you're my
Thoughts have been nasty
I wanna smash me a bad piece
Introduce her whole face to my family
You ain't gotta ask me what the plan be
The condom plan A, without one, plan B
Fill up your damn jeans
Finna know baby I spill that damn cheese
No hands, I use my teeth and pull down your panties
Then focus on that sweet thang, open your pantry
I admire her for her, I would hire her to twerk
I'm not inspired to search for nobody else
That gushy too Gucci, gushy way flyer than a purse
The way we grinding in this backseat, hope these tires ain't gon' burst
Swear to God
Who needs a bed when there's a hooptie instead
Say, I want it now
Love me no doubt while you steam up my ride
Said I want it now
Who needs a bed when there's a hooptie instead
So I want it now
Love me no doubt while I steam up your ride
So I want it now
Won't you hit it how I like (revenge)
Would you hit it in the back seat of my ride
And I know it's risky right
But I want it in the back seat of my hmmm
The lyrics of Ari Lennox's song Backseat describe a steamy encounter with a lover in the backseat of a car. The singer initiates the conversation, inviting her partner to "hit it" how she likes it and insinuating that she wants to have sex in the backseat of her ride. Although she knows that it's a risk, she's still tempted to go for it.
The second verse suggests that they are parked somewhere public, and although others may suspect what they are doing, she feels confident that they won't get caught. She puts on a show for the guys outside the car by spanking her partner, letting them know that she's taken. Meanwhile, the windows get foggy from the heat of their passion, and the brown skin of both lovers drives her crazy.
Overall, the song is a sultry and seductive invitation to a spontaneous sexual encounter with no strings attached. The lyrics are full of sexual innuendo and metaphors, and the beats are smooth and sensual, making it a perfect summertime jam.
Line by Line Meaning
Won't you hit it how I like
Can you please satisfy me the way I want?
Would you hit it in the back seat of my ride
Can we have sex in the backseat of my car?
And I know it's risky right
I am aware that this is dangerous.
But I want it in the backseat of my hm
I still want to do it in the backseat of my car anyway.
Oowee these fellas can't mind their business, hm
People have been nosy and meddling in my love life.
You spank it so they know I'm taken, hm
You touch me in a way to show others that I belong to you.
They don't wanna girl this crazy, hm
People are intimidated by my bold and daring personality.
Ooh we gon' steam up this parking lot baby
We are going to make the car windows foggy and steamy while making love.
They might suspect, but who gon' check me, hm
People might suspect what we are doing, but I don't care because no one can control me.
Ooh ooh this car is getting foggy, hm
The car windows are steaming up due to our physical intimacy.
The brown skin all on my body, hm
Your dark skin is touching every part of my body.
The brown skin done drive me crazy, hm
Your dark skin is driving me insane with desire.
Look, there's nothing to complicate
There are no complications or obstacles to prevent us from being together.
Ain't no need for conversation
We don't need to talk about anything, our bodies are communicating enough.
I'm sure that your body got a lot to say
I am confident that your body has a lot to tell me without words.
Cause you told me you only work from 6-to-9
You confided in me about your work schedule and availability.
Wait you know I'm off at 8
Just wait a bit, I will be available soon enough to see you.
I'm tryin' to contemplate and concentrate on where to take your ass
I am thinking about where we can go to be intimate.
I think I got a place, backseat of my car
I believe the perfect spot is the backseat of my car.
I ain't got a place, but baby you're my
I might not have a fancy place, but you mean everything to me.
Thoughts have been nasty
My mind is filled with dirty and sexual thoughts about you.
I wanna smash me a bad piece
I want to have sex with a beautiful woman like you.
Introduce her whole face to my family
I am so attracted to you that I want to show you off to my family.
You ain't gotta ask me what the plan be
You don't need to question my intentions, I want to be with you sexually.
The condom plan A, without one, plan B
We should use protection, but if not, we will have to think of a backup plan.
Fill up your damn jeans
Your curves are so attractive, I can't help but stare at your body.
Finna know baby I spill that damn cheese
You will soon find out how much sexual energy I have for you.
No hands, I use my teeth and pull down your panties
I will use my mouth instead of my hands to undress you.
Then focus on that sweet thang, open your pantry
I will then focus on your private area and explore every inch of you.
I admire her for her, I would hire her to twerk
I appreciate every aspect of you, I'd even pay you to dance erotically for me.
I'm not inspired to search for nobody else
I am content with being with you, and don't need anyone else.
That gushy too Gucci, gushy way flyer than a purse
Your vagina is amazing and attractive to me.
The way we grinding in this backseat, hope these tires ain't gon' burst
Our sexual activity in the car is intense, I hope the car doesn't break down.
Who needs a bed when there's a hooptie instead
We can be intimate anywhere, even in the backseat of a car.
Love me no doubt while you steam up my ride
Show me love and affection while we have sex and steam up the car windows.
Said I want it now
I am very eager to have sexual contact with you.
So I want it now
I really desire sexual intercourse with you as soon as possible.
Won't you hit it how I like (revenge)
Please fulfill my sexual desires the way that I want and get back at your detractors or enemies at the same time.
And I know it's risky right
I am aware that this could be dangerous or may cause trouble.
But I want it in the backseat of my ride
Despite the risk, I still desire to engage in sexual activity with you in the backseat of my car.
And I know it's risky right
Once again, I am very aware of the potential danger or consequences of our actions.
But I want it in the backseat of my hm
Despite the danger, I can't help but crave to make love to you in the backseat of my car.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Courtney Salter, Cosy Osagie, Colin Calabrese, Art Posey, Josef Powell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@anagallardo8211
[Chorus: Ari Lennox]
Would you hit it how I like
Would you hit it in the back seat of my ride
And I know it's risky right
But I want it in the backseat of my hmmm
[Verse 1: Ari Lennox]
Oowee these fellas can't mind their business
You spank it so they know I'm taken
They don't wanna girl this crazy
Ooh we gon' steam up this parking lot baby
[Chorus: Ari Lennox]
Won't you hit it how I like
Would you hit it in the back seat of my ride
And I know it's risky right
But I want it in the backseat of my hmmm
[Verse 2: Ari Lennox]
They might suspect, but who gon' check me
Ooh ooh this car is getting foggy
That brown skin all on my body
That brown skin done drive me crazy
[Chorus: Ari Lennox]
Would you hit it how I like
Would you hit it in the back seat of my ride
And I know it's risky right
But I want it in the back seat of my ride
Would you hit it how I like
Would you hit it in the back seat of my ride
And I know it's risky right
But I want it in the back seat of my
[Verse 3: Cozz]
Look, there's nothing to complicate
Ain't no need for conversation
I'm sure that your body got a lot to say
You know that I brought a plate
Cause you told me you only work from 6-to-9
Wait you know I'm off at 8
I'm tryin' to contemplate and concentrate on where to take your ass
I think I got a place, backseat of my car
I ain't got a place, but baby you're my
Thoughts have been nasty
I wanna smash me a bad piece
Introduce her whole face to my family
You ain't gotta ask me what the plan be
The condom plan A, without one, plan B
Fill up your damn jeans
Finna know baby I spill that damn cheese
No hands, I use my teeth and pull down your panties
Then focus on that sweet thang, open your pantry
I admire her for her, I would hire her to twerk
I'm not inspired to search for nobody else
That gushy too gucci, gushy way flyer than a purse
The way we grinding in this backseat, hope these tires ain't gon' burst
Swear to God
[Bridge: Ari Lennox]
What good is a bed when there’s a hooptie instead
Said I want it now
Love me long time while I steam up your ride
I want it now
What good is a bed when there’s a hooptie instead
I want it now
Love me long time while I steam up your ride
I want it now
@genius
damn the vibe on this is amazing
@twilz3049
Genius then why don't u bring in any dreamville artists genius
@steliomazoio7798
yeah. why not?
@florentsaujet4109
they did
@fibonachi.fibonachi.2556
She was there breaking down this song and Earthgang went as well for Meditate
@xara_ninanile
Genius
Agreed. This is a Nice song.
Please give Tears Clean My Eyes by ninanile a listen. I wrote the song, I’d truly appreciate the support😌
@ItsMeMissRuby
Saw her at J Cole's concert Wednesday and fell in love with her whole vibe! Def a new fan! Keep grinding girl, the game needs you. ;)
@jaimeweaver2345
Music And Beauty TV Same. I ain’t even know he had a female artist till i went to his concert. She’s dope af
@erica6386
Music And Beauty TV same !!
@xara_ninanile
Music And Beauty TV
This is a Nice song.
Please give Tears Clean My Eyes by ninanile a listen. I wrote the song, I’d truly appreciate the support😌