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."
Broke
Ari Lennox Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh, ooh
Keep thing, cheap thing, cheap thing
Cute thing, fine thing, pink frame, back then
Lookin' real good
You know I been getting too young
That's fine, we been vibin'
Take a trip on AmTrak, 'cause we ain't got no monies
I been low before
Yeah, you know I been low before (woo)
I'll bring gloves, you bring the smoke
It's a dove right in your look
Yes, I been low before (woo)
Yeah, you know I been low before
I'll bring gloves, you bring the smoke
It's a dove right in your look
Broke thing, broke thing, it's a pity thing
Brown skin, it's a pretty thing, Chiddy Bang
Wanna angle with my boo, I'll call your name (ooh ooh)
Baby, I need you, yeah (ooh yeah)
Baby, I need you, yeah (ooh yeah)
I been low before
Yeah, you know I been low before (woo)
I'll bring gloves, you bring the smoke
It's a dove right in your look, yes
I been low before (woo)
Yeah, you know I been low before
I'll bring gloves, you bring the smoke
It's a dove right in your look
I don't know how many times I say it
Broke boy, bang bang, ain't got no bread
They ain't got no cheese
I been tryna fertilize your eggs, moisturize your head, supervise the kids
Baby, won't you tell me what's important to you
It ain't really all about money to me
Chillin' if you tryna find something to do
Sittin' there lookin' like somethin to eat
I been broke and you been broke, your heart been broke
And I'm still broke and breakin' down weed
I been hopin', you been hopeless, help me, please
Heaven, notice me in minor focus
Somebody show me the rope or dope
So I can dodge the demons tryna choke my throat
Her last man was litty, he had loads of dough
He was taller, older, I'm like Amendola height
Drips left, open right, call me over on a motion
I'm on your side, they ain't trippin'
I'm finna triple up and mobilize, survive, remote, remorse
I grab the wheel and rode to death
I ride to die, I make you life and take your life
I fuck a chick, I killed a guy
I spilled the beans and threw the rice
A knight in shining armor, fight and give me the knife and slice
It's for my boo thing, my new thing, new flame, butane
Nipple ring, coochie ring, lick 'em both, do my thing
Pick her soul, down your throat, holy water, take a gulp
Let me drive the boat
Nah, woah, yeah, row
I been low before (ay)
Yeah, you know I been low before (hey)
I'll bring gloves, you bring the smoke (ay)
It's a dove right in your look, yes
I been low before
Yeah, you know I been low before
I'll bring gloves, you bring the smoke
It's a dove right in your look (oh yeah)
Broke thing, broke thing, it's a pity thing (oh ha)
Brown skin, it's a pretty hing, Chiddy Bang (hey)
Wanna angle with my boo, I'll call your name (ohh)
Baby, I need you, yeah
Baby, I need you, yeah (I'm in love people)
It's alright
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright (he)
It's alright (he)
In "Broke," Ari Lennox reminisces about being in a tight financial spot, pointing out that love is what is crucial and not money. She reminisces about her past impoverished life, and she's still in the struggle. The song represents the reality for many people who are struggling financially, highlighting the fact that while money is nice to have, it is not essential for love. Lennox sings about her bond with her lover, stating that even though they are broke, they still find ways to have a good time. She repeats, "I bring the gloves, you bring the smoke," which is a metaphor for standing by each other, even during hard times.
Lennox's confident voice and vocal range are admirable in this song, as she expresses herself effortlessly. She also incorporates clever wordplay in the song, such as "Broke thing, broke thing, it's a pity thing," and "pick her soul, down your throat." Additionally, Lennox showcases some of her favorite artists, such as Chiddy Bang, in the song, showing her love for other musicians.
Line by Line Meaning
Keep thing, cheap thing, cheap thing
I'm used to having cheap things and making the most of them
Cute thing, fine thing, pink frame, back then
Even back then, when I didn't have money, I found beauty in the little things
Lookin' real good
I always present myself well, despite not having a lot of money
You know I been getting too young
I've been enjoying my youth, even with financial struggles
That's fine, we been vibin'
I'm okay with being broke as long as I'm with the people I love
Cruisin', ridin' through Raleigh
I'm making the most of what I have, even if it's a small trip
Take a trip on AmTrak, 'cause we ain't got no monies
We're choosing to take a cheaper mode of transportation because we can't afford anything else
I been low before
I've experienced financial struggle in the past
Yeah, you know I been low before (woo)
Those close to me know I've been in this position before
I'll bring gloves, you bring the smoke
I'll bring the gear for a good time, even if we can't afford to go out
It's a dove right in your look
We may not have a lot, but we can still make the most of the situation
Broke thing, broke thing, it's a pity thing
It's a shame that we're broke
Brown skin, it's a pretty thing, Chiddy Bang
Brown skin is beautiful, it doesn't matter if I can't afford to dress up
Wanna angle with my boo, I'll call your name (ooh ooh)
I want to have a good time with my partner, I'll make it happen
Baby, I need you, yeah (ooh yeah)
I need you, even if we don't have a lot
I don't know how many times I say it
I'm always talking about our financial struggles
Broke boy, bang bang, ain't got no bread
We're broke, we don't have any money
They ain't got no cheese
We don't have any extra money for luxuries
I been tryna fertilize your eggs, moisturize your head, supervise the kids
I'm doing my part to take care of our family, even if it means getting creative
Baby, won't you tell me what's important to you
I want to make sure I'm meeting your needs despite our financial struggles
It ain't really all about money to me
I don't need money to be happy
Chillin' if you tryna find something to do
We can still find ways to enjoy ourselves even if we can't spend money
Sittin' there lookin' like somethin to eat
You look good enough to eat
I been broke and you been broke, your heart been broke
We both have experienced tough times and emotional pain
And I'm still broke and breakin' down weed
Even though we're still broke, we can still find pleasure in simple things
I been hopin', you been hopeless, help me, please
We've both been struggling, but we can still support each other
Heaven, notice me in minor focus
I'm hoping for a miracle or an opportunity to improve our financial situation
Somebody show me the rope or dope
I'm open to advice on how to succeed financially
So I can dodge the demons tryna choke my throat
I want to avoid the stress and anxiety that comes with being broke
Her last man was litty, he had loads of dough
Her previous partner had a lot of money
He was taller, older, I'm like Amendola height
I am not traditionally successful, but that doesn't mean I'm not valuable
Drips left, open right, call me over on a motion
I'm attracted to you, and I'm making my move
I'm on your side, they ain't trippin'
I'm loyal to you despite financial struggles or anything else
I'm finna triple up and mobilize, survive, remote, remorse
I'm going to work hard and stay focused to overcome our financial issues
I grab the wheel and rode to death
I'm taking control of my life and I'm not giving up
I ride to die, I make you life and take your life
I am committed to you, even if it means making sacrifices
I fuck a chick, I killed a guy
I'm not afraid of taking risks or living my life on my own terms
I spilled the beans and threw the rice
I'm honest and straightforward, even when it's difficult
A knight in shining armor, fight and give me the knife and slice
I'm willing to put in the effort and fight for us, even if it means making sacrifices
It's for my boo thing, my new thing, new flame, butane
Despite financial struggles, I am still enamored with my partner
Nipple ring, coochie ring, lick 'em both, do my thing
I am sexually attracted to my partner, and I'm not afraid to express it
Pick her soul, down your throat, holy water, take a gulp
I am deeply committed to my partner, both emotionally and physically
Let me drive the boat
Let me take charge and lead us to success
It's alright
Everything is going to be okay
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright
Don't worry, I'm here for you and we can get through this together
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Missing Link Music, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Courtney Shanade Salter, Destin Route
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shelleyhines4636
LISTEN.
I am 57yrs Old.
Very old school.
I do not waste none of my precious time on any of this new Trash called music! .
THISSSSSSSS GIRL HAS
MY WHOLE HEART.
I LOVE HERRRRR. OMG.
SHE'S A WHOLE VIBE.
I LIVE FOR IT!
THANKS QUEEN! #SHESEVERYTHING
@bc315ful
J.I.D's verse is 😩😭🔥🔥🔥
Ari's vocals is😍😍🔥🔥🔥
The beat slaps🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
100/100
@773ohh6
Lalaa M we better tell that to Anthony Fantano . The internet’s busiest music nerd. People gotta know
@bc315ful
@@773ohh6 oop😮 most definitely🔥🔥💯
@TheJordanSawyer
Lalaa M so 3:1:3
@bc315ful
@@TheJordanSawyer huh🤔
@benrogers1752
773 ohh melon would give this a 6 the delusional nonse, I don’t even know why we still watch his videos at this point😂
@sunbaby1190
this song is smooth and hard at the same time.. straight vibes😩
@darchelleking3797
maaaaaannnnnn....
@angelbrower3
Like it's crazy...
@ChocolatesGirlsGlow
#Right! 💯