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."
POF
Ari Lennox Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Young black woman, approaching thirty with no lover in my bed
Cannot settle, I got standards, NASCAR racing in my head
Independent, not dumbin' down everything that makes me grand
The nerve of you to think I was gon' sell my house to live in yours
You out your mind, I did them tours
I picked them floors, so miss me
When you come around you're pressing me like Ginuwine so anxiously
Like you never had no coochie
What's that they say back in the days?
Plenty of fish in the sea
Well somebody's playin'
What with these lame fish that be swimming to me? (Swim)
What's that they say back in the day?
It's plenty of fish in the sea
Well somebody's playin'
What's with these lame fish that be swimming to me?
Catfishing (yeah), all cap niggas
Hat-fishing (ayy)
Why I don't see no picture with your hat missing? (Ayy)
Rug rat prison
Bare flippin' five kids but you're back pimpin'
See, Lord knows I don't need no one (said I swear He knows)
But sure would be sweet
Said Lord knows I don't need no one (said I swear He knows)
But sure would be sweet (I said that, that could be sweet)
The audacity to lecture me about your Christianity
Then turn around and try to fuck on me, like it was gon' be easy (ooh)
Just because I hit the snooze and slept right through the Sunday school
Don't mean that you can be so rude, I know my God, believe me
What's that they say back in the days?
Plenty of fish in the sea
Well somebody's playin'
What with these lame fish that be swimming to me? (Sea)
What's that they say back in the days?
It's plenty of fish in the sea (keep on swimming)
Well somebody's playin'
What with these lame fish that be swimming to me? (Swimming)
See, Lord knows I don't need no one (I don't need)
But sure would be sweet (it would be sweet)
Said Lord knows I don't need no one
But sure would be sweet (I said that, that could be sweet)
Mm-hmm
Mm-hmm
Mm-hmm (no no, ooh)
In "POF" by Ari Lennox, the lyrics touch on themes of independence, self-worth, and the frustration of dealing with subpar romantic prospects. The song starts with Ari acknowledging the encouragement she received from her mother, who always believed that she was destined for greatness. As a young black woman approaching thirty, she refuses to settle for just anyone in her life. She has high standards, comparing her mindset to a fast-paced NASCAR race.
The lyrics highlight Ari's independence and refusal to compromise her standards. She rejects the idea of sacrificing her own accomplishments and lifestyle to fit into someone else's world. The reference to touring and selecting her own floors implies that she has worked hard for her success and isn't willing to give it up easily.
Ari expresses frustration with the men who approach her with thirsty and desperate energy, acting as if they've never had any romantic experiences before. She uses the metaphor of "plenty of fish in the sea" to point out the abundance of potential partners, but questions why she keeps encountering these lame fish who try to swim towards her.
The second verse introduces the idea of catfishing and hat-fishing, highlighting the deception that can occur in online dating. Ari critiques men who present themselves in a certain way but fail to live up to their online persona. She also calls out men who have multiple children but still engage in manipulative behavior.
In the bridge, Ari addresses someone who tries to lecture her about their Christian beliefs while simultaneously pursuing a sexual relationship with her. She suggests that their hypocrisy is evident and questions their right to judge her, emphasizing her faith in God despite not adhering to traditional religious practices.
Overall, "POF" celebrates Ari Lennox's independence, self-confidence, and refusal to settle for anything less than she deserves. She challenges societal expectations and explores the complexities of navigating relationships while staying true to herself.
Line by Line Meaning
Destined for greatness is always what my mama said
My mother has always believed that I am meant for great things
Young black woman, approaching thirty with no lover in my bed
As a young black woman, I am nearing thirty and do not have a partner
Cannot settle, I got standards, NASCAR racing in my head
I refuse to settle for anything less than what I deserve, my ambitions are racing through my mind
Independent, not dumbin' down everything that makes me grand
I am an independent woman who refuses to diminish any aspect of my greatness
The nerve of you to think I was gon' sell my house to live in yours
How dare you assume I would give up my own home to live in yours
You out your mind, I did them tours
You must be crazy to think I would sacrifice my success for you
I picked them floors, so miss me
I have worked hard to choose my own path, so don't bother me with your expectations
When you come around you're pressing me like Ginuwine so anxiously
Whenever you're around, you are pressuring me desperately, like Ginuwine in his song
With super thirsty energy
You exude excessive desperation
Like you never had no coochie
Acting as if you've never experienced intimacy before
What's that they say back in the days?
What is the saying from the past?
Plenty of fish in the sea
There are many options available
Well somebody's playin'
But it seems like someone is playing a game
What with these lame fish that be swimming to me? (Swim)
Why do these unimpressive individuals keep pursuing me?
Catfishing (yeah), all cap niggas
There are so many fake and deceitful people
Hat-fishing (ayy)
Even the ones who hide behind hats
Why I don't see no picture with your hat missing? (Ayy)
I wonder why you don't show your true self without the hat?
Rug rat prison
You are trapped in a life full of children
Bare flippin' five kids but you're back pimpin'
You have the responsibility of five children, yet you still act like a player
See, Lord knows I don't need no one (said I swear He knows)
You should know that I am self-sufficient, even the Lord recognizes this
But sure would be sweet
But I must admit, it would be nice
The audacity to lecture me about your Christianity
You have the audacity to lecture me about your faith
Then turn around and try to fuck on me, like it was gon' be easy (ooh)
And then you expect to have a sexual encounter with me as if it would be effortless
Just because I hit the snooze and slept right through the Sunday school
Just because I missed Sunday school and slept in
Don't mean that you can be so rude, I know my God, believe me
Doesn't give you the right to be disrespectful, I have a strong connection with my faith, trust me
See, Lord knows I don't need no one (I don't need)
Once again, the Lord knows that I am self-reliant
But sure would be sweet (it would be sweet)
But I can't deny that it would bring joy
Said Lord knows I don't need no one
I reiterate, the Lord is aware that I am independent
But sure would be sweet (I said that, that could be sweet)
But I must admit, it would be delightful
Mm-hmm
Yes
Mm-hmm
Yes
Mm-hmm (no no, ooh)
Yes (no, oh)
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Courtney Salter, Jermaine Cole, Kelvin Wooten, Michael Holmes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
LANDR YATE
Album been on repeat since it first dropped. Ari Lennox is definitely saving RnB right now
Noemie Palan
It’s Soul
Anaya Ware
Ion need ari to go mainstream cus that’s when the switch up happens , we love you chile!!! you be giving me the vibes I neeed !!
Patty R.
She’s been carrying the genre for a while now too. Quality always on point.
Cameron B
She really is though
Dennis Sockwell
Love it. I heard alot of Erykah Badu. She's bad. I could listen to her all night.👍
Qu33n
FINALLY! FINALLY! FINALLY!
A themed-storylined music video!!! That's definitely been missing from MVs lately.
It honestly was like a mini short-film!!
Sets, scenes, treatment, visuals...all the works! She looks beautiful!
Thank you Ms. Ari!!!
(And oh my gosh Khadi is in it!! They made a connection from that live. Love to see it)!
Rey S.
But, the storyline doesnt follow the lyrics? So, whats the point?
Johnny Cash III
Facts! Peep SiR - Life is Good and SZA - Shirt. TDE tends to do some story telling.
Passionate
Who in the video ? Who is that