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."
Queen Space
Ari Lennox Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ayy
Ayy, ayy
There's one thing we should speak on
This royalty you're seeking
Don't have a problem even
(No, no)
I deserve something purer
My love is a privilege (yeah)
I guess you can't take confrontation
Well, I ain't got time
It's so good when everything going your way
But what about mine? (Ah)
So, don't waste my queen space
True elevation when I let you taste
Let it rearrange the way you think
True elevation when I let you taste
(Don't) don't waste my queen space
True elevation when I let you taste
Let it rearrange the way you think (no)
True elevation when I let you taste
Can't seem to stay away from it (oh)
Come in, I'll make you wait on it (oh)
If you're missin' me then just say something (oh)
But I don't wanna tell you what to feel
You know what's real, but
You have no idea
I know you want me to be your sweet escape
Said don't waste my queen space (don't waste, oh)
True elevation when I let you taste (hey, hey)
Let it rearrange the way you think (don't waste, don't waste)
True elevation when I let you taste (don't waste)
Said don't waste my queen space (ayy)
True elevation when I let you taste (oh, yeah)
Let it rearrange the way you think
True elevation when I let you taste (ah, hey)
I told you to be here, ah
Come correct or disappear
I said smooth when it go down like some Belvedere, ooh
Don't let doubt interfere, oh
Don't waste my queen space (don't waste, oh)
True elevation when I let you taste (hey, hey)
Let it rearrange the way you think (don't waste, don't waste)
True elevation when I let you taste
Oh, oh
Oh (ah, oh)
Ah, ayy
In "Queen Space," Ari Lennox asserts her worth and commands respect for her personal space as a queen. She speaks to someone who is trying to pursue her, but they are not fully honest with their intentions. The first verse addresses the fact that the person seeking her loyalty may not be trustworthy, but Ari already knows her worth and won't accept anything less. She goes on in the chorus to reiterate the importance of her personal space as it signifies her dominion and power. The lines "True elevation when I let you taste/Let it rearrange the way you think" suggest that if someone is allowed to enter her physical space and taste her love, they will be elevated and transformed.
The second verse addresses the person who wants to be with Ari, but is conflicted about expressing their feelings. She invites them in and lets them know that true love will require patience and waiting, but encourages them to communicate honestly about their feelings. Ultimately, she demands respect through her words "Don't let doubt interfere" and reaffirms that her space as a queen is to be revered, not encroached upon.
Overall, the song emulates Ari Lennox's personal growth and her need to assert herself as a strong black woman. Her lyrics defend her dignity, privacy, and limits as she seeks an equal and mutual relationship that is rooted in love and respect.
Line by Line Meaning
There's one thing we should speak on
Let's talk about something important
This royalty you're seeking
The way you're treating me like a queen or royalty
Don't have a problem even
It's not a big deal
(No, no)
No, it's really not a big deal
There's something I am sure of (oh, oh, oh)
I'm confident about something
I deserve something purer
I deserve someone who is genuine and authentic
My love is a privilege (yeah)
My love is special and something that should be valued
I guess you can't take confrontation
You don't handle conflict well
Well, I ain't got time
I don't have time for that
It's so good when everything going your way
You like it when things are easy for you
But what about mine? (Ah)
What about my needs and wants?
So, don't waste my queen space
Don't take advantage of me or my love
True elevation when I let you taste
You'll experience a new level of love and respect when you appreciate me
Let it rearrange the way you think
Your perception or attitude toward me will shift for the better
(Don't) don't waste my queen space
Seriously, don't mess this up
Can't seem to stay away from it (oh)
I can't resist this feeling
Come in, I'll make you wait on it (oh)
I'll keep you in anticipation and show you I'm worth the wait
If you're missin' me then just say something (oh)
If you want me, tell me directly
But I don't wanna tell you what to feel
I don't want to pressure or influence you
You know what's real, but
You know deep down what you want and need
You have no idea
You're not fully aware of how much you need me
I know you want me to be your sweet escape
You see me as a way to escape or relieve stress
Said don't waste my queen space (don't waste, oh)
I've already told you this
True elevation when I let you taste (hey, hey)
You'll be lifted up emotionally when we're together
Let it rearrange the way you think (don't waste, don't waste)
Being with me can open your mind or perspective
Said don't waste my queen space (ayy)
Like seriously, stop
True elevation when I let you taste (oh, yeah)
I promise you will grow and evolve in my company
I told you to be here, ah
I made myself clear on our expectations
Come correct or disappear
Show up as your best self or don't come at all
I said smooth when it go down like some Belvedere, ooh
I expect things to go smoothly between us
Don't let doubt interfere, oh
Don't let fear or insecurity ruin what we have
Oh, oh
A vocalized instrumental
Oh (ah, oh)
A vocalized instrumental and transitional phrase
Ah, ayy
A concluding vocalization
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andre Pinckney, Anthony Parrino, Courtney Salter, Ronald Gilmore, Storm Ford, Summer Walker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lightscameracleo
Definitely oiling my body to this
Definitely meditating to this
Definitely doing breath work to this
Definitely using this as a mantra
Definitely doing yoga to this
Definitely prepping my spiritual bath to this
Definitely smudging to this
#QueenSpace
@TheShai17
I don’t think anyone would object to Ari and Summer doing an entire album together 🙌🏾💚🤗
@jazzbaker5806
Look i just said this!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
@behappy-lg8fg
Right! ❤✨💯🎶
@noemiepalan7247
Yessss
@mzshanti2012
At all. But Ari wants to quit music or take a break 🙄😫
@Ninethborn
The people need it!
@xavierking6639
Me 30 seconds in: "I love this song."
@aaa...4463
same my G, same
@ester5922
Fr
@isaiah9704
Me typing the song : I love this song