Ari Lennox, the acclaimed R&B artist celebrated for her soulful voice and authentic expression, has embarked on a transformative journey marked by sobriety, self-discovery, and a commitment to personal growth. This article explores her path, drawing from her own words and observations, to shed light on the various facets of her evolution.
Embracing Sobriety: A Path to Clarity and Well-being
Ari Lennox recently celebrated two years of sobriety, a significant milestone in her life. In an Instagram post, she reflected on her journey, noting, "Seven months sober. That’s a lot of sober flights. A lot of sober conversations." She openly shared her past struggles with alcohol, recalling instances of "passing out at the airport" and experiencing heightened emotions while drinking. Sobriety has brought about positive changes in her life, including reduced anxiety and a greater sense of self-awareness. "I have less anxiety, socially, and when I’m ready to go, I go," she stated. "I recognize my threshold with things and implement boundaries. I don’t find interest in partying anymore."
Lennox acknowledged that her changing perspective might extend beyond alcohol, suggesting a deeper personal evolution. "Maybe I’m changing, and that’s deeper than alcohol. I like doing chill sweet things." She expressed gratitude for seeking help after alcohol led to night terrors and panic attacks. Sobriety has enabled her to be more present and cultivate healthier coping mechanisms.
Navigating Social Situations During the Holidays
As the holiday season approaches, Ari Lennox's experience can offer valuable insights for others seeking to maintain sobriety. Staying sober during celebrations and social gatherings can be challenging, but here are some strategies to navigate these situations:
- Plan Ahead: Before attending any holiday parties, develop a plan for managing situations where alcohol is present.
- Seek Support: Connect with friends or family members who support your sobriety.
- Focus on the Positive: Shift your focus from what you might be missing out on to the benefits of sobriety.
- Create New Traditions: Instead of traditional drinking games or toasts, create new holiday traditions that don’t involve alcohol.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for self-care during the busy holiday season.
Musical Evolution: 'age/sex/location'
Amidst her personal transformation, Ari Lennox released her second album, age/sex/location, following her critically acclaimed debut, Shea Butter Baby. The album marked a significant step in her artistic journey. Dreamville and Interscope orchestrated a week-long rollout in New York City and Washington, D.C., showcasing Lennox's growth as an artist. “[Dreamville] heard my cry of wanting an organized, lovely, cohesive rollout,” she said, having recently regained her voice after briefly losing it during her rollout.
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
Lennox addressed a crowd of fans and photographers at Ivy City Smokehouse, where a Go-Go band performed covers of her songs, including "Shea Butter Baby," "Whipped Cream," and "Sit On It." This event highlighted her evolution from an independent artist releasing music online to the first woman signed to J. Cole's Dreamville Records.
age/sex/location reflects Lennox's personal growth and artistic exploration. She collaborated with Elite, who executive produced the record, as well as a team of producers, songwriters, and musicians. Lennox clarified the meaning behind the album's title, stating that it represents a "transitional space." The album showcases her moving past relationships that weren't right for her, with more radio-ready tracks than her debut. “Basically, what a/s/l is, [it’s a] transitional space. The end result is a sultry and self-assured album that shows her moving past being with romantic partners she knows aren’t right for her. It also has more radio-ready tracks than her debut, something Ari said was one of the main goals for the new album.
Lennox embraced a more liberated approach during the album's creation, expressing a willingness to relinquish control. “This time around, I’ve been more free and a lot more OK with not being in control,” she said as she got into the collaborations on the album. “Because [with] Shea Butter Baby, it was my entire vagina in that damn freaking album. She collaborated with artists like Lucky Daye on "Boy Bye" and Summer Walker on "Queen Space," showcasing her versatility and willingness to experiment.
"Mean Mug" stands out as an example of Lennox's artistic growth, with its steady beat and her distinct vocal sound.
Body Transformation: Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle
Ari Lennox's journey extends beyond sobriety and musical evolution to include a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. She has been sharing photos showcasing her confidence and weight loss. Her stylist, Scot Louie, has played a role in helping her experiment with her style and become more aware of her body. Lennox said that her weight loss comes from being more active at her home in Maryland and hiking regularly. “It kind of kick-started me realizing I don’t look the way I used to look in high school,” she said. “But I was a little fucking baby. She oozes confidence in the most recent photos she’s been sharing ahead of the release of age/sex/location. One reason is her weight loss, but it’s also partially due to her new stylist NYC-based Scot Louie, who’s most known for his stunning work with Ryan Destiny, Latto, Kehlani, Regina Hall, and Keke Palmer. “I’m outside more, doing things outside, and seeing nature, which has helped me mentally and emotionally,” she said.
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
In March 2021, her personal trainer, Sadia Yansaneh, celebrated Lennox's progress, noting a 5-pound weight loss and a 3% decrease in body fat since starting her workout routine. Yansaneh described Lennox as "very disciplined" in her exercise and overall body transformation. The trainer’s documentation noted that the “Pressure” singer’s starting weight was 160 pounds. Clips showed the Washington, D.C. native doing squats, weight training, modified push-ups, sprinting, and light cardio. “Never quit [and] be consistent,” the singer motivated while Sadia recorded her in the gym.
Stepping Away from Social Media
Ari Lennox has also made the decision to transition away from social media, citing its negative impact on her well-being. She announced her plans to leave social media on December 18th, her two-year sobriety anniversary. The R&B belle revealed that her new single ‘Smoke’ will be landing on October 18. “Hey ❤️ I’m working on a plan to transition off of social media for good. I don’t believe I’ll ever mature and be happy as long as i have it. So my last day of socials will be December 18th, my 2 year sobriety anniversary. The fear of losing brand deals, music sales, niggas and betches will no longer keep me here. To all of my beautiful fans, I’m just not happy nor thriving here. I have a very toxic and codependent relationship with these apps. My happiness is worth more to me, than using these platforms to promote. I truly believe I can get creative with marketing elsewhere. I’m so exhausted with my addiction to the internet and gossip and attention and validation and yearning to be in control and over sharing. I just want to be free and complete. I would like to offer other spaces where you can find me and that’s YouTube.com/arilennox and Arilennox.com and on the singing stage or outside. I ain’t gone front like this has been cute, it hasn’t. I love yall so much. (My single Smoke drops 10/18 ????) also my bad if my drama causes any distractions or insensitivity as I’m aware of the constant horror going on in the world. I just need to give my sweeties a heads up. I’ll be good and I’m excited for this journey. I’m an extreme person. It will forever be all or nothing with me.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Ari Lennox hopes to achieve even greater success in her career. The day Ari’s album arrived, her team hosted another listening party in D.C. at Maketto, a Cambodian/Thai restaurant that’s also a communal marketplace and cafe. There, she was wearing a glittery Natalia Fedner two-piece set with her hair bone straight, surrounded by family, friends, and her management team. Specialty cocktails, pork belly bao buns, tuna tartare, and oysters were being served for most of the night. Much later in the evening, after taking a few portraits, Ari made her way downstairs, where fans excitedly greeted her. Joining Little Bacon Bear, a local DJ/host at a DJ booth, she told the crowd that it was imperative for her to do her album rollout in D.C., before offering some affirming words that are meant just as much for herself than they are for those in attendance. “There’s nothing wrong with being single,” she said. In real-time, Ari is pushing herself musically and personally, and age/sex/location is a direct reflection of that. Now, with the hardest part of this new journey out of the way, the singer is ready to make some new accomplishments, immediately sharing that she wants to have a timeless hit record like some of her influences. “I'm hoping to get a massive, astronomical hit record,” she said. “Just a song where I'm being myself, but every single person on this earth can relate, whether they hate it or love it. I want that ‘Thriller,’ Michael Jackson…That ‘Respect,’ Aretha Franklin.
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation