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Ari Lennox Chooses Transparency

Ari Lennox has taken a step in opening up and revealing a deeper side of herself once more, expressing her vulnerabilities to the world. And what she has had to say is sad but necessary.

https://twitter.com/AriLennox/status/1696891032707682585

Challenges Connect Us All

Life is replete with challenges, and if there is anything that connects humanity, it is struggle and desire for connectivity. Despite the commonalities, those under the shine of the spotlight feel those things with greater intensity.

Yet the attempt to balance them with stardom becomes a heavy thing that often bubbles to the surface and spills over, as Ari Lennox has recently demonstrated.

Ari Lennox: An Open Book

Ari Lennox is known to be one who has been more expressive about her journey. So, seeing her open about her vulnerabilities wasn’t entirely foreign to her fans. But to others, such is new news. But while personal, her statements were not without merit.

Lennox went to social media, revealing her tussle with validation issues. On August 30th, the artist posted:

“I hate that I crave validation in every ounce of my life. It’s truly a miserable existence.”

And that was only the beginning of what Lennox had to share. The artist went on. As she did, it became more evident that her struggles were profound. Lennox was indeed dealing with a soul-crushing misery. Despite the talented singer’s success, it has yet to change her self-perspective.

As Lennox so painfully went on to share, “I hate that I wish I was cool. I’m embarrassing. I don’t even know when I’ll start loving myself. I don’t even know if it’s possible.”

Lennox Does Not Walk Alone

As sad as it is to hear, it’s a perspective many suffer with—the feeling of not being enough. The fight to love oneself is more prevalent than most understand.

In a 2019 article in Psychology Today, it was written that  “roughly 85% of people worldwide (adults and adolescents) have low self-esteem.” And that is staggering. To think that so much of the populace struggles with feelings of inadequacy is a sobering reality. It is undoubtedly one that should ring an alarm.

What Can Be Gleaned?

Lennox’s vulnerability offers a lot more than knowledge of the performer. It provides a point of connection and understanding. “It is easy to believe because someone is talented and has made it that, it erases those human parts. Nothing is more beautiful than knowing this is the furthest thing from the truth.

Success does not separate us. When those who have managed to make it show their vulnerabilities, it reminds us just how connected we are.

All The Best To Lennox

Lennox continues to wage her war to find true love within herself and self-acceptance. And, incredibly, several of her peers have stepped in to show her support as she continues the work. And it is with great hopes that she will discover what she longs for.

As Lennox has noted, nothing tastes quite as sweet when there is a lack from within. As she states, “I can’t even enjoy all that I’ve created for myself.”

And with that, we send health, healing, and light her way.

Written by Renae Richardson 

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J. Cole Surprise Album Update on New Summer Walker EP

J. Cole surprises his fans with an album update on Summer Walker’s new project, “CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP.” Fans have been waiting for the artist’s highly anticipated release of “The Fall Off” for a while. So, J. Cole gives an album update on the first song of Walker’s EP “To Summer, From Cole (Audio Hug).”

Cole Album Update On Summer Walker New EP
J. Cole, whose real name is Jermaine Cole, on stage. Image source: FilmMagic.

“To Summer, From Cole (Audio Hug)” Breakdown

The song is a bop and has been on repeat since I first played it. Cole’s exact lyrics about his upcoming album are, “The b****es that’s hatin’, they sit around waitin’ for you to fall off, like the album I’m makin’.”

It was a nice play on words, as usual from the emcee, and great news for J. Cole’s fans. Plus, great news for the Hip-Hop industry as the artist is known to be one of the greats, and it is also the 50th anniversary of the genre this year.

The Cole’s feature on Walker’s record was a very emotional letter written to the Atlanta native, which also seemed to be long overdue based on J. Cole’s first line: “Thank you for wantin’ a verse from me. Apologies for the wait…”

The Emotional Journey Of Fatherhood

Cole’s note of admiration for Summer Walker is raw and beautiful. He commends Summer for getting through the struggles of life while being a mom: from dudes who have done her wrong to the family who has done the same.

J. Cole reflects on his own journey through fatherhood and how he can’t stop crying since having kids. The North Carolina native also mentions support for R&B girlies SZA and Ari Lennox. The “Crooked Smile” rapper then concludes his verse, saying, “You ever need somethin’ from me, don’t hesitate, please. Just hit me, and I’ll be around.”

Summer Walker’s Soft Girl Era

Summer Walker’s EP definitely highlights her soft girl period in life. The album cover completely sets the tone as she is pregnant in all white, also cradling her growing baby bump.

Cole Album Update On Summer Walker New EP
“CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE” EP. Image source: Lvrn, Interscope Records.

Written by Vhannah | Instagram | YouTube

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FM Cinema Trending

Hollywood Dreams: Female Hip-Hop Artists Mary J. Blige, Teyana Taylor, and Ari Lennox Aspirational Inspirations

In the Hip-Hop community, artists are increasingly diversifying their portfolios in order to reposition themselves.

The Great Crossover

Hip-Hop fans have witnessed their favorites crossing industry lines as time has passed, something that was not always viewed favorably. But a few Hip-Hop legends bravely crossed the boundaries and dipped their toes in Hollywood’s waters.

Queen Latifah, Ice T, LL Cool J, and Tupac are among the members of this group. Not only were they able to establish their legacy in the music industry, but they were able to ascend to become dominant figures in Hollywood as well.

Hip-Hop/R&B Aspirational Inspirations

When someone paves the way, others are sure to follow. Female R&B Hip-Hop artists have, in recent years, demonstrated a growing fervor for further diversifying their cinematic portfolios.

Teyana Taylor, Ari Lennox, and Mary J. Blige have all made headlines for their desires to take on more significant projects in Tinsel Town.

Mary J Blige: Hip-Hop R&B Aspirational Inspiration #1

The legendary singer and actress Mary J. Blige recently spoke with late-night host Stephen Colbert about her phenomenal career in music and her expanding acting career. Blige’s ambitions were clearly evident on the recent episode of The Colbert Late Show when Colbert inquired into the artist’s acting aspirations. It didn’t take long for the “411” artist to answer the inquiry. According to Black Enterprise, Blige replied she had always dreamt of playing the music legend Nina Simone.

Blige’s dream of portraying Simone is not new news, as Blige made this revelation in 2009. However, Fans were shocked when a 2016 project was released on the late Simone without Blige in the starring role. Rather, the biopic featured the star of the famed “Avatar,” Zoe Saldana.

While not yet realized, Blige contends, she still dreams of playing Nina Simone. The aspirant dreamer told Colbert, “I want to learn how to play the piano. I love her songs. They are very dark and moody; I can always find a place for that. So yeah, I want to play her.”

And there is no doubt that if given the opportunity, she will bring her “A” game.

Teyana Taylor: Hip-Hop R&B Aspirational Inspiration #2

Those familiar with Teyana Taylor are familiar with her imprint in the Hip-Hop industry. In 2017, Taylor took home a VMA for Best Choreography in relation to Kanye West’s “Fade.”

In 2020, Taylor took home video director of the year at the BET Hip-Hop Awards. Her achievements are far from coincidental. The artist has always presented as a super talent, a multi-talent in terms of his abilities to sing, dance, choreograph, direct, and perform.

It’s safe to say that Taylor is becoming as familiar with the film industry as she is with her endeavors in music. Many were awakened to Taylor’s talent with her portrayal in the sequel to “Coming to America.”

But since Taylor has been fine-tuning her skills. Her performance in the recently released “A Thousand and One” was so riveting that it began generating Oscar buzz. An elated Taylor told CNN,

“To go from sitting at home watching the Oscars to being in Oscar-type conversations, of course, is an honor.”

But as recent reports note, Taylor is just getting started, so to speak. Reportedly, Taylor is now working on her newest project, transforming into the legendary Dionne Warwick. A very pleased Taylor recently revealed that it is true a Dionne Warwick biopic is currently in the works. If one were to gauge the promise of Taylor’s performance in this upcoming feature confidently, one need only look at current talks and who she lists as her inspiration. According to Taylor,

“… she’s been referencing Angela Bassett’s performance as Tina Turner in “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1993) and Jamie Foxx’s performance as Ray Charles in “Ray” (2004) as examples she intends to emulate when playing Warwick.”

And if she can tap into the same energy, it is certifiable she will be a beast.

Ari Lennox: Hip-Hop R&B Aspirational Inspiration #3

When the name Ari Lennox is mentioned, “remarkably talented and beautiful” are a few words that come to mind. One thing fans will agree on is that Ari Lennox knows exactly how to apply “Pressure,” and she doesn’t hesitate to do so.

Lennox, who first entered the spotlight in the mid-2000s, has gradually built her success. The first track on her debut album, “Shea Butter Baby,” climbed to number seven on the Billboard Top R&B Album chart according to AllMusic. And Ari has been steadily ascending since.

Ari hasn’t solidified a significant presence in Hollywood yet. However, the artist has appeared in the hit television series “The Game” and has expressed interest in perhaps portraying the role of Tiana if ever an opportunity arose, i.e., a live-action remake.

Only a few weeks, the star took to Twitter to release a video in which she tagged Disney. The video was a soulful rendition of Lennox covering “Almost There,” sung by the title character in Disney’s “Princess and the Frog.” And from the moment she released that first note until the very last, it was evident that she was the perfect fit for the role of Princess Tiana.

Summing it Up

Humanity holds an inherent desire to dream and achieve those dreams. Dreams motivate us to grow and evolve, regardless of our profession or status, making those with aspirations the true inspirations. And all three ladies embody what it means to succeed, expand, and transform.

Written by Renae Richardson

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Ari Lennox Trashes Abusive Relationships – Picks Up Self-Love And Family

R&B singer Ari Lennox is now very clear about what she wants from a relationship.

Ari Lennox has no more to do with abusive relationships. Ari now wants a “nice” person, as she also talked about in an entertaining interview with the Breakfast Club Power 105.1FM.

Although it sounds all like a joke, Ari doesn’t seem happy with the experiences she had dating up-and-coming rappers “they just won’t say it ’til like, you like them. And it’s just like, ‘Well, I’m ’bout to go to the studio.’ What?! Why?! What studio?”

And it didn’t stop at that. Ari Lennox has learned a lesson from a relationship with someone who “pretended like the singing part didn’t even exist” and “always kinda diminished everything about me,” Lennox explained.

Ari is a 2022 nominee BET Award for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist Nominee.

Meanwhile, the Breakfast Club interview isn’t the first time Ari Lennox has been talking about the matter recently.

“Age/Sex/Location”

Before the release of her album “Age/Sex/Location” on Sep 9, Ari took some time explaining to J.Cole what the new album meant to her. The “Queen Space” artist recalled the past. 

“I spent so much time seeing the god and good in some abusive people,” Ari Lennox’s message reads. “Neglecting my needs and self-worth. Romanticizing terrible people. Ignoring red flags… my opinions and those knots in my stomach when interacting with people I’m dating.”

And now, that’s in the past. “No more tiptoeing. No more docile. Providing grace and compassion to myself. Blocking those that no more serve me or just literally not responding… Allowing accountability and maturing…growth to happen…self-worth and self-love and inner work to happen,” Ari added.

What Next For Ari Lennox?

It is time to allow “desperation and neediness to fade…The end of searching for anything other than self-love and family. Pouring into me and giving the greatest love to me.”

The situation with her father, where they are not on talking terms now, “sucks.” It is one of the areas needing Lennox’s attention now. “I wanna continue my therapy alone, but I think that would probably be best because I know these are things that I’m even carrying into my dating life, you know what I’m saying…I do wanna be more compassionate because he went through a lot, you know, with foster care and abandonment issues and all kinds of like dark things, so I do recognize like why he is the way that he is,” Ari said.

Family Relationship Lessons for People

Several people identify with Ari’s father-daughter relationship issue.

Ama Deon feels so connected to the development. “I relate to her life and her music. Her disappointment came from dad, mine come from both, and it literally bled into my personal life. I’m forced to heal now, alone, so I get it ari,” he commented.

A father in a similar situation makes a case for such parents. “Man Im going thru it with my oldest daughters. Definitely made me choke up seeing Ari and thinking of my girls. But Envy is right. Parents need grace and forgiveness too. We arent perfect and most of us literally are doing the BEST WE CAN,” Damien Taylor said.

VonRay confessed that “as a father, it actually affected me seeing her get sad and choked up when she started talking about her issues with her dad. One thing is for sure, watching your daughter(s) cry will hit you hard every single time. No matter what the situation is, he needs to reach out and they need to heal together once and for all. Ari, y’all are in my Prayers….️”

And so many more prayers for her and different families going through stress and strain continue beyond the social media spaces.

Written by Nonye Aghaji

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Ari Lennox’s Upcoming Project Is Being Mixed

Great news for R&B singer Ari Lennox fans: her new album is currently mixed and on the way. The songstress seems pretty pleased with the results so far. She referred to the project as “beautiful soul music.” Her debut album, 2019’s “Shea Butter Baby,” hasn’t aged a day.

However, fans want more, and the R&B artist is taking her time to craft the perfect delivery. She sat with Coke Studios and teased some insights. Ari explained she wishes she could release the album immediately, but it’s not up to her.

“I think it’s a part of healing to release music, and I kind of feel like it’s a whole bunch of just…stuff,” Ari explained. “I have to keep inside when I would like to just get it out.”

What Else Can We Expect From Ari Lennox’s Album?

Ari also said listeners should expect “a lot of singing.” She also indicated the album would reflect a more “grown-up” version of the R&B artist. 

While making “Shea Butter Baby,” Ari admitted to being naive and idealistic. This time, the artist rectifies this by being more honest about what she wants and needs. It seems the singer is a lot more confident about her career’s direction. This is especially great considering the turmoil Ari went through earlier this year. In January, the “Pressure” singer shared on Twitter that she wanted to be dropped from her label after an interview went wrong

Then in March, Ari split from her management team, Black Wax. However, the singer is still working with J. Cole’s Dreamville Records and Interscope Records. Thankfully, no other drama appears to be on the horizon.

“We’re in the middle of finishing some music videos. So, it’s beautiful. Things are moving. It’s just, man. I want it out now.”

There isn’t any information on album art or a release date, but when there is, fans are sure to go crazy for it.

Written by Kimberly Stelly | Instagram | Twitter  | Spotify

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Ari Lennox Has a Message for Social Media Trolls

Yesterday, Ari Lennox felt it was finally the time to deal with some unfinished business of letting social media trolls know precisely how she felt.

Lennox a Target

Ari Lennox reports being the target of some pretty tasteless ribbing about her looks, and she is tired of it. Her response was,

“I recognize beauty standards vary and lots of self-hate and oppression can play a big part in that. To my new troll fans, there’s not much more you can say.”

No one can deny the maturity in that response.

Bullies Gone Wild

One must call a spade a spade. Trolling is nothing more than bullying and is fundamentally fruitless. Furthermore, when an individual becomes the sole target of someone’s jest, it takes on an entirely new level of barbarism as it crosses over into the purview of obsession. Unfortunately, Ari has dealt with this continually. So, there is no wonder she is fed up.

“These trolls are relentless. For months straight they won’t stop bothering me.”

Is There a Rationale

No, there is no rationale for such behaviors. Even if there were a rationale, it would not justify the actions. One begins to ask, when is enough enough? Given Lennox’s experiences, it will never be enough for some trolls.

Lennox’s Exemplary Growth

It’s not that the attacks on her appearance do not affect her, but instead, she has become accustomed to the trollish behavior and chooses not to react on their level. In her words,

“To these weird obsessed evil individuals, I pray you get therapy for your obsession with me.”

Admittedly, to wish one well that has negatively impacted your life shows tremendous growth.

What Lennox Experiences Teaches the Masses

Although part of her social media exchanges was deleted, her intent was clear. Those who needed to get the message got the message. Her experiences with success teach the masses that success is not a shield. Rather success posts individuals up as vulnerable targets removing any armor and magnifies everything. Sadly, only the thick-skinned survive.

Lennox Keeps it Authentic.

Ari Lennox is proving that she is developing the resolve and learning to shift her focus on what is important to her,

“F this. Some folks will choose to remain stupid. I hope everyone has a beautiful day 😘❤️”

We agree with Lennox no one is perfect, and no one should be held to such standards. But unfortunately, today, common sense is far from a commonality. So, we applaud Lennox for showing moxie and standing up for herself. That’s the kind of action that inspires others to do the same. We are talking empowerment to the 10th power.

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Written by Renae Richardson

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Are you interested in what other events have been occurring in the life of Ari Lennox? If so, then please check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article. 

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Fan Reactions To J. Cole & Dreamville Collab Tape With Dj Drama

J. Cole and Dreamville teamed up for a new mixtape, hosted by DJ Drama.. This tape titled D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape is getting mostly praise from listeners online. What many thought would be a poor April Fool’s joke was a real project for fans to enjoy this weekend. It features the entire Dreamville roster along with other special guests including 2 Chainz, Kenny Mason REASON, Sheck Wes, A$ap Ferg, Young Nudy & G Perico. Stream the new project today from one of the South’s most established record labels as they get ready for the Dreamville festival this weekend.

 

Reactions To The New J. Cole & Dreamville Project

For the most part, many are praising both Dj Drama & J. Cole on their new release. With the release of D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape being only announced a few days before launch, there weren’t many expectations to be lived up to. Somehow Dreamville still seems to excel at delivering quality songwriting & music production. It’ll be exciting to see what artists on the roster like Bas, JID & Ari Lennox will be releasing this year moving forward. Check out some of the positive reception D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape is getting on Twitter:

 

 

 

 

Written by: Oryah Brown | Instagram: @oryah.wav

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Buddy Reveals The Tracklist For His New Album ‘Superghetto’

Buddy is a Compton rapper that’s been in the industry for a few years & is releasing his first album in 4 years titled Superghetto tomorrow (March 25th). With the release coming very soon, he shared the 10-song tracklist for the project on Instagram. “Superghetto” has a strong supporting cast of R&B features including T-Pain, Tinashe, Blxst & Ari Lennox. This is an exciting group of collaborators that either already worked well alongside Buddy and/or make sense stylistically. Check out the tracklist & Buddy’s original Instagram here.

Buddy Speaks On Recording This Album

With it being 4 years between projects, there’s probably tons of insight fans would love to know about his process of recording this album. In a recent interview with “Home Grown Radio”, Buddy shared, “I just was trying to make songs that I liked. I ain’t never really have a goal of what type of song I’m trying to make, I just want to hear the beats.” Furthermore, he then added, “I don’t really produce like that. I can make beats, you know, I’m just lazy, that shit’s tedious. I’m a perfectionist, I don’t feel like my album is done, but we about to put it out.”

 

Expectations Based On His Last Album

His last album Harlan & Alondra, released with RCA, was met with critical acclaim from various outlets. “Pitchfork’s” writer Briana Younger said this about the 2018 album, “Buddy emerges as one of the region’s most versatile artists. Like a bluesman who still believes things get better, he offsets their often weighty revelations masked in revelry with something that feels more soothing.” With that in mind, it’s safe to say that fans should expect this one to at least be similar in quality. Are you excited for Buddy & his new album Superghetto dropping tonight? Read more of FM Hip-Hop’s featured articles today.

 

Written by: Oryah Brown | Instagram: @oryah.wav

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FM Interviews FM News

Ari Lennox Has Split From Management Team Due To Problems With Record Label

In an announcement on Tuesday, Mar. 15, Ari Lennox’s camp informed the public that she and her management team are no longer working together. However, it has been less than a month since she voiced frustration on Twitter regarding her label situation.

“Ari Lennox and her management team Black Wax amicably decided to part ways,” Lennox’s team said. 

“Lennox first signed with the company in 2012. She still considers them family and is beyond thankful for the business ventures and memories. She’s currently working on her sophomore album and is excited for the future endeavors that are in store for her.”

Moreover, the announcement follows a tweet from the Dreamville artist stating that she is “done and tired” with her current situation at Interscope and Dreamville.

“I want to be dropped from the labels,” she wrote. “I’m done and tired.”

The Interview With Ari Lennox On Podcast and Chill Was Not To Her Liking

In response to a fan, Ari Lennox stated,

“Shut up! The interview was the icing on the cake. I want to be free.” This comment was about an unpleasant interview with Podcast and Chill, in which MacG asked if someone was sexually gratifying Ari Lennox.

“And I’m never doing another interview again,” she wrote in a since-deleted tweet. “I been on this sober high for weeks. Genuine gratefulness and happiness. But then… men. Every time… never fails.”

Her Record Label Is Causing Her Frustration

Furthermore, a separate tweet from Ari Lennox stated that she was unsatisfied with her label and social media.

“sm is a traumatizing unhealthy place,” she wrote. “You are only accepted here if your perfect and seemingly happy at all times. When every single life knows that’s not realistic. People cry, people complain, people are mad in real life. I just never cared to be a fake a** b***h.”

View the discomforting interview below!

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Ari Lennox Arrested And Allegedly Racially Profiled in Amsterdam

Security at Amsterdam airport arrested Ari Lennox this morning, November 29. Lennox, or Courtney Shanade Salter, posted multiple tweets relaying this information to the public.

The Dutch military police, the group responsible for security at Schiphol airport, claim that Lennox was disturbing the public order. They also reported the singer was behaving drunkenly. However, Lennox tweeted her own side of the story:

https://twitter.com/AriLennox/status/1465253413214695424

She continued: “Fuck Amsterdam security. They hate black people. I’m being arrested in Amsterdam for reacting to a woman racially profiling me.”

Lennox states that a staff of the airport had been racially profiling her before her arrest. 

https://twitter.com/AriLennox/status/1465249552957681665

During the situation, the military police claimed that they were investigating reported threats. There were reports that the “Shea Butter Baby” star made threats before and during her arrest. 

“Our unit found a woman full of emotions, that wouldn’t calm down. That’s why she had to be taken into custody,” military police spokesperson Robert van Kapel said.

Ari Lennox’s Arrival

Before the incident, everything was going smoothly for the singer. She performed at the Soul Train Awards on Sunday, where she  performed her latest single, “Pressure.” She also joined Summer Walker for a performance of Walker’s track “Unloyal.” 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-OcGAe8JOs&ab_channel=BETNetworks

Her arrival into Amsterdam also seemed to go well, which she shared with Twitter on Sunday. 

https://twitter.com/AriLennox/status/1465139067692199938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1465139067692199938%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.essence.com%2Fnews%2Fari-lennox-allegedly-arrested-in-amsterdam%2F

Unfortunately, the departure wasn’t as graceful when conflict occurred. As she told her fans, the trip turned sour fast for the singer. Other than the reports given, it’s unclear what happened between Lennox, airport staff, and security.

The military police have not stated on Lennox’s release. The story is still developing on the 30-year-old R&B singer’s arrest. 

For more information on the conflict between Ari Lennox and the Dutch military police, check us out at @FMHipHopTwitterInstagramFacebook.

Written by Anthony Jamal Bicy | Instagram | Twitter