Roots Picnic has become an institution—not only for celebrating the rich musical history of Philadelphia, but also for showcasing the next generation of artists primed to change the game. Enter Ari Lennox, a bold and soulful singer/songwriter riding high on the heels of her debut album, the sultry and empowering Shea Butter Baby.
Lennox has built a devoted fanbase through online buzz and heavy touring, both as a headliner and as an opening act for the likes of J.Cole, whose Dreamville label she calls home. We hung out with Lennox just after her stellar performance at Roots Picnic to hear more about her debut album, life on the road and why representing dark-skinned black women means everything to her.
This is your first Roots Picnic, what do you think of it?
It's been phenomenal. The vibe of the people, beautiful, nice and black. I love, love, love soul. Love blackness, love Philly. So this is everything to me.
Shea Butter Baby is such a statement. What does the record mean to you thematically?
Well, it means everything because that song and my album, Shea Butter Baby, was made to represent chocolate women out there and naturals out there. I felt like it's very important for us to have representation and to be sexy with it because we are. And I feel like a lot of people kind of ignore our beauty sometimes and ignore our greatness. I just wanted to really ... I don't know, glamorize us.
That's beautiful. I think everybody should try to find who they are, and be it, right?
Yes. Yes. It's important.
Can you talk about "Chicago Boy"? Do you remember where you were when this came together?
Yes. I was actually at the shelter, J. Cole's studio in Raleigh. Elite had a nice set up up stairs in the house. He was playing some beautiful sample, he was adding beautiful drums to it. I heard something immediately. I was thinking about this experience that I had with this Chicago boy, and it just all came like magic on the track.
Speaking of which, Dreamville has to be an amazing thing to be part of. Talk a little bit about what that infrastructure has meant for your career?
It's been everything. To me, it's been like the most beautiful boot camp ever because I feel like I've gotten stronger vocally, even mentally. Just touring and opening up for them. For so long it's just helped strengthen me as a person and a singer. And I mean, I have like a million new amazing brothers that look out for me. It's just beautiful.
You mentioned touring. I've been kind of keeping up with your recent travels around the country. I'm curious what your favorite part about it is? And what's the biggest challenge?
Wow. My favorite part is probably every night, not only seeing all of these beautiful women, but honestly, seeing all these beautiful chocolate women, like gorgeous women. It just feels good to see myself for once ... like performing for people that look like me more than I ever have before, you know what I'm saying? So it's like cool in that way. I guess the hardest part was our bus had some ratchet troubles. There was a bug on the bus that was ruining all of our lives. That toilet was terrifying but we've been surviving every night, every day.
It's not all glitz and glamor on the bus.
No. Not with the first tour bus, not with the first tour. Next tour, I'm fighting for a better bus.
What is next for you? What does the rest of 2019 hold?
Hopefully, I can save money to buy a house for my dog ... I just want a nice fence in back yard so he can run free. I want him to have a girlfriend so he can stop humping me and then life will be great.
