Top 10 Ari Lennox Songs

Feature Photo: DFree / Shutterstock.com

Our Top 10 Ari Lennox Songs list will look at a popular r&b singer. She rose to fame when she released her first EP Pho in 2016. She is the first female artist signed to rapper/singer J Cole’s record label Dreamville Records. She appeared in J Cole’s song “Change.” She has also appeared on the Dreamville compilation albums Revenge of the Dreamers II and Revenge of the Dreamers III. Revenge of the Dreamers III debuted at number one on Billboard 200. This compilation album earned her a Grammy nomination. She earned her first entry on Billboard Hot 100 charts with her singles “Pressure” and “Unloyal.” Ari Lennox’s voice is soulful. She has been compared to Erykah Badu. Her inspirations helped pave the way for her to get into the music business. Her inspirations are Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Bilal, Mary J. Blige, SWV, Amerie, Ciara and Minnie Riperton.

Ari Lennox was born Courtney Shanade Salter on March 26, 1991. Ari Lennox got her stage name from a character named Mary Lennox from the movie The Secret Garden. Ari Lennox put her music online in 2009. She released her mixtape Five Fingered Discount and the EP Ariography in 2013. She released her single “Bound” in 2014. She appeared on rapper Omen’s song “Sweat It Out” in July 2015. Her music was getting around and J Cole heard it. He wanted to sign her to his label. She appeared in the compilation album Revenge of the Dreamers II in 2015. She released Pho in 2016.

Ariography was released in October 2013. The EP features the singles “Inhale Me,” “Mumbles” and “Magic.” Pho was released in October 2016. The EP peaked at number 20 on the r&b charts. The EP features the singles “Backseat,” “Night Drive,” “Cold Outside” and “Beckwood.” Shea Butter Baby was released in May 2019. The album peaked at number 67 on Billboard 200 and 38 on the r&b charts. The album features the singles “Speak to Me,” “Shea Butter Baby,” “BMO,” “Whipped Cream” and “Up Late.”

The album sold over 500,000 copies. Away Message was released in August 2022. The EP features the singles “Queen Space,” “No Settling,” “Bitter” and “Tatted.” Age/Sex/Location was released in September 2022. The album peaked at number 69 on Billboard 200. The album features the singles “Pressure,” “Boy Bye,” “Hoodie” and “Queen Space.” Ari Lennox has recorded mixtapes and collaborated on other albums.

Ari Lennox is making her mark in music. She can carry a song on her own as well as make a great addition to other songs. She is a talented singer who deserves her chance in the spotlight. She is an underrated artist who deserves her flowers. Our Top 10 Ari Lennox Songs list gives us a chance to give her the flowers she deserves for what she has done for music.

# 10 – If You Want Me to Stay ft. Anthony Ramos

The 10th song on our Top 10 Ari Lennox Songs list is “If You Want Me to Stay.” “If You Want Me to Stay” is a non-album single. “If You Want Me to Stay” was released in 2020. This is a remake of Sly and the Family Stone’s song. The original version is about him telling his lover that she must let him be himself or he would have to leave. Ari Lennox and Anthony Ramos’ version is different. Their version is a dedication to small businesses that were in danger of closing because of the pandemic. The song has a positive message about helping and supporting small businesses. Ari Lennox wanted to pay homage to the places she performed in before she was discovered.

The lyrics to the song are universal because Ari Lennox and Anthony Ramos didn’t change them. They changed the meaning behind the lyrics to make the song their own. This is a great way to make the song their own without taking away from the original lyrics. They turned the song into a duet. The original version wasn’t a duet. The music in this version is what r&b music is all about. This version has more of an r&b sound than the original version. It does incorporate some of the funk beat from the original version. Ari Lennox and Anthony Ramos have vocal chemistry with each other.

They sound as if they were meant to sing together. Ari Lennox is bringing out her inner Erykah Badu and Mary J. Blige in this song. Her vocals are amazing. She sounds as if she has been in the business for a long time. Anthony Ramos’ vocals are incredible. His vocals change throughout the song. He sings in a low and high pitch. This is the making of an amazing duet. Both singers’ voices are smoking hot. It shows off their vocal skills. The music caters to both of their vocals.

# 9 – On It – Jazmine Sullivan ft. Ari Lennox

The ninth song on our Top 10 Ari Lennox Songs list is “On It” from Jazmine Sullivan’s Heaux Tales album. “On It” was released in 2021. This is a sensual song about a woman who wants more from her relationship. She doesn’t want to just text him. She wants to be with him physically. She wants him to be good at what he is doing. She is curvy so she knows she will drive him crazy. As the song progresses, she informs him that she knows about his reputation. She knows that he is into freaky things. She wants him to prove that he is into freaky things. She warns him that she is not easy to please. She wants more attention. She wants to be with him in different positions.

This song is ideal for anyone who wants more out of a relationship. The song is sexy and perfect for the bedroom. Jazmine Sullivan and Ari Lennox are women who know what they want from their men. The ladies may make you bold enough to follow their lead as they demand their man to please them. The song is deliciously nasty. They keep the lyrics classy despite the subject of the song. This song isn’t for kids. It is a grown and sexy song.

Jazmine Sullivan and Ari Lennox’s vocal ranges are incredible. They both sound seductive as they are singing. They have a fantastic range on this track. Jazmine Sullivan didn’t have to give Ari Lennox room to shine, but she gave her the space to do it. Ari Lennox is channeling her inner Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys. Jazmine Sullivan sounds like Melonie Fiona. The ladies give the audience a treat when they do their runs together. They balance each other effortlessly. They have amazing vocal strength which they display when they hold notes in the song.

# 8 – Self Love ft. Bas and Baby Rose

The eighth song on our Top 10 Ari Lennox Songs list is “Self Love” from the Revenge of the Dreamers III album. “Self Love” was released in 2019. “Self Love” is about self-worth. It is about knowing your worth. Ari Lennox talks about loving yourself and not wasting time on people who don’t deserve your love. Baby Rose sings about loving yourself no matter what the world tells you and how it changes. She believes loving yourself is the best type of love. It is better to love yourself than to forget about yourself because you are loving the wrong person. Bas tells a story about being in a bad relationship. He talks about how he and his girlfriend grew apart from each other. Her love was worse than drugs.

This song has an important message about appreciating your own worth. There are too many people in the world who choose to love others before they love themselves. If you are one of these people who put other people before you, you should listen to this song. It teaches you to embrace your self-worth and stop putting people ahead of you. It is a different take on love because it focuses on how you feel about yourself and not about another person. The track tells three different stories about appreciating yourself.

The song isn’t just told from the female perspective. We get to hear Bas share his story on self-love, so we get both sides of the story. The music has a smooth and mellow r&b beat. The music goes with the theme of the subject. Ari Lennox sounds pretty in this song. She sounds like Mary J. Blige and Erykah Badu. Baby Rose has a unique voice. She has a deep and rich voice. There is a hint of Billie Holiday in her voice. Bas has good rhyming skills. He rhymes slow enough for you to rap along with him. The production is so crisp that you can understand everything the artists are singing.

# 7 – Change – J. Cole ft. Ari Lennox

The seventh song on our list is “Change” from J. Cole’s 4 Your Eyez Only album. “Change” was released in December 2016. “Change” is a social song about what is going on in the world. It tells the story of violence in the African American community. He knows there will be better days. When he meditates, his fears disappear. His tears evaporate. He refuses to give up on his faith that there will be better days.

He believes he is getting stronger every day. He is at peace and is not afraid to die. He believes in God, so he isn’t scared of death. Other people don’t believe in God, so they are scared to die. They refuse to ask for forgiveness. He believes in God because God has never judged anyone. He tells the story about a man taking another man’s life. The murderer took his anger out on his wife. The narrator wants change, but it must come from within you.

This song has a powerful message about change. This song will give you hope that there will be a change. J. Cole brings awareness to what goes on in urban neighborhoods. You don’t have to be from the urban community to understand the message in the song. The lyrics will make you feel emotional as J. Cole talks about his friend being murdered.

Most of us have lost someone in our lives to violence in one way or another so the lyrics are relatable. The message is timely because of what is going on in the urban community. J. Cole’s rhymes will give you chills. He raps with passion. You can tell this song is personal for him. Ari Lennox adds style to the song. Her vocals are just what the song needs to set it off. Her vocals are like the icing on the cake. She may not be in the song long, but she makes an impact.

# 6 – Unloyal – Summer Walker ft. Ari Lennox

“Unloyal” is from Summer Walker’s Still Over It album. “Unloyal” was released in 2021. This song is about a breakup. Summer Walker talks about not taking her man’s actions anymore. She doesn’t want to stay with him because she knows he keeps playing with her heart. She saw him with another girl at a party.

She refuses to let him waste her time. She feels she must be “unloyal” to him. She lets him know that she doesn’t need him. She has her own money. She is okay with being by herself. When Ari Lennox enters the song, the couple has broken up. She wants him to pack his stuff and leave. She is finished with him. She wants to know how a grown man can act like a child. She realizes she is “unloyal.”

This is a women’s anthem about a breakup. She is sending out a good message because she would rather be alone than stay with a man who cheats on her and treats her badly. Everyone should feel this way when it concerns a toxic relationship. Some people are blinded by love and choose to stay with the person. Summer Walker and Ari Lennox chose to be “unloyal” and that is a good thing.

When you think of the word, it sounds like a bad thing, but it’s not in this case. This song is about feminine healing. The music is therapeutic. The saxophone is fire. The jazzy beat is exquisite. It makes the song come alive. It gives the song a sensual beat. Summer Walker and Ari Lennox do a great job with their vocals. Their vocals blend well together. They are both channeling Erykah Badu in this track.

# 5 – Liquor – Babyface ft. Ari Lennox

The next song on our Top 10 Ari Lennox Songs list is “Liquor” from Babyface’s Girls Night Out album. “Liquor” was released in 2022. The metaphoric love song is about comparing their lover to alcohol. Ari Lennox wants her man to be everything to her. He can’t give her part of himself. When he asks her to please him, she will do it. When they are together, she wants to feel like she is out of it.

She wants their love to age like a fine wine. She likes how their relationship will be rough around the edges. It would be perfect for her. He knows how to be strong but romantic. She needs someone who will understand her. Babyface advises her to find the right man for her. He advises her to hold on to him when she finds him. He tells her to find someone who is faithful and can provide for her in more ways than financially. He feels she deserves a man who can love her.

This is a creative way to talk about someone you love. BBabyface is one of the kings of romance so you can never go wrong with his songs when it comes to romance. He even manages to write a romantic song like this one. It’s not every day people compare their love for someone to liquor. Babyface is a legend in music and Ari Lennox was able to keep up with him.

The music doesn’t have the typical Babyface sound. It has a current r&b sound. It is different from his signature hit songs. This is proof that change is a good thing. Babyface and Ari Lennox come alive in this song. He brought out the best in her vocally. She pushes herself to the limit vocally. She sings her heart out throughout the track. She belts throughout the song. Babyface allows her to be the star of the song. He took a vocal backseat to her. He appears in the song, but he has a small part and is featured in the background. He had a lot of faith and trust to let her take the lead in the song.

# 4 – BMO

“BMO” is from the Shea Butter Baby album. “BMO” was released in August 2019. “BMO” stands for break me off. The song is about a new relationship. She compares the relationship to the joys of summertime. She talks about the way her man looks. He is attractive. She wants to be with him until he gets tired. She thinks he is a real one and she is inspired by him. She has feelings for him and wants him to stop playing games. She wants him to treat her the way she likes to be treated. Everything feels like it is brand new to her. A summertime crush is a new relationship that gets formed. It happens before you get to know a person. She gets weak when he touches her. She wants her pleasure to be taken care of first.

This is a sexy and flirty song. The song contains elements of Aaliyah’s “More Than a Woman.” The sample makes the song sound sensual. It gives it a blend of old school and today’s r&b music. This is the kind of music you would play when you’re in the bedroom with that special person.

The music will have you bopping your head to the beat. Ari Lennox channels her inner Erykah Badu in this track. Her vocals are stacked because she has a double in the background. She sings this in her normal soprano voice. Her double is a higher pitch. Her vocals are a breath of fresh air because she sings from her heart. She is not just trying to get to the top of the charts. She has talent. The only minor complaint is the song ends abruptly. When you are into it, the song is done.

# 3 – Got Me ft. Omen, Ty Dolla Sign and Dreezy

Coming in at number three on our list is “Got Me” from the Revenge of the Dreamers III album. “Got Me” was released in 2019. The Dreamville stars talk about their loyalty to the people they love. They make a promise to return their love to the people in their lives. They want loyalty.

Ty Dolla Sign says he will be loyal if she is loyal to him. He wants her to call him when she needs someone. He will be with her if she is there for him. Ari Lennox lets him know that she will be there for him. She tells him that other women won’t do for him what she can do for him. The other women won’t come through when he needs them. She is convinced that no one else can please him the way she can.

Omen talks about being able to express himself around her. He can be himself around her. He doesn’t have to put on a fake smile. He is a good man but he’s not a nice man. He feels good guys finish last. He talks about pleasing her in the bedroom. He talks about how beautiful she is and how she is in the bedroom. Dreezy wants him to be there for her when she’s not being herself. She talks about being with the wrong men. She felt like a therapist with them. He knows how to talk and when to listen. She feels like they have a love that won’t change.

This song talks about a couple being loyal to each other. They will have each other’s backs if their partners are good to them. This is something most couples would want in a relationship. This song is perfect if you want or are in a relationship based on loyalty. This song is just what the love doctor ordered. This song is a great mix of r&b and hip-hop music. This is a star-studded song that had the potential of going wrong.

There are a lot of artists on this song and could have suffered from overcrowding. Everyone gets a chance to shine in the song. They don’t step over each other trying to be heard. No one over shouts to be heard. It is as if they were meant to sing together. This is a song that you would like instantly. It will stay in your head long after you have heard it.

#2 – Pressure

“Pressure” is from the Age/Sex/Location album. “Pressure” was released in September 2021. The aggressive song is about a woman who wants her lover to stop being timid during foreplay. He is shy, but she wants him to apply “pressure” on her. She is tough and can take it. She wants him to keep his eyes on her when they are together. When he is pleasing her, she wants him to add “pressure.” She gives intimate details about what she wants done to her in the bedroom. She talks about how good he looks. She wants him to be with her in the bedroom. She lets him know that it takes a lot to please her and he has to be ready for it. The narrator warns him to please her in the right way.

This is an instructional song about what to do to please your lover. If you have an aggressive woman and are shy about pleasing her the way she wants, you should listen to this song. It may give you the courage you need to be more aggressive in the bedroom. The lyrics talk about physical intimacy but aren’t too extreme. She mentions the subject, but she isn’t unnecessarily graphic.

She paints a picture of what she wants. There is no mistake in what she means when she refers to “pressure.” When you listen to the lyrics you will know what she is talking about. She isn’t afraid to let the world know how she wants her man to please her. The music has an old school flavor to it. Ari Lennox’s vocals shine on this track. Her sultry vocals are what is needed to sell the song. She has the right amount of sass to pull off this song.

# 1- Shea Butter Baby ft. J Cole

The number one song on our Top 10 Ari Lennox Songs list is “She Butter Baby” from the album of the same name. “Shea Butter Baby” was released in November 2018. The song talks about physical intimacy. Ari Lennox and J Cole play the role of people who are attracted to each other. They want to be with each other. She leaves shea butter on his pillow and sheets. She wants him to make love to her.

She wishes he would meet with her and please her. They get lost in each other and want to be with each other anywhere. He is dreaming about her. He thinks about making love to her. He can smell the coconut oil from her body on his sheets. He talks about how he has been with different women. He has gotten wiser about it. He knows sex is a big thing for most women and apologizes to the ones he never loved. He hopes that his exes find peace with someone else. Sex means more to him now that he wants to be with Ari Lennox’s character in the song.

This song tells the intimate details of a physical relationship. The song deserves an A+ for having an original title. You would have to listen to the song to understand the meaning behind it. This song is addictive and will stir up all the emotions inside of you. The arrangement is impeccable because you can hear the raw emotion in their voices. Ari Lennox sounds like Erykah Badu in this song.

If you close your eyes, you will think you were listening to Erykah Badu. Ari Lennox shows vocal strength because she belts over the soft music. This music is excellent for her tone. She sings in time with all the beat changes. J. Cole sings and raps on this track. He raps in time with the beat. The music is soft and relaxing. It is the perfect track to hear after a hard day. The dynamic duo worked well together once again.