Ari Lennox Thanks Cole, Exits Dreamville
Ari Lennox publicly thanked J. Cole for changing her life as she announced her exit from Dreamville Records. Lennox reflected on her growth under Cole's mentorship and indicated she's ready for the next chapter in her career. Her departure marks a significant shift for both the artist and the label.
Lennox was the first female artist signed to J. Cole's Dreamville Records in 2015. The Washington D.C. native released her debut EP, "Pho," on the label in 2016, followed by her critically acclaimed debut studio album, "Shea Butter Baby," in 2019. "Shea Butter Baby" was certified gold by the RIAA in 2022. The title track, featuring J. Cole, went platinum, and other singles from the album, such as "BMO" and "Whipped Cream," were certified gold. This success helped establish Lennox as a significant voice in modern R&B. Her second full-length album, "age/sex/location," was released in 2022 and featured guest appearances from artists like Summer Walker, Chlöe, and Lucky Daye. The album's lead single, "Pressure," became her first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Lennox also contributed to Dreamville's compilation albums, including the Grammy-nominated "Revenge of the Dreamers III," which debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart. Her departure follows public statements made in late 2025, where she expressed frustration with both Dreamville and its parent label, Interscope, citing a lack of support and marketing for her music. Reports suggest the split was amicable, and she will now release music exclusively through Interscope Records. Her final performance under the Dreamville label was at the 2025 Dreamville Festival.
