Ari Lennox, known for her sophisticated blend of jazz, soul and 90s hip-hop, has released her third album, Vacancy. The record marks a departure from her usual style, embracing a looser and more playful sound while still retaining her signature elegance.
Tracks like Under the Moon showcase Lennox's wild side, with lyrics comparing a lover to a werewolf and a howling chorus. Cool Down is a reggae-R&B hybrid that pairs a light, airy production with witty lyrics telling a partner to relax. On Mobbin in DC, she combines lounge-singer coolness with sharp come-ons, referencing ChatGPT and calculus.
Perhaps the standout is Horoscope, a strutting track with the memorable hook, 'That boy put the ho' in horoscope'. It is predicted to become a viral hit. Lennox, who has faced industry harassment and label disputes, performs with such ease on Vacancy that it suggests a bright future ahead.
