As a collective, J. Cole’s Dreamville Records has one of the most potent rosters when it comes to potential for longevity within the music industry. This particularly applies to rap duo EarthGang, quick spitter J.I.D. and Ari Lennox, the label’s lone songstress, the latter of whom recently released her single “Whipped Cream” in preparation for her forthcoming full-length project.
However, it is uncertain if that project (or any future material, for that matter) will see the light of day based on Lennox’s most recent announcement. Today (Aug. 20), the Washington, D.C.-bred singer-songwriter shared that she’s so unhappy with making music that she wants to step away from the career altogether.
“I don’t see how I can ever be happy doing music again,” she tweeted. “I don’t want to write and I don’t want to listen to listen to any beats. I don’t want to perform. I think im [sic] literally done.” Even though she and her collaborators have been building buzz for the Pho followup for the past year, she says her heart hasn’t been in it.
I don’t see how I can ever be happy doing music again. I don’t want to write and I don’t want to listen to listen to any beats. I don’t want to perform. I think im literally done. Never thought I could feel that way but I do
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) August 20, 2018
So I guess I’m resigning
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) August 20, 2018
Hopefully god can give me happiness and peace because I feel so far from it
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) August 20, 2018
This has nothing to do with music. I’m not mentally ok.
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) August 20, 2018
I don’t know if I will ever be.
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) August 20, 2018
I literally have nothing kind and sweet to give to music. I have nothing more to write
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) August 20, 2018
It’s sad cause I recognize how close I am but my heart is so tired
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) August 20, 2018
It be your own mind
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) August 20, 2018
Despite her conflicted state with the craft, she assures that her departure from music has nothing to do with Dreamville or any of the creatives she has worked with thus far.
I love and adore the people I work with. They’re perfect. This has nothing to do with them
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) August 20, 2018
Whether or not she wishes to officially call it quits or take a well deserved break to see if this path is right for her, we’re sending healing Ari’s way.
READ MORE: EarthGang’s Globetrotting Will Play A Major Part In Their Cinematic ‘MirrorLand’ Album