It’s almost a year since Ari Lennox received a digital standing ovation for the release of her debut studio album, Shea Butter Baby. The Dreamville signee’s May 2019 musical output served as a masterclass on the soulful meaning of R&B in the span of 12 songs.
From “Chicago Boy” to “Up Late” to “Whipped Cream,” the album’s musicality complimented Lennox’s vocal range and down-to-earth lyrics. The album also features Dreamville’s captain J. Cole, and label mate, the wordsmith JID. Now, Lennox is prepared to release a remix EP of the project this Friday (March 27).
“Shea Butter Baby Remix EP drops this Friday!!” the songbird tweeted on Tuesday (March 24). “Can you guess who is on the project?” In the comments section, fans name-dropped R&B crooners like Lucky Daye, VanJess, Kehlani, EarthGang, Summer Walker, 6LACK, Queen Najia, BJ The Chicago Kid and more vocalists to make for a soothing brew of tones to get listeners through this quarantine.
Shea Butter Baby Remix EP drops this Friday!! Can you guess who is on the project 👀? pic.twitter.com/BGkHajIU7g
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) March 25, 2020
In VIBE‘s NEXT profile around the time of the album’s release, the Washington, D.C., native said the soundscape’s title is a resounding statement from black women across the globe. “I just wanted to make it clear that I’m here with a message. I just want people to get hip,” she said. “This is what black women and natural women, in general, have to go through, your pillows will get f**ked up, somebody will get mad, you know? This is what we do to make sure our hair is healthy and moisturized.”
Revisit the video for the album’s title track featuring J. Cole below.