Professionally known as Ari Lennox, Courtney Salter is known for her hit songs Shea Butter Baby, BMO, Whipped Cream, and Pressure. She began her career back in the late 2000s uploading her music online and performing cover songs of artist such as Aretha Franklin, Tweet, Erykah Badu and many more.
The first time I heard an Ari Lennox song it was autumn of 2018, I was getting ready for work and had BET Soul playing in the background. I was deep in my thoughts at the time trying to make peace with a nasty break up when I heard the lyrics “You’ve been everywhere, and I wish, wish I didn’t care.” Followed by the most beautiful whistle note I’ve heard from an artist in a while! It was so angelic and captivating! When I finally looked at the screen the title had already faded to black and all I could see was what appeared to be someone’s reflection in flowing water. I found out later that the music video was for her hit single Whipped Cream.
Since then, Ari Lennox has released several other projects including her most recent studio album titled, Age/Sex/Location that houses her hit song “Pressure” produced by Jermaine Dupri and Bryan Michael Cox. Allow me to say this! I’m sending out massive vibes to the universe hoping that she and Jermaine Dupri work together again and soon because Pressure did not disappoint! The entire album is most certainly a well-crafted body of work. It’s the kind of album that you play after a long day and you’re ready to decompress and unwind with a glass of wine.
While Ari’s latest album is a solid one, Shea Butter Baby has my heart! What I appreciate most about Ari Lennox is while she gives us something different with every project; the essence of her music hasn’t changed, she delivers vulnerability, sensuality, and romance with a touch of classy raunchiness that I LIVE for!
That is why this Artist Appreciation goes to the beautiful and talented Ari Lennox.
Photo Creds: Eva Zar, @AriLennox (Instagram), Image via Getty/Burak Cingi/Redferns,
