𝖁𝖊𝖓𝖚𝖘𝖎𝖆𝖓𝕵𝖔𝖓𝖊𝖑

Ari Lennox has been vocal on social media for years now, and there’s a clear theme in her grievances. She’s facing what many artists fear in today’s music world: becoming less marketable. We could argue that being a Black woman should be an advantage in spaces that often favor Black aesthetics on non-Black people, but that’s another story for another day.

Actually, I have time today ..

Since Ari is in her 30s, I think that adds another layer to the wound. The music and style that resonate with her, along with the casual Black aesthetic, don’t necessarily appeal to the younger generation caught up in the final wave of the BBL era. An artist like SZA, also in her 30s, has made an effort to stay connected with her younger fanbase by embracing a look that resonates with how Black women are currently portrayed. Meanwhile, female R&B artists who aren’t fully Black often don’t need to lean into popular aesthetics as much as artists like Summer or SZA do; they’re naturally favored, partly due to colorism and other factors.

Ari Lennox’s experience, compared to someone like SZA, highlights how age, style, and appearance can influence an artist’s appeal, often creating challenges for those who don’t fit the mold. This pressure is amplified for Black female artists, who are expected to embody both trendiness and authenticity, all while dealing with biases like colorism. For some, it means adapting to trends even if they don’t align with their identity, while others may find themselves marginalized for resisting them.

The politics of femininity and the pressure to win over other women can also be exhausting. Setting aside race, it’s important to acknowledge that much of the fanbase is made up of women. What does this say about how women view each other? We’re often selective and don’t show outward support for each other as much as we claim to online.

As a music lover, I’ve long felt that R&B, like other genres, would eventually require artists to “play the game” to stay relevant. Social media has reshaped how people think, act, and support the things they like. The concept of “followers” has turned into a metric for self-worth and validation. Unfortunately for Ari, she’s endured intense scrutiny—not only for how she expresses herself but also for her natural features. It’s hard not to speculate that her recent tour with Rod Wave was impacted by this lack of appeal, leading to a shocking incident on stage where a female fan of his threw an object at her while she was performing.

Stan culture can be brutal, especially when non-fans are invested in tearing an artist down. For someone in the spotlight, that negative attention can erode self-perception. Artists often carry a certain level of confidence, backed by a fanbase and a label, and with time comes the belief that success is deserved. But success in the industry doesn’t always follow a straight line—what you do with your time determines the results you achieve.

As a fan of Ari, I can’t help but feel that her absence on social media has contributed to her lack of success. Artists who maintain mystique often face the downside of losing relevance. Take Summer Walker or Jhené Aiko, for example—they share the R&B stage but manage to stay talked about, embracing public perception for what it is. In contrast, Ari recently went on an 18-minute Instagram Live rant, airing her grievances with everyone but herself. Part of earning respect as a woman involves recognizing your role in the situations you’re dealing with. She even admitted that she didn’t want her recent song to be released because she feared being branded as the “face of mental health.”

Mental health is a universal struggle, and it’s powerful to see someone’s genuine highs and lows. But in this case, I would have loved to see Ari acknowledge her resilience instead of deflecting blame onto others. I feel the real issue is that Ari is having a midlife crisis, and the public is witnessing it unfold. She’s opened up about her financial struggles and her frustration with her label for not marketing her work when, in reality, all she needs is to engage her fans online authentically.

This isn’t to say her label is blameless, but it’s about how she can move forward to regain the support she craves. Her last album rollout for age/sex/location was beautiful, filled with songs I still revisit. The problem isn’t her music—it’s playing the game while staying true to herself as an R&B artist in 2024, where appearances often overshadow artistry. Without fillers, a BBL, or a toxic ex boyfriend or baby daddy, Ari needs to find what works for her and commit to it.

I love Ari and have admired her ever since discovering her on Pandora years ago. But to see real change, she has to lock in. If music is her passion, and she wants independence, she should start collaborating with other indie artists and understanding that reality. Many artists want to be Beyoncé, but they don’t want to put in Beyoncé-level effort. There’s a hierarchy in every field, and embracing your place can help shape your path to success.

So, stream Ari Lennox on Apple and Spotify—let’s run those numbers up! And to Ari, it’s time to start TikToking, let loose, and find the fun in all of this. We adore you, but remember, the world’s not always fair. It’s up to you to find purpose and make your journey fruitful.