R&B singer Ari Lennox has officially parted ways with Dreamville Records, marking the end of a significant chapter in her music career.
According to TMZ, the Washington, D.C.-born artist and Dreamville have amicably ended their partnership after nearly a decade together. However, Lennox remains signed to Interscope Records, through which she released her latest single, “Soft Girl Era,”—her first track since news of the split emerged.
Despite the separation, there seems to be no bad blood between Lennox and Dreamville founder J. Cole. During her recent performance at the Dreamville Festival, Lennox took a moment to thank Cole publicly, saying,
“Thank you for making my dreams a reality,”
according to HotNewHipHop.
Tensions Behind the Scenes
While the parting appears friendly now, it follows a rocky period for Lennox with her label home. In October 2024, the “Shea Butter Baby” singer aired frustrations on Instagram, criticizing both Dreamville and Interscope for what she described as a lack of care and support.
Lennox notably objected to the release of a music video she claims she never approved, expressing that she was tired of being portrayed as the “face of mental health.”
“I just wish I had a label that cared, that would want to protect me,” Lennox wrote.
“I wish I had a label that wouldn’t have me out here trying to explain that I need advertisement. I just wanna be released, it’s that simple.”
A Dreamville Legacy
Ari Lennox made history when she became Dreamville’s first female artist in 2015. She debuted with her EP “Pho” in 2016, followed by her critically acclaimed 2019 album “Shea Butter Baby,” which catapulted her into the mainstream R&B spotlight.
Lennox’s distinctive blend of soulful vocals and raw, relatable storytelling helped define a major part of Dreamville’s identity during her tenure. As she embarks on her next chapter under Interscope Records, fans eagerly await what the next phase of her career will bring.
