Ari Lennox Departs Dreamville Records After Nearly a Decade

Ari Lennox has officially parted ways with J. Cole’s Dreamville Records, marking the end of a nearly 10-year chapter in her music career. The R&B singer will now release music exclusively through Interscope Records, with her latest single, “Soft Girl Era,” being the first under the new arrangement .

The split follows months of tension between Lennox and her former labels. In October 2024, she publicly expressed frustration over what she described as neglect and poor marketing support from both Dreamville and Interscope. In an Instagram Story, she wrote:

“What I don’t like is being signed and lied to and manipulated. Not one person at those labels ever knew how to market or protect me. Y’all don’t know the half. Constant let down and neglect.” 

Despite the public airing of grievances, the departure appears to have been amicable. Earlier this month, Lennox performed at the final Dreamville Festival, where she thanked J. Cole and the label for helping launch her career. She signed with Dreamville in 2015 and released her debut EP, Pho, in 2016, followed by her acclaimed debut album, Shea Butter Baby, in 2019, and her sophomore album, age/sex/location, in 2022 .

With Dreamville behind her, Lennox is embracing a new direction in her music career. “Soft Girl Era” showcases a softer, more playful vibe, sampling The New Birth’s 1972 song “You Are What I’m All About,” previously used in The Notorious B.I.G. and Lil’ Kim’s “Player’s Anthem” .

Fans and fellow artists have expressed support for Lennox’s decision, viewing it as a step toward greater artistic freedom and growth. As she embarks on this new chapter, Lennox seems poised to continue evolving her sound and solidifying her place in the R&B landscape.