Ari Lennox to release “Smoke” single on October 18

Ari Lennox Set to Release New Single “Smoke” on October 18
Ari Lennox fans, the wait is almost over. After nearly a year since her last single, the Dreamville songstress is preparing to drop her highly anticipated new track, “Smoke,” on October 18. With an incredibly loyal fanbase and growing mainstream success, Lennox has been at the forefront of R&B, combining soulful melodies with her unique voice to create music that connects with listeners on a deep emotional level.
“Smoke” is already generating buzz, marking Lennox’s first release of 2024 and signaling a return after her last single, “Get Close,” which was released in November 2023. Fans have been clamoring for new music, and their patience is about to be rewarded. Along with the news, Lennox has also revealed the cover art for the track, which captures a powerful moment from one of her live performances, showing her in full flow, connected to her audience, microphone in hand.
Why “Smoke” Is Highly Anticipated
The release of “Smoke” comes at a pivotal moment in Lennox’s career. As an artist who has steadily built her reputation on the back of heartfelt, introspective music, her fans are eager to see what new direction this single will take.
Ari Lennox is known for her ability to craft deeply personal songs that speak to universal themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery. Each release feels like a conversation with her audience, filled with emotion and authenticity. Moreover, “Smoke” is expected to continue this trend, offering both a new sonic experience and the emotional depth that Lennox’s fans crave.
But it’s not just the music that’s exciting fans—it’s the possibility that this single could be the precursor to a larger project. Lennox hasn’t released a full-length album since “age/sex/location” in September 2022, and her fans have been vocal about their desire for more. Furthermore, many are hoping that “Smoke” will lead into an album or at least a new EP. The Dreamville artist has been relatively quiet about her upcoming projects, but this release might just open the door to more information.
The Journey Since “age/sex/location”
Ari Lennox’s 2022 album “age/sex/location” was a standout in the R&B genre. Featuring 12 tracks and collaborations with heavyweights like Summer Walker, Chloe Bailey, and Lucky Daye, the album helped solidify Lennox’s place in the industry. The project explored themes of romantic frustration, personal growth, and vulnerability, wrapped in Lennox’s signature blend of smooth vocals and soulful production.
While “age/sex/location” was a critical success, Lennox didn’t immediately flood the market with new music afterward. Instead, she focused on touring, connecting with her fans, and allowing the album to breathe. This strategy kept the demand high, with every new single met with excitement. When she dropped “Get Close” in November 2023, it was clear that Lennox was playing the long game, spacing out her releases to build anticipation.Ari Lennox and Dreamville: A Perfect Match
As a key artist on Dreamville Records, Ari Lennox has benefited from the guidance and creative freedom provided by J. Cole and the rest of the Dreamville team. Dreamville has always prioritized quality over quantity, and Lennox’s output reflects that ethos. Her music isn’t rushed, and every release feels thoughtfully crafted.
Lennox has mentioned in past interviews how Dreamville has helped her grow as an artist, giving her the space to experiment while staying true to her R&B roots. It’s this balance that makes her music so refreshing in an industry where artists are often pressured to churn out content quickly. For Lennox, it’s about creating something meaningful, and “Smoke” is expected to be no different.
What Fans Are Saying About “Smoke”
The buzz around “Smoke” is palpable, especially among Lennox’s die-hard fans. Social media has been flooded with comments and excitement ever since she revealed the single’s release date and cover art. The image itself—Lennox on stage, microphone in hand, belting out a note—has fans nostalgic for her live performances and ready for new music.
Many fans are speculating about the theme of the song. Given Lennox’s track record, it’s likely to be another emotionally rich ballad, possibly exploring the complexities of relationships, self-worth, or growth. Some fans have pointed to the title “Smoke” as a metaphor for fleeting moments or the aftermath of a difficult situation, but as of now, the specifics remain a mystery. Lennox has kept details of the song under wraps, fueling even more excitement.
R&B in 2024: Where Does Ari Lennox Fit In?
Ari Lennox’s return to the spotlight with “Smoke” comes at a fascinating time for R&B. The genre has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with artists like SZA, Summer Walker, and Jazmine Sullivan pushing boundaries and redefining what modern R&B sounds like. Lennox has always stood out within this group, carving her own niche with a sound that blends classic soul with contemporary elements.
R&B in 2024 is more diverse than ever, with artists incorporating elements of hip-hop, pop, and even electronic music into their work. Lennox, however, has stayed largely true to the genre’s roots, focusing on live instrumentation, smooth melodies, and heartfelt lyrics. This has endeared her to fans who appreciate the purity of her music, but it also begs the question—what new sounds might Lennox explore in “Smoke”?
Could she follow in the footsteps of artists like Summer Walker, who have blended R&B with more experimental production? Or will she continue to hone her classic sound? Fans are eager to find out and are hoping that “Smoke” provides a glimpse into the next phase of Lennox’s artistic journey.
The Impact of “Smoke” on Lennox’s Career
Every new release from Ari Lennox feels like an event. As an artist who doesn’t release music frequently, each single or project carries weight. “Smoke” is no exception, and its release on October 18 will undoubtedly have an impact on the trajectory of her career.
With over a year since her last single, Lennox’s return is expected to generate significant attention, both from fans and the music industry at large. If “Smoke” is as powerful as her previous work, it could pave the way for more high-profile collaborations, award nominations, and perhaps even a new album.
Anticipation Builds for a New Album
While there’s been no official confirmation of a new album, the release of “Smoke” has reignited speculation. Lennox’s last album, “age/sex/location,” set a high bar, and fans are eager to see how she follows it up. Many are hoping that “Smoke” is the first taste of a larger body of work, potentially signaling that Lennox is ready to release her next full-length project.
If an album is indeed on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how Lennox has evolved since her last release. As one of the standout voices in modern R&B, her growth as an artist has been remarkable to watch, and fans are ready to support her next move.
As a result, Ari Lennox’s return with “Smoke” is a moment that fans have been eagerly awaiting. The new single, set for release on October 18, is already generating excitement, and the cover art alone has sparked conversations online. As one of R&B’s brightest stars, Lennox has built a career on authenticity, emotional depth, and musical excellence. “Smoke” promises to deliver more of what fans love about her, and potentially hint at even bigger things to come. Whether this is the start of a new project or simply a powerful standalone single, one thing is certain—Ari Lennox is back, and the R&B world is ready.