The Breakfast Club INTERVIEW: Ari Lennox Talks New Album ‘Vacancy’, Leaving Dreamville Records, Upcoming Tour, Dating + More
Mar 6, 2026
Ari Lennox, Grammy-nominated R&B and neo-soul singer-songwriter behind Shea Butter Baby and Vacancy, talks about her new album Vacancy and why it centers on emotional voids. She opens up about repeating dating patterns, sobriety and touring prep. She also reflects on leaving Dreamville, industry realities, and heartfelt studio collaborations.
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Short Relationships That Shaped Songs
- Ari explained Under the Moon came from a short, possibly toxic month-long relationship, not the person with the secret girlfriend.
- She differentiates infatuation from love, saying she hasn't truly loved because she couldn't accept partners fully.
Therapy Revealed Attachment Patterns
- Therapy helped Ari identify anxious and avoidant attachment patterns and practice mirror exercises for self-love.
- She acknowledged avoidance of recommended reading (The Courage to Trust) and the slow daily work of building self-acceptance.
Do Daily Mirror Work For Self-Love
- Practice daily self-love exercises even when they're uncomfortable.
- Ari uses morning mirror work from her therapist and admits avoidance slows healing but consistency moves progress.