Ari Lennox has officially entered a new chapter with the release of her third studio album, Vacancy, out now via Interscope Records, per ratedrnb.com. The 15-track project marks a significant milestone for the Washington, D.C. native, serving as her first independent venture since parting ways with J. Cole’s Dreamville Records.
The album arrives on the heels of several successful singles, including “Soft Girl Era,” “Under The Moon” and “Twin Flame.” Lennox recently showcased her vocal prowess with a live performance of the latter on The Jennifer Hudson Show, where she opened up about the inspiration behind the record’s title.
“There’s a space, a void that I would love for someone to fill, but the reality is people are in and out like a hotel,” Lennox explained. “I’ve been writing about my infatuation phases over the last 34 years of my life.”
Executive produced by Elite, the album was recorded over three years across Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Miami. The result is a collection of sultry, polished R&B tracks like “Mobbin in DC” and “High Key.” On the latter, Lennox samples Switch’s “This Is My Dream” to create a “bedroom-ready” anthem.
The project features a lone guest appearance from reggae legend Buju Banton, who joins Lennox on the smooth, island-inspired track “Company.”
Vacancy follows the singer’s critically acclaimed 2022 release, Age/Sex/Location, which spawned the chart-topping hit “Pressure.” For this new outing, Lennox reunited with legendary producers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox to maintain the sophisticated sound her fans adore.
With its raw honesty and lush production, Vacancy cements Ari Lennox’s status as one of the premier voices in contemporary soul.
•Featured image: Ari Lennox/Interscope Records
