It’s easy (and simple-minded) to refer to J. Cole‘s Dreamville stable as a TDE-alike (especially since Cole himself said that he draws inspiration from the label). However, the imprint has its own share of unique power players: the everyman sensibilities of Bas and Lute, the OutKast-ian EarthGang, the West Coast gruff of Cozz, and the rapid-fire density of J.I.D. among others. And, like TDE, they have their own first lady-slash-songstress, Ari Lennox.
Having formally introduced herself with her 2016 EP PHO, Lennox has now released her debut album — and bucked the trend of releasing projects on a Friday in the process — Shea Butter Baby. A 12-track offering, the project is preceded by “Up Late” and its title track. Meanwhile, the likes of J.I.D. and J. Cole are the only featured throughout.
Stream Shea Butter Baby, below.
