Ari Lennox has returned with her new single, “Smoke,” via Dreamville/Interscope Records.
On the vintage soul track, produced by Bongo ByTheWay and co-written by Ant Clemons, Lennox warns a love interest that she isn’t going to entertain infidelity.
“Save all your f***s for me / I want all the smoke / Save all your f***s for me / Better not give that s**t away,” she sings in the chorus.
“Smoke” arrives with a video directed by Chris Robinson and LCR$, which can be watched below.
“Smoke” is Lennox’s first official single since “Get Close,” released last November. It marked Lennox’s first offering since her 2022 sophomore album, age/sex/location.
The project included Lennox’s No. 1 hits “Pressure” and “Waste My Time.” The former, produced by Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox and Elite, led Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart for three weeks. Meanwhile, the latter song held the No. 1 spot for one week in April 2023.
Following age/sex/location, Lennox collaborated with several other acts, including Babyface (“Liquor“), Alex Vaughn (“Demon Time“), Rory (“My Phone Can Die” with James Fauntleroy), Foggieraw (“Stay Awhile“) and most recently producer Camper (“War” with Jeremih).
Circling back to “Smoke,” the whimsical track will appear on Lennox’s upcoming third album, which will release in 2025.
In an Instagram Live broadcast in September, Lennox spoke about her creative approach for her highly anticipated album. “This project has been very collaborative, like I want help with writing. I want help with getting my thoughts organized and getting them out there,” Lennox told viewers. “I definitely welcomed lots of help.”
On Saturday (Oct. 19), Lennox will headline a Femme It Forward concert in Los Angeles at YouTube Theater. Her longtime collaborator Durand Bernarr and rising singer Destin Conrad will join Lennox as special guests.
Then, on Oct. 26, Lennox will perform at day one of the 15th annual ONE Musicfest in Atlanta. The star-studded lineup also includes Cardi B, Earth, Wind & Fire, Fantasia, Fridayy, and more.
Stream Ari Lennox’s new song “Smoke” and watch the video below.
