Ari Lennox has returned to Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart for the first time this year.
The soul singer and songwriter’s new single, “Smoke,” has debuted at No. 30 on the airplay chart, with Tyrese‘s “Wildflower” taking the top spot.
“Smoke” is one of two new tracks making their debut on the Adult R&B list, alongside October London’s “She Keeps Calling.”
Lennox’s latest single, a cautionary tune, marks her sixth entry on the airplay chart. She made her debut in April 2019 with “Shea Butter Baby,” featuring J. Cole, which peaked at No. 11 in August of that year.
Since then, Lennox has achieved significant success, securing three consecutive No. 1s on the chart, starting with her very first chart-topper, “Pressure.” This well-received single, produced by Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox, and Elite, dominated the chart for three weeks.
Lennox’s other No. 1 visits include “Waste My Time” and Summer Walker’s “Unloyal,” both of which spent one week at the top.
Here are all six of Lennox’s appearances on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart, listed by peak year.
- “Smoke,” No. 30 so far (2024)
- “Waste My Time,” No. 1 for one week (2023)
- “Pressure,” No. 1 for three weeks (2022)
- “Unloyal,” a duet with Summer Walker, No. 1 for one week (20222)
- “Make Me Feel,” a collaboration with Skip Marley and Rick Ross, No. 14 (2020)
- “Shea Butter Baby,” a collaboration with J. Cole, No. 11 (2019)
Released on Oct. 18, “Smoke” is the first new music from Lennox this year. The track, produced by Bongo ByTheWay, marks her first release since “Get Close,” which came out last November.
“Smoke” will also appear on her upcoming untitled third album, which is set to release in 2025.
In a September Instagram Live broadcast, Lennox discussed her creative approach for her eagerly awaited 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.”
Prior to this, Lennox was hot on the promotional trail for her sophomore album, age/sex/location. As mentioned above, the project, issued in 2022, includes Lennox’s two hit singles: “Pressure” and “Waste My Time.”
At year-end, Rated R&B included age/sex/location on its 25 Best R&B Albums of 2022 list.
Listen to Ari Lennox’s “Smoke” below.
