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Courtney Shanade Salter, who goes by the stage name Ari Lennox, took to social media last week to share her decision to cut ties with her record label Dreamville.
Ari first signed with Dreamville in 2015, before releasing her debut EP Pho. As per the label's "artist biography," the singer's work was inspired by Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Minnie Riperton, and Whitney Houston.
"Inspired by some of the greatest female vocalists of all time. Lennox modestly describes her own voice as vulnerable and soulful; imperfect but pretty." - Ari Lennox's Dreamville bio states.
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As of 2024, Ari's successful solo ventures and collaborations, which include singles with J. Cole and other members of Dreamville, make her one of the most engaging R&B artists of the decade.
In a recent report, Distractify Magazine suggested multiple brand sponsorships, like the hair care company Kiss Color and Care, are likely sources of income for the R&B singer.
According to the publication, Ari's estimated net worth is anywhere from $1 Million to $4 Million, primarily earned from album and music-related sales.
Ari Lennox publicly demands release from Dreamville and Interscope recording contracts
On October 30, Ari reportedly took to social media to share concerns with her record label and management in a now-deleted Instagram post, where she highlighted management not supporting her wishes and protecting her interests.
She also went live on Instagram, explaining how Dreamville's management was "unresponsive" to her requests to remove the music video for Smoke. The single was released alongside its visualizer on October 18, 2024.
"I told management I didn’t want the ‘Smoke’ video to come out because I’m tired of people treating me like I’m the face of mental health. I’m tired of people treating me like they’re so sorry for me. I’m a human being who has been very transparent about my life and it’s just weird how everyone gets really agitated." - Ari Lennox stated.
HipHopDX covered Ari's statements, where the singer claimed Dreamville and Interscope did not support the release of Smoke, reporting that she had to cover the promotion and Google advertising costs for her new record.
Ari Lennox's statements explain her issue with the label's management supposedly allowing her to be portrayed as the "face of mental health," claiming that Dreamville and Interscope refused to comply with her requests when she stated:
"I changed my mind about releasing this video and I told management and I told the label and they told me that they would take it down. Apparently, the people in charge of the video were unresponsive but they’re like, Everyone loves the video so we’re gonna keep it up."
"No, you are not going to manipulate me. Y’all are gonna be accountable for that, Interscope. I told you I wasn’t comfortable with it. I wish I had a label that cared and wanted to protect me. I just wanna be released. It’s that simple." - She continued.
Several popular artists, like Kehlani, were seen responding to Ari Lennox's recent statements, issuing words of support.
T-Pain commented on the singer's Instagram post highlighting instances from his career, which led to him going from a major label to an independent artist when he stated:
"It's f--kin tough as s--t but you're so talented and smart I knew if I just gave you a little perspective from recent experience, I'll at least spark something that you can take and absolutely kill this s--t on your own and be your own boss."
Among the comments, fellow Dreamville signees EARTHGANG shared their support for the R&B singer, citing that after splitting with Interscope they feel more in control of their destiny.
"LOVE YOU. It was a hard decision for us to leave @Interscope as well. We feel even better controlling our destiny now. Sending you some strength and we hope you continue to share your art with the world." - EARTHGANG stated.
With Ari Lennox deleting her Instagram post, and reportedly taking a break from social media, fans have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to rally behind the singer's wish to be released from her contracts with Dreamville and Interscope.
