Ari Lennox - Up Late [Video]

The soulful croons of Dreamville Records signee Ari Lennox, make her a forerunner in the game right now. As the only female vocalist on J. Cole’s label, Ari has given us quite a treat with her debut album ‘Shea Butter Baby.’ Back to grace our ears (and eyes) once again, the latest single ‘Up Late’ is just as smooth and sultry as you would expect from the neo-R&B singer-songwriter.

Describing those intimate moments “up late again” with her beau, the striking visuals slightly differ from what one might expect of an intimate late-night affair. Set in a fresh field of green with an interchanging colourful backdrop, Ari is joined by Masego on the saxophone for a sexy sway in matching red ensembles.

Although Ari teases throughout the track, her likeness to the queen of neo-soul Erykah Badu can most notably be heard on the outro, when Ari has us in a wild chokehold with the final tease: “Fifth floor, give your ass a duplicate fob, yeah. Fifth floor, devour that body like corn on a cob, yeah. Fifth floor, neighbours must be questioning my job, yeah. Five a.m. could you stay a little longer?”

Ari’s bringing her own contemporary twist on classic funk-soul with her soulful hums and the beautiful register of the saxophone fusing with the slow, tease of percussion. We are totally here for it!

Watch the video for ‘Up Late’ below. Ari Lennox – ‘Shea Butter Baby’ album is out now and available to stream.