Shea Butter Baby
by Ari Lennox
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
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  1. HipHopDX
    Jun 18, 2019
    82
    Overall, for a debut album, Ari Lennox shows a lot of promise as a contemporary musical child of past neo-soul pioneers (whether they claim the title or not). With minimal effort, Ari impressively delivers the kind of R&B that has been missing (and missed), from the genre.
  2. Clash Music
    Jun 18, 2019
    80
    Shea Butter Baby manages to meld contemporary R&B with other sounds like soul, funk, and blues, all while introducing us to the Ari Lennox of today – and the inspirations that guide her every move.
  3. Pitchfork
    Jun 18, 2019
    76
    Though the album doesn’t really step outside of neo-soul conventions, it is nevertheless as stirring and lifting as a memory-triggering scent.
  5. Exclaim
    Jun 18, 2019
    70
    Creative production and Lennox's voice, which brims with beauty and character throughout the album, are admirable distractions from the holes in the songwriting, however.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. KimmyK
    Jun 24, 2021
    9
    Such a classic and timeless R&B soul album, one of the best r&b albums of 2019. Lennox voice is reminiscence of Erykah Badu but she has herSuch a classic and timeless R&B soul album, one of the best r&b albums of 2019. Lennox voice is reminiscence of Erykah Badu but she has her own unique flare and delivery. Chicago boy, I Been, BMO and Static are some of my favourites.… Full Review »
  2. mika_flk
    Oct 5, 2019
    10
    On repeat everyday. Ari is one of the best out there. Representing Dreamville perfectly. I wish 'I Been' had been longer, but overall a greatOn repeat everyday. Ari is one of the best out there. Representing Dreamville perfectly. I wish 'I Been' had been longer, but overall a great album. Can't wait for her to come to Europe.… Full Review »
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