Ari Lennox is in the building today on Power 105.1, and this conversation with Angie Martinez goes way deeper than the music. ✨🎙️
Looking gorgeous, glowing, and genuinely at peace, Ari opened up about being in a much happier place in life right now, crediting her friends, family, team, and having new work to promote for helping her feel grounded. She shared that she recently moved to a quiet small town in southern Maryland for more peace, privacy, and space to just be herself away from constant attention.
She also got real about identity, transparency, and the pressure artists face online. Ari revealed that her real name is Courtney Shanade Salter, and said her “superpower is transparency”, but also called it her “greatest flaw.” She admitted she’s a lot more cautious these days, especially on IG Live, because even the most harmless comments can turn into headlines. As she put it, “There’s someone always watching.”
The interview also touched on how social media has changed artists, and how even stars like Cardi B and Rihanna have had to move differently online because of backlash and constant scrutiny. Ari spoke honestly about being careful not to say anything that could distract from her music, especially during an album rollout.
And yes, she got personal. Ari talked about being ready for real love, marriage, and eventually a baby, but made it clear she wants something intentional and meaningful, not surface level. She joked about Bad Bunny being her celebrity crush, but also said she’s looking for a man who’s sure about her, focused, and probably not an artist or athlete.
She also opened up about being three years sober from alcohol, why she stepped away from it, and how that decision has helped her feel clearer, healthier, and more in control. From running and stretching to working on her mental health, Ari gave a transparent look into the discipline behind this chapter of her life.
Musically, she says she’s in a sensual and unapologetic era, and that energy is showing up in the album and the tour. But she also made it clear there’s more depth coming too, saying she’s ready to eventually create from an even deeper emotional place. One of the most telling lines from the convo was when she said, “I want a man so sure about me.” Another was, “I don’t want to start anything with anyone. Things are too good. I’m too good right now.”
From happiness, healing, and heartbreak to fame, fear, dating, and this new season of music, Ari really let people into where she is in life right now.
Tap in for the full interview with Angie and Ari Lennox on Power 105.1. 💫