Firstly, there is need to have a brief background about Pho. According to Genius,it states that, "Pho is Ari Lennox's second EP and debut project with Dreamville,released on October 21,2016. The lead single to this project is the song Backseat featuring labelmate Cozz which was on Dreamville's second compilation album, Revenge of the Dreamers II ".
Moreover,as stated by Genius,Ari Lennox described this EP as, "Modern,relaxed,turned up soul.... It's just chill with trappy vibed reminiscent of the beautiful music from the '70s".
There are various ways in which Pho shows Ari Lennox embracing who she is as a person and an artist. There are mostly shown through songs. One of them is Backseat. The song is about Ari Lennox having sex with her boyfriend at the backseat of the car.
According to Hot97fm:Ari Lennox on Being Signed by J. Cole + Having Pho with Solange 3 August 2017 by presenter Nessa on YouTube,Ari Lennox has admitted that Backseat is based on a true event. Ari Lennox and her ex-boyfriend would get busy in his mom's car.
If we look at the lyrics below,Ari Lennox is not apologetic about it:
"Would you hit it how I like
Would you hit it in the backseat of my ride
And I know it's risky right
But I want it in the backseat of my hmmm"
Backseat seams to show Ari Lennox embracing who she is as a person and an artist. According to thefader.com: Ari Lennox Is Signing Sensual Soul Cuts As Dreamville's New Artist by Lakin Starling , October 14,2016,Ari Lennox said, "Certain things shouldn't be taboo. You should talk about being free,and women should be able to express what they're going through,I'm so thankful for Backseat because it's doing so much".
From my point of view,the information above explains why most of her songs are intimate and personal,she is expressing what she has been through. This shows that she is embracing who she is as a person and an artist. She is expressing herself hence she is not apologetic about it.
What is the meaning of the word Pho? If we look at the meaning on the dictionary,it is a soup made of beef or chicken broth and rice noodles. Moreover,on Hot97fm,Ari Lennox gives one reason why she named her EP, Pho. It's because she ate pho with her ex all the time. This explains why all her songs seem personal.
For example,the song La La La La is personal. According to Genius,it states that, "Ari Lennox gives us La La La La as an ode to the person that continues to linger around as much as she wants them to leave. Her lyrics imply that she knows it will hurt to stick around. Not only does the other person return again and again,but so do the strong emotions and feelings of attachment that she holds for them". This is shown on the lyrics below:
[Verse 1]
"Supposed to be sleep, but over my covers I peak
Won't you terrify me?
Don't belong to me, but still your shadow leaves
Chills on my cheek
And I know it's a no, no, how I'm feeling for you
I can't rid him of my sheets
Pain wants me to let go
I'd be lying if I said no
Hurts so much that it's sweet"
From the lyrics above,the fact that she still misses her ex is personal because some can relate to this. Therefore,she is open to her personal experiences hence she is embracing who she is as a person. As an artist,she wants her listeners to relate to her personal experience hence she is not afraid to be open about her personal life.
Another song which shows Ari Lennox embracing who she is as a person and an artist is Yuengling. As stated by Genius,"The Yuengling company is 'America's Oldest Brewery' established in 1829. Yuengling beer is the star of this first track on Ari Lennox's EP, Pho. Ari boasts about how this particular brand of beer is all she and her lover need for the perfect tipsy night together ". This is shown on the lyrics below:
[Verse 1]
"Body little trippy
Feel a little tipsy
Like what's going on (what?)
I, I'm a little dizzy
But fuck the shit I like it
You buy the brew I'll ride it
That yuengling make you do ya thang
(That yuengling make you do the thang)
You know a nigga want it"
From the lyrics above,this clearly shows that Ari Lennox is embracing who she is as a person and an artist. As stated by stereochampions:Ari Lennox 'PHO EP' Will Lift Your Soul And Make You Feel Good, Ari Lennox said, "I want to be braver and riskier. I think people want to hear that kind of honesty and frankness". This is why songs like Yuengling are very intimate. She is brave enough to share her personal experiences with her listeners hence why her songs are straight to the point. As a person and an artist,she is the type of person who is very authentic with her music.
The structure of the songs also shows Ari Lennox embracing who she is as a person and an artist.
The Track List:
1. Yuengling
2. Backseat feat. Cozz
3. Night Drive
4. La La La La
5. Cold Outside
6. Backwood
7. GOAT
As stated by stereochampions,"The composition of Lennox's project makes sure each song flows into each one without throwing you off. Each song eases into the next and it allows for you to appreciate the last track just as much as the next".
From my point of view,this probably shows that Ari Lennox wants her listeners to appreciate each song in the EP because all of her songs are based on her personal experience. Moreover,this makes her different from other artists hence she appreciates each song in the EP. Ari Lennox seems to be all about being creative with her music hence why I believe Pho shows Ari Lennox embracing who she is as a person and an artist.
Lastly,as stated by Lakin Starling, Ari Lennox gives reasons why she created the EP, Pho. Ari Lennox said, "I think a lot of people will be able to relate to this because I'm just talking about everyday life,which is making love in the backseat of a car,or missing somebody,believing they were the greatest based on how much they showed you and appreciating it from what it was and growing from that. It's intimate,just in a straight-to-the-point type way".
Moreover,she said, "I want people to embrace who they are. I want women to embrace who they are and what they're feeling without being ashamed,no matter how anyone may judge or say. I want people to start embracing themselves and that's all I really want". Just like she has embraced who she is through songs like Backseat and Yuengling without being ashamed,she wants everyone to embrace who they are as well. This is why Pho shows Ari Lennox embracing who she is as a person and an artist.
Ari Lennox has mentioned what's been the most empowering part about singing the type of music she creates. As stated by Lakin Starling,Ari Lennox said, "There's so many levels,and I guess it's me learning. I'm not trying to give it all away with the EP. It's just chill,it's just fun for me. This is the perfect time for me to be sure and own who I am. I'm just so happy about that. I'm finally,for the first time,being myself. I've fucked with Dreamville because for the longest time,I thought I would have to do a top 40 pop hit to make it. You know,that techno-type sound. Dreamville,thank God for them,because they really help me realize to embrace who I am".
From my point of view,the fact that Pho is just chill and fun for Ari Lennox shows that she is embracing who she is as a person and an artist. Moreover,the fact that Dreamville were the one's who helped her realize to embrace who she is shows that Dreamville is all about authenticity.
In conclusion,songs like Backseat and Yuengling shows that Ari Lennox is not apologetic about who she is as a person and an artist. The song La La La La is personal hence she wants her listeners to relate. Ari Lennox also wants everyone to embrace who they are without being ashamed about it.
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