In a vulnerable and revealing Instagram Live session, Ari Lennox, the acclaimed singer-songwriter from Dreamville, opened up about her challenging time on tour with rapper Rod Wave. Despite no personal issues with Wave himself, Lennox bravely delved into the discomfort and adversity she faced while on the road, shedding light on the often unseen struggles behind the scenes of the music industry.
Lennox recounted feeling a pervasive sense of unease and disconnection during her performances, describing a rush to get through her set at every show. Her discomfort stemmed not from Wave or his team but from the audience themselves, whom she found unresponsive and, at times, hostile.
In a particularly harrowing moment, Lennox detailed an incident where she felt the weight of negativity from the crowd, culminating in a bottle being thrown onto the stage during a show in Los Angeles. Although the bottle missed her, the impact of the act left her shaken. Lennox’s immediate response was one of defiance and empowerment as she fearlessly called out the perpetrator, refusing to tolerate disrespect towards herself as a Black woman and as an artist.
Her impassioned speech, delivered in the heat of the moment, garnered support from the rest of the audience, who cheered her on in solidarity. However, amidst the chaos, Lennox’s microphone was cut, and she was escorted offstage by security.
The tour experience also brought forth other challenges for Lennox, including loneliness and the theft of her wardrobe, adding to the already taxing nature of life on the road.
By sharing her story, Lennox shines a spotlight on the often overlooked emotional toll of touring and the importance of creating spaces where artists feel respected and valued. Her courage in speaking out serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength required to navigate the complexities of the music industry, even in the face of adversity.
Ari Lennox talks about a “very, very, hard and lonely” time opening up on tour w/ Rod Wave
— Glock Topickz (@Glock_Topickz) January 7, 2024
“I get why it does not makes sense to open up for … anybody. I watched it with Rico Nasty. There’s a certain type of fan base that you’re like, literally aggressive” https://t.co/lwSjv4rfSQ pic.twitter.com/RrMUIEqfkD
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