Earlier this week, Dreamville artist Ari Lennox took to her Twitter account to unexpectedly announce that she’d be walking away from music as the result of mental health issues.
The “Whipped Cream” singer, who most recently appeared on the opening song of the new Bas album Milky Way, made a series of tweets on Monday (August 20), before stepping away from social media for a few days.
I don’t see how I can ever be happy doing music again. I don’t want to write and I don’t want to listen to listen to any beats. I don’t want to perform. I think im literally done. Never thought I could feel that way but I do
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) August 20, 2018
“I don’t see how I can ever be happy making music again,” she wrote to her fans. “I don’t want to write, and I don’t want to listen to any beats. I don’t want to perform. I think I’m [literally] done. Never thought I could feel that way but I do.”
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“This has nothing to do with music,” she continued, adding that this had nothing to do with anyone in her camp. “I’m not mentally ok.”
Fans were quick to offer their support for the singer.
You may just need to rest & feed your spirit Sis. If this is your love & passion God will restore. We all have these moments be easy on yourself & do something that's solely for you ?
— NayNay (@NJB_NAYNAY) August 20, 2018
Ultimately, I support you're happiness over it all. Just know that we will bump Pho forever. Praying you find what makes you happy oce more
— Boulevard Jones ??♂️ (@blackquinoa) August 20, 2018
You may not see it now but God gave you a gift for a reason. Don’t tell yourself you’re “done” without asking him for guidance and making sure it’s the right thing. It’s deff necessary to take a break, breathe and live a lil. Go do something spontaneous you’ve always wanted to!
— VASHON (@vashongrand) August 20, 2018
You have a platform that any young hungry artist would die for, hope you feel better soon.
— XANDRE AUGS (@xandreaugs) August 20, 2018
No Ari! I absolutely love your music. Even if you need to take time for yourself never ever give up your art
— Future GOAT ??♀️ (@CandaceHowze) August 20, 2018
Much to the relief of her followers, she broke two days of silence on Wednesday (August 22) noting that she would not be quitting music for good. She apologized to her fans for unloading on them, adding “I thought quitting would be the answer, it’s not.”
You guys this is not true. I’m sorry for breaking like this. My own personal troubles made music stuff seem so small and insignificant. I thought quitting would be the answer. It’s not. https://t.co/QbEE7QZpXY
— Ari Lennox (@AriLennox) August 22, 2018
“Mental Peace is important,” she wrote in a final tweet, stating that she’d be working on herself before returning to music.
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Lennox’s message is an important one to bear in mind. Anyone feeling the same way — whether they have a platform or not — shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.
The entire HipHopDX team sends positive thoughts and prayers to Lennox as she works on herself.
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