To The 10th Degree

Dreamville & Ari Lennox “Bussit”

Ari Lennox sings sexy, sensual R&B songs with the authoritative cadence of a rapper. Her phrasing is so bold and direct that even her most vulnerable or submissive lyrics can come across like statements or commands. This works particularly well on “Bussit,” a slow jam in which Lennox is taking control of a relationship that’s been hot but a little ambiguous. “You scared of love, but fuck your fear,” she sings in the first verse, not allowing any room for negotiation. The sentiment of this song would probably feel sinister coming from a man, but in this context, it’s a woman who knows what she wants doing her best to cut through a man’s bullshit and anxiety. I suppose this song is an ultimatum, but she’s mostly just asking him to get over himself and commit to something he actually cares about.

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