GRAMMY-nominated singer unleashes an exciting pair of surprises with the release of a brand-new single, “Under the Moon,” and the official announcement of her forthcoming third studio album, Vacancy, on Interscope Records. The album, to be released January 23, 2026, is available for pre-order now.
“Under the Moon” premiered on Apple Music, while Ari Lennox featured on the cover of the New Music Daily playlist on Apple Music. The single evokes classic Halloween imagery, laying a contemporary spin on the track’s seductive vintage R&B foundation as Ari depicts a carnal nighttime romance. She croons about her new beau, singing “Felt his suspicious mystique/something’s giving me the creeps/now I’m trippin’/I’m so smitten,” and caps the chorus with a mimic werewolf cry that displays a new dimension of her vocal talents.
Vacancy is Ari’s hotly anticipated third studio album, advancing the artistry and acclaim that began with her debut, 2019’s Shea Butter Baby, and second release, 2022’s age/sex/location. The upcoming album’s recently released title track saw Ari reunite with GRAMMY-winning hitmakers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox – the same team behind Ari’s Billboard chart-topping, RIAA platinum-certified “Pressure” – for a vocal showcase that centers her soul-stirring vocals as she yearns for more companionship.
Other recent highlights include this year’s catchy “Soft Girl Era” and 2024’s “Smoke,” an expert blend of classic and contemporary R&B sounds. Both tracks furthered Ari’s hitmaking streak on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart and generated millions of streams. The multihyphenate continued to captivate audiences and generate new fans with collaborations with Camper on “War” with Jeremih, Foggieraw’s “Stay Awhile,” and Jessie Reyez’s “JUST LIKE THAT.”
In addition to the outstanding new songs, Ari wowed Essence Fest with a set packed with RIAA-certified hits, fan-favorite deep cuts, and viral covers. Further, she recently turned heads at New York Fashion Week in September, proving that her impact reaches well beyond the stage.
With such a successful and rich history, Vacancy is sure to be another gem for one of this generation’s brightest R&B stars and a moment for all to celebrate Ari’s journey.
