It's Smooth. It's Melodic — with a sprinkle of raunchiness, but not distasteful at all.
Shea Butter Baby talks of being impatient, being forward, honest, all while learning life lessons, (like turning off lights because your electric bill will skyrocket) and entering the Come Up. This project was an absolute joy. My favorite track at the moment is POP. Mainly because, I’ve been there. Bussed it open with the hopes to not be judged and loved. With hopes that it turns into something beautiful. Let’s just say... I’ve experienced great friendships along with HELLA misses (Uncle Snoop said, “We don’t love these hoes” and my ass was out here loving them up and down) but that's nothing to regret, right?
Another stand out track, New Apartment, talks of being free to do whatever you like in the privacy of your own shit and using as much hot water as you can stand. You’re adjusting to the move, but embracing your new space. You finally have total power over your residence, and also the power to throw the first person out who isn’t cooperating — even if you were the one to invite them. It feels great to have total control.
Many listeners have expressed that the album gives off Badu vibes, but I beg to differ. Another favorite, Speak To Me, Ari Lennox's voice sounds similar Erykah Badu's, but the project as a whole reminds me of when I first heard Tweet's debut album, Southern Hummingbird, in its entirety. From the content to the production, Shea Butter Baby was masterfully created and Ari may have gained herself a Grammy nomination with this one.
