Ari Lennox Shines “Under the Moon” as She Announces Her Third Album Vacancy

Ari Lennox is back and bolder than ever. Just in time for Halloween, the GRAMMY-nominated R&B powerhouse drops her brand-new single “Under the Moon” while officially announcing her third studio album, Vacancy, set to arrive January 23, 2026 via Interscope Records. The album is now available for pre-order, marking the next era for one of R&B’s most distinct voices.

“Under the Moon,” which premiered on Apple Music and leads the platform’s New Music Daily playlist, dives into an intoxicating mix of desire and danger. Ari paints a cinematic night under the moonlight with a mysterious new lover, crooning, “Felt his suspicious mystique/something’s giving me the creeps/now I’m trippin’/I’m so smitten,” before howling like a werewolf in a playful yet haunting twist that shows off a new side of her artistry. The song blends vintage R&B textures with Ari’s signature soulful edge, creating a soundscape that feels both timeless and daringly fresh.

Vacancy continues the evolution of an artist who has consistently pushed R&B forward since her breakout debut Shea Butter Baby in 2019 and her critically acclaimed sophomore album age/sex/location in 2022. The title track, which arrived earlier this year, reunites Ari with GRAMMY-winning producers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox — the same duo behind her platinum hit “Pressure.” On “Vacancy,” Ari delivers a powerful and emotive performance as she sings about loneliness and the longing for deeper connection, a theme that threads throughout her catalog.

Her recent run of singles, including “Soft Girl Era” and “Smoke,” have kept Ari’s name hot on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart while amassing millions of streams. She’s also continued to collaborate with some of the genre’s best, appearing on standout records like Jeremih and Camper’s “War,” Foggieraw’s “Stay Awhile,” and Jessie Reyez’s “JUST LIKE THAT.”

Beyond the music, Ari remains a captivating cultural presence. Her Essence Fest performance this year was a masterclass in vocal excellence and emotional delivery, and her stunning appearance at New York Fashion Week reminded everyone that her star power extends far beyond the microphone.

With Vacancy, Ari Lennox looks ready to remind the world why she remains one of modern R&B’s most authentic and dynamic artists — effortlessly blending sensuality, vulnerability, and humor in a way only she can. The moon may set, but Ari’s moment is just beginning.