The song originally appeared on the Creed II soundtrack in November 2018 before becoming the title track of Lennox's debut album.
The official music video for "Shea Butter Baby" by Ari Lennox and J. Cole , directed by , premiered on February 20, 2019 . It visually captures the "neo-soul sexy sweet midnight delight" Lennox described, focusing on the intimate ups and downs of a modern relationship. Visual Aesthetic and Themes The song originally appeared on the Creed II
: Visual transitions are often achieved by zooming into natural hair textures, including kinky curls and dark fade haircuts, to transport the viewer between scenes. It visually captures the "neo-soul sexy sweet midnight
: The narrative shifts between intimate real-world settings, where Ari seeks the attention of a partner focused on his laptop, and a surreal "alternate plane". : Cole enters around the halfway mark, delivering
: Cole enters around the halfway mark, delivering his verse in a vacant space alongside Lennox. Meaning and Impact
The video is noted for its warm, , dominated by a "celebration of browns"—from brown skin and decor to chocolate-covered walls in dream-like sequences.