The song originally appeared on the Creed II soundtrack in November 2018 before becoming the title track of Lennox's debut album.
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. The song originally appeared on the Creed II
: 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". : Visual transitions are often achieved by zooming
: 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 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
: Cole enters around the halfway mark, delivering his verse in a vacant space alongside Lennox. Meaning and Impact