Lenny Kravitz on Staying Authentic 35 Years Later and Receiving His Flowers
Written by Michael Calcagno on March 23, 2024
Lenny Kravitz is the embodiment of icon status, evident in how he’s crafted his legacy over the years. Known for his music and influential style, he has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry and inspired countless individuals. With a career spanning over 35 years, he has amassed numerous awards, including Grammys and American Music Awards, and was recently honored with the Global Impact Award at The Recording Academy Honors presented by The Black Music Collective. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame further solidifies his cultural significance. Reflecting on his journey, Lenny now embraces the recognition he once overlooked, having been consumed by his relentless drive to push boundaries and innovate.
“If somebody is offering you flowers, receive them and smell them and enjoy them. When I was much younger, I didn’t take the time to smell the flowers.”
Lenny Kravitz
Lenny discusses his farm compound in Brazil with EBONY, revealing the inspiration behind its creation. “I was on tour in Brazil years ago and I fell in love with the land, not only the people, culture, and the music, but the land. I just ended up looking around and found this farm and ended up getting it, and it’s just a very special place that is healing for the soul.”
With over 35 years in the music industry, Lenny Kravitz understands that learning lessons is crucial for success and longevity. One key lesson he expresses is the importance of staying true to oneself amidst the industry’s ever-changing landscape. “I did what I was supposed to do, I did what I was given. I’m just an antenna, I pick up what is given to me. I pick up what’s floating around in the atmosphere. I always stuck to that. I could have gone in many different directions. I could have listened to people who said do this and do that and work with producers. I never did that I always did what it is that I heard and what I was being offered.”
“It’s an honor to be in EBONY Magazine. Since I was born, EBONY Magazine has been a part of my life being in our home and even being in it as a kid. When my mom was in it. It’s an honor to be here again.”
Lenny Kravitz
Kravitz has been working on new music, with his latest single, “Human,” marking the follow-up to last year’s release, “TK421.” This track will be featured on his upcoming album, Blue Electric Lights slated for release in May, marking his 12th studio album. Sharing details on the song with EBONY, he reveals that “Human” is about embracing the human experience as spiritual beings and living our best lives by being authentic. “People put so many expectations on us and are always trying to tell us what and how we should do. I believe we’re all born with a special gift and direction but some of us miss the mark. Either not accepting it or looking at somebody else and trying to emulate what they’re doing.”
His last album, Raise Vibration dropped in 2018, marking a six-year gap since his previous release as he prepares for his forthcoming album. He reflects that this new project mirrors the music he crafted during his high school years, even two songs on the album are from that time exploring his teenage years. “This album interestingly enough, is a combination of where I am now with shades and elements of where I was in high school. It was wonderful to celebrate that once I realized that because I left that behind when I did “Let Love Rule”, when I found my sound nothing that I’d done before had been released or heard.”
Expect a couple of-year tour in Europe starting this summer from Lenny Kravitz and there’s even talk about a future residency.
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