Ashanti (singer)

American singer and songwriter (born 1980)

Ashanti

Ashanti in 2018

Background information
Birth name| Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas
Born|  (1980-10-13) October 13, 1980 (age 44)
Glen Cove, New York, U.S.
Genres|

* R&B[1]
* pop
* hip hop[2]
* soul[3]

Occupations|

* Singer
* songwriter
* actress

Discography| Ashanti discography
Years active| 1992–present
Labels|

* Written
* eOne
* AJM
* Murder Inc.
* Def Jam
* Island Def Jam

Spouse|

Nelly

(m. 2023)​

Website| ashantithisisme.com

Musical artist

Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas (born October 13, 1980) is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She was discovered as a teenager by record producer Irv Gotti, and signed with his label Murder Inc. Records, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings in 2002.[4] That same year, Ashanti guest appeared on the singles "What's Luv?" by Fat Joe, and "Always on Time" by Ja Rule, which peaked at numbers two and one on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively; the latter, with her 2002 debut single "Foolish", made her the first female artist to occupy the top two positions the chart simultaneously.[a]

"Foolish" served as lead single for Ashanti's eponymous debut album (2002). Despite mixed reviews, it debuted atop the Billboard 200, received triple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), won Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 45th Annual Grammy Awards, and spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top 40 singles "Happy" and "Baby".[5] She then co-wrote and provided background vocals for Jennifer Lopez's 2002 single "Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix)", which peaked the Billboard Hot 100.[6] Her second album, Chapter II (2003), became her second to peak the Billboard 200 and received platinum certification by the RIAA.[7] It received three nominations at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards, while its lead singles, "Rock wit U (Awww Baby)" and "Rain on Me", peaked at numbers two and seven on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively. Her third album, Ashanti's Christmas, was released that same year as a Christmas album; it was met with a steep critical and commercial decline.

Ashanti's fourth album, Concrete Rose (2004), debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 despite mixed critical response. Its lead single, "Only U", peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the UK Singles Chart—her most successful song in that country. Its second single, "Don't Let Them", saw limited success due to Def Jam's legal issues with Murder Inc. label head Irv Gotti.[8] Her fifth album, The Declaration (2008), was met with moderate reception and became her final release on a major label; her sixth album, Braveheart (2014), was released independently. Ashanti has sold nearly 30 million records worldwide.[9]

Ashanti has acted in several productions, debuting in the film Coach Carter and starring in the TV special The Muppets' Wizard of Oz (both 2005), the latter of which attracted nearly eight million viewers.[10] She also appeared in John Tucker Must Die (2006) and Resident Evil: Extinction (2007).[11][12]

## Early life

[edit]

Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas[13] was born on October 13, 1980,[14] in Glen Cove, New York.[15] Her mother, Tina Douglas, is African American and a former dance teacher. Her father, Ken-Kaide Thomas Douglas, is also African American and a former singer. She is the oldest of her parents' children, with a younger sister named Kenashia "Shia" Douglas.[16] Ashanti's mother named her after the Ashanti Empire in Ghana; in this nation, women had power and influence, and Tina wanted Ashanti to follow that model.[17] Her grandfather, James, was a civil rights activist who was associated with Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s.[18]

Ashanti's mother discovered her full singing potential when she overheard Ashanti singing Mary J. Blige's "Reminisce" at age 12 (after the song was released on Ashanti's birthday).[19] While attending high school,[20] Ashanti began to write songs. As a teenager, she performed in a local talent show and at several small festivals.[21] She got her first taste of acting as a child extra in Spike Lee's Malcolm X (1992) and in Ted Demme's Who's the Man?.[22] She also had a couple of minor appearances in music videos, such as KRS-One's "MC's Act Like They Don't Know" as well as 8-Off's "Ghetto Girl".[23]

Ashanti struggled to find success as a singer after being courted by several record labels, including Bad Boy and Jive. Despite this, she continued to perform in and around New York and began hanging out at the Murder Inc. recording studio, hoping for a big break.[4]

## Career

[edit]

### 2001–2003: Ashanti, Chapter II and Ashanti's Christmas

[edit]

Ashanti was first noticed by Irv Gotti because of her vocal skills.[24] He asked her to pen hooks for his rap artists and to perform with them in duets. Ashanti provided the melodic response to their call. Ashanti was first featured as a background vocalist on rapper Big Pun's song "How We Roll". In the same year, Ashanti was featured on fellow labelmate Cadillac Tah's singles "Pov City Anthem" and "Just Like a Thug". She also appeared on the 2001 The Fast and the Furious soundtrack as a featured artist on Vita's 2001 hip hop remake of Madonna's "Justify My Love" and on the solo track "When a Man Does Wrong". She was then featured on Fat Joe's "What's Luv?" and Ja Rule's "Always on Time". "What's Luv?" and "Always on Time" were released simultaneously and became two of the biggest hit songs of 2002. Ashanti became the first woman to occupy the top two positions on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart simultaneously when "Always on Time" and "What's Luv?" were at numbers one and two, respectively.

Following the success of her collaborations with Ja Rule and Fat Joe, Ashanti released her debut single, "Foolish", which contains a sample of the 1983 song "Stay with Me" by DeBarge (also used by The Notorious B.I.G. in his 1995 single "One More Chance", and by Big L in "MVP"). This is her biggest success to date, spending ten weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. She became the second artist (after The Beatles) to have their first three chart entries in the top ten of the Hot 100 simultaneously. Ashanti's self-titled debut album, Ashanti, was released on Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. record label in April 2002. It debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 albums chart. The album has been certified triple platinum in the United States and sold six million copies worldwide.[5] Ashanti wrote the album's twelve tracks, most of which were written on the spot in the studio. Ashanti's follow-up singles, "Happy" and "Baby", were not as successful as her debut single but peaked inside the top ten and top twenty in the U.S., respectively. Ashanti's debut album earned her many awards, including eight Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, and a Grammy Award in 2003 for Best Contemporary R&B Album. Ashanti was the first artist to win Best Contemporary R&B Album before the category was last awarded in 2011.[25] She was nominated as Best New Artist and "Foolish" was nominated in the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance category. She also received a Comet Award and two Soul Train Music Awards that same year.

Ashanti became the subject of controversy when it was announced that she would receive the Soul Train Aretha Franklin Award for "Entertainer of the Year". A high school student took offense and started an online petition against her, explaining to The Seattle Times that she was too new to deserve the award. Nearly 30,000 people agreed with him, signing the petition.[26] Many said that established artists such as Mary J. Blige and Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott or critically acclaimed singers like Alicia Keys and India Arie were more deserving of an award that carries the name of a musical legend. Despite the petition, the Soul Train committee and Don Cornelius stuck by their decision. Ashanti was applauded by her musical peers as she entered the Pasadena Civic Auditorium to accept her award and she was supported onstage by Patti LaBelle, who stated "she's a baby and we have to support our babies."[27][28]

Just before the release of her second album, Ashanti headlined VH1 Divas Duets alongside Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Beyoncé, and Lisa Marie Presley. During the concert, she performed duets with the Isley Brothers and Stevie Wonder and participated in the all-star finale performance of Wonder's "Higher Ground."[29]

In July 2003, Ashanti released her second album, Chapter II, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 326,000 copies in the U.S. The album went platinum, selling over 1.5 a million copies in the U.S.[7] Chapter II's first single, "Rock wit U (Awww Baby)", became a hit, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Its video, which showed Ashanti in a bikini frolicking on a beach and riding an elephant, was nominated for two 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. A remix of the song contains interpolations of Michael Jackson's "Rock with You". The second single, "Rain on Me", reached the number seven spot on the Hot 100 and number two on the Hot 100 R&B Songs chart. Chapter II was nominated for a 2004 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album, and "Rock wit U (Awww Baby)" and "Rain on Me" were nominated in the categories of Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, respectively. In the "Rain on Me," mini-movie music video—directed by Hype Williams and co-starring Larenz Tate—Ashanti portrays a troubled young woman in an abusive relationship. She received a Lifetime Channel Achievement Award for her message speaking out against domestic violence.[30] That same year, she began dating rapper Nelly.[31]

In November 2003, Ashanti released a Christmas album titled Ashanti's Christmas. It contained 10 Christmas songs and was a modest commercial success and sold just around 100,000 units in the U.S.[citation needed] The album peaked at No. 160 in the Billboard charts.[32]

### 2004–2007: Concrete Rose, Collectibles by Ashanti and acting

[edit]

Ashanti in 2005

Before Concrete Rose was released, Ashanti did some major promotion for her single "Only U", when she premiered it at the 2004 Vibe Music Awards. She featured on "Wonderful"—with Ja Rule and R. Kelly—that year, which peaked at number five in the U.S. and at number one in the UK. In December 2004, Ashanti released her third studio album, Concrete Rose, the title of which took on Tupac Shakur's pseudonym "The Rose That Grew from Concrete". The album debuted at number seven in the U.S., with first-week sales of 254,000 copies, and eventually became her third platinum-certified album. The first single, "Only U", reached number thirteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and became her biggest hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at number two. A second single, the ballad "Don't Let Them", garnered little chart success after Def Jam refused to fund a music video due to Irv Gotti's legal troubles during his money laundering trial.[8] The single was released only in the U.S., where it failed to chart, and the UK, where it reached the lower end of the top forty. After the release of Concrete Rose, Ashanti released the DVD Ashanti: The Making of a Star, which was available only for a limited time. The deluxe DVD includes an exclusive photo and video shoot footage, music from the albums Ashanti, Chapter II and Concrete Rose, special concert footage, unreleased childhood school performances, and behind-the-scenes interviews with family, friends, and fans.

In 2005, Ashanti focused more on her acting career, making her feature film acting debut in the film Coach Carter alongside Samuel L. Jackson, as well as starring as Dorothy Gale in the made-for-television film The Muppets' Wizard of Oz, which pulled in nearly 8 million viewers when it premiered. She sang "When I'm with You" for the film which was nominated for a Primetime Emmy in the Outstanding Music and Lyrics category.[33] In Coach Carter, she played a pregnant teenager named Kyra who has to decide whether or not to abort her unborn child. The movie opened at number-one at the U.S. box office, eventually grossing $67 million domestically.[34] Later in 2005, Ashanti was invited to Oprah Winfrey's Legends Ball, which honored some of the most influential and legendary African American women of the twentieth century in the fields of art, entertainment, and civil rights. In December 2005, Ashanti released a remix album of Concrete Rose titled Collectables by Ashanti. The album was an opportunity for her to fulfill her contract with Def Jam (and have the option of working with another label). It did not fare well on the charts.

In 2006, she starred in the teen comedy John Tucker Must Die, which opened and peaked at number three at the U.S. box office (competing with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and Miami Vice) and grossed $68,818,076 worldwide.[35] In 2007, she played a supporting role in the action film Resident Evil: Extinction (2007).[11]

### 2008–2010: The Declaration, departure from The Inc. and The Wiz

[edit]

Ashanti at the Heart Truth Fashion Show in 2008

Her fourth studio album, The Declaration, was released on June 3, 2008,[36] and sold 86,000 units its first week of release, which were the lowest first-week sales for any of Ashanti's studio albums. In mid-2007, MTV News reported that the first single from The Declaration was "Switch",[37] which was produced by Shy Carter and released digitally in the United States on July 24, 2007. It was later reported that "Switch" may not be included on the album's track listing, and that the first single would be "Hey Baby (After the Club)" it was released to radio and digital outlets on October 16. The song, which does not appear on the U.S. editions of the album, peaked at number eighty-seven on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "The Way That I Love You", was released to radio and digital outlets in January 2008, and was referred to as the "first single" in press material and media reports.[38][39][40][41] It reached number two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number thirty-seven on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Ashanti's first song to reach the top forty since "Only U" in 2004. "Body On Me" was recorded not only for Ashanti's The Declaration, but also for Nelly's fifth studio album Brass Knuckles. The track is produced by Akon and Giorgio Tuinfort. It went to number one on Billboard's Hot Videoclip Tracks chart in its first week, becoming the first number-one single from Nelly's album."Good Good" was released to urban radio stations on July 16, 2008.[42] The song contains elements of Elton John's 1974 single "Bennie and the Jets", and has the same melody arrangement as Michael Jackson's "The Girl Is Mine". In July 2008, Ashanti was named an ambassador of tourism for Nassau County, Long Island.

In May 2009, Irv Gotti announced that he was officially releasing Ashanti from The Inc. Records,[43] stating that "The relationship has run its course. The chemistry of what's needed — we're in two totally different places. You're talking to somebody that took her and shaped and molded her and put her out there for the world, and it blew up. We [hold the record] for the [fastest] selling debut by a female R&B artist — 503 [thousand]. We did it! My views and philosophies and her views and philosophies are not meeting up." Gotti also admitted that he and Ashanti have not spoken to each other in a long time. A representative for Ashanti did not respond. On September 24, 2009, Ashanti announced her fifth studio album would be released from her new label, Written Entertainment.

Ashanti headlined the cast of The Wiz in the New York City Center Encores! Summer Stars staging from June 12 to July 5, 2009.[44] Ashanti's role as Dorothy has since received mixed reviews from critics as most praised her vocals but was less pleased with her acting ability. BET and Entertainment Weekly both praised the singer's performance[45] as The New York Post and New York Times gave lukewarm reviews. Though the first night was sold out, some of the other shows were unable to follow its success.[46] On October 27, 2008, Ashanti took part in The Yellow Brick Road Not Taken, a one night only concert to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Wicked, featuring songs written by Stephen Schwartz, that were cut from the show.

### 2011–2014: Hiatus and Braveheart

[edit]

Toccara Jones and Ashanti at the New York Fashion Week of 2012

After a four-year hiatus, Ashanti released the song "Never Too Far Away", which was featured in Morgan Creek's film Dream House starring Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz with Naomi Watts. The lead single from her fifth studio album, "The Woman You Love" featuring American rapper Busta Rhymes, was released online on December 15, 2011.[47] Ashanti teamed up with Meek Mill and French Montana for the second single "No One Greater", which was produced by 7 Aurelius, Irv Gotti and Chink Santana. In April 2013, she released another single called "Never Should Have",[48] which later won "Best Independent R&B/Soul Performance" at the 2013 Soul Train Awards.[49] A music video for the track was also released.[50]

In November 2012, it was reported that she had landed her first series regular role in the seventh season of Army Wives, playing Latasha Montclair.[51] The series was canceled on September 24, 2013.[52] In the fall of 2013, she appeared in a guest spot on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit alongside Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks.[53] She also starred in the Lifetime film Christmas in the City which premiered on December 7, 2013.[54]

In August 2013, Ashanti announced her plans to once again work with Ja Rule, who'd been released from prison in July of that year following a six-year sentence stemming from a gun charge.[55] On January 8, 2014, she revealed the official cover art and release date for Braveheart, her fifth album, which was released on March 4, 2014.[56] In January 2014, Ashanti shot the video for the official first single from Braveheart titled "I Got It" featuring Rick Ross. The video was shot in Miami, Florida, and was directed by Eif Rivera.[57] In July, Ashanti announced that the second official single from BraveHeart would be "Early in the Morning" featuring French Montana.[58] Upon release, the album garnered favorable reviews, with music critics describing Braveheart's sound as an "evolution of R&B" and praising the themes of empowerment but criticizing the romantic clichés and lack of interesting moments on the album. On the charts, Braveheart opened at number ten in the U.S. Billboard 200, becoming Ashanti's fifth consecutive top-ten album, as well as her first Independent Albums chart-topper. It also debuted in the top thirty of the UK R&B Albums Chart and top-forty of the UK Indie Albums Chart.

### 2015–present: Collaborations

[edit]

Ashanti performing at the 2023 WNBA Finals in Las Vegas in October 2023.

In 2015, she announced that she had worked on new music for her seventh album, with an unknown release date. Ashanti collaborated with Michelle Obama for her #Let'sMove campaign to spread awareness of drinking water with her new video and song "Let's Go" released in 2015.[59] In 2016, she collaborated on the song "Seven Day Love" included in the album "Inzombia" by Canadian singer Belly.[60] She has also worked with numerous artists, including Sia, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Queen Latifah, Usher and Kelly Clarkson to interpret the songs of the Broadway musical "Hamilton" for the compilation "The Hamilton Mixtape".[61]

In 2017, Ashanti announced her seventh studio album, revealing it would be released in 2018. She denied this in June 2018, confirming the future release of an album in collaboration with rapper Ja Rule.[62] Between 2017 and 2018 she returned to the music scene with several collaborations including the single "Say Less" with Ty Dolla Sign, the track "The Road" by Machel Montano, and the song "Start This Shit Off Right" with Mack Maine, from the album "Tha Carter V" by Lil Wayne.[63]

Ashanti released the collaboration "Pretty Little Thing" with Afro B in August 2019.[64][65] She was also featured on the soundtrack of the film Stuck, which she produced.[66] In November 2019, Ashanti guest-starred as herself in two episodes of the third season of The CW's Dynasty reboot: "Mother, I'm At La Mirage" and "Something Desperate".[67]

In January 2021, Ashanti released her single "2:35 (I Want You)".[68] On March 10, 2022, Ashanti's single "Rock wit U (Awww Baby)" was heavily sampled for British rapper Aitch's single "Baby".[69] In October 2022, Ashanti was featured on Diddy’s “Gotta Move On” remix which also features Bryson Tiller and Yung Miami.[70] In February 2024, she was featured on Jermaine Dupri's single "This Lil' Game We Play" alongside Nelly and Juicy J.[71][72][73]

## Artistry

[edit]

Ashanti has a lyric soprano voice type.[74] Critics have referred to her voice as "pretty" and her soprano as "sultry" and "sweet but slight".[74][75] Jason Birchmeier of AllMusic noted her reputation for using her "swooning voice" in duets with Big Pun, Fat Joe, and Ja Rule.[76] As a young girl, Ashanti was influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Tupac Shakur, but she cites Mary J. Blige as the main reason she wanted to pursue a singing career. Further musical influences include Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Smokey Robinson, Donna Summer, and Blue Magic.[77][78][79]

## Philanthropy

[edit]

In 2003, Ashanti partnered with LidRock and the San Francisco-based Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF) to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and to distribute the "Rain on Me" mini-movie using LidRock's unique platform. Proceeds from the $5 mini-disc went towards helping to stop domestic violence. Ashanti also recorded a public service announcement that appeared in more than 4,000 film screens and reached millions of people.[80] Ashanti also gives back by raising money for sickle cell research and she is active in helping the Make-A-Wish Foundation stating, "I'll go and do just about anything for them."[81] In 2005, Ashanti helped by recording public service announcement and raising money for the Southeast Asia tsunami disaster.[82] Later that year, she helped raise money for the Hurricane Katrina victims and storm evacuees.[83]

Ashanti receiving Boys & Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year Ambassador Award in 2012. Also pictured is Representative Terri Sewell.

In November 2009, Ashanti joined the crew of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. In the episode, which aired on January 24, 2010, the singer assisted in the rebuilding of the Powell Family home in Buffalo, New York. The efforts from the show expanded significantly to include not just the family home but the entire neighborhood surrounding it. In 2013, Ashanti featured on the 19-track compilation album Songs for a Healthier America, a collaborative project by the Partnership for a Healthier America, whose honorary chair is Michelle Obama, and Hip Hop Public Health. Her song "Just Believe" also featured Artie Green, Gerry Gunn, Robbie Nova and Chauncey Hawkins. Additionally, she is affiliated with the Jumpstart reading program, the Tupperware Brand and the Boys and Girls Club of America.[84]

## Personal life

[edit]

Ashanti dated Nelly from 2003 to 2013 after meeting at the 2003 Grammy Awards.[85] The two began dating again in 2023.[86] In December 2023, it was reported the couple were expecting their first child together and had married on the 27th.[87][88] In April 2024, Ashanti confirmed her pregnancy and the couple's engagement in Essence magazine.[89] On July 18, 2024, the couple welcomed their first child.[90]

## Discography

[edit]

Main article: Ashanti discography

Studio albums

* Ashanti (2002)
* Chapter II (2003)
* Ashanti's Christmas (2003)
* Concrete Rose (2004)
* The Declaration (2008)
* Braveheart (2014)

## Filmography

[edit]

### Film

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Role  | Notes

|
|
|

1992  | Malcolm X | Student in Harlem Classroom  |
1993  | Who's the Man? | Kid No. 4  |
1997  | Bouge! | Rudy  |
2004  | Bride and Prejudice | Herself  |
2005  | Coach Carter | Kyra  |
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz | Dorothy Gale  | TV movie
2006  | John Tucker Must Die | Heather  |
2007  | Resident Evil: Extinction | Betty  |
2013  | Christmas in the City | Teanna Musk  | TV movie
2014  | Mutant World | The Preacher  | [91]
2016  | Mothers and Daughters | Kelly  |
2017  | Stuck | Eve  | [92]
2019  | Winter Song | Clio  |
2021  | Honey Girls | Fancy G  |
2022  | A New Diva’s Christmas Carol | Aphrodite  | TV movie
2023  | The Plus One | Lizzie Anders  |
2025  | No Address | Violet  |

### Television

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Role  | Notes

|
|
|

1989  | Disneyland | Herself/Child Dancer  | Episode: "Polly"
2001  | Saturday Night Live | Herself  | Episode: "John Goodman/Ja Rule"
2002–05  | Top of the Pops | Herself  | Recurring Guest
2002  | The Saturday Show | Herself  | Episode: "Episode #1.41" & "#1.54"
Diary | Herself  | Episode: "Ashanti: Princess of Her Domain"
Sabrina the Teenage Witch | Herself  | Episode: "Call Me Crazy"
American Dreams | Dionne Warwick | Episode: "Silent Night"
2003  | Punk'd | Herself  | Episode: "Episode #2.4"
Intimate Portrait | Herself  | Episode: "Ashanti"
Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Lissa  | Episode: "First Date"
The Proud Family | Randi (voice)  | Episode: "It Takes a Thief"
2004  | Driven | Herself  | Episode: "Episode #3.1"
Style Star | Herself  | Episode: "Ashanti"
2005  | Las Vegas | Herself  | Episode: "Magic Carpet Fred"
2006  | TV Land's Top Ten | Herself  | Episode: "Top Ten Musical Moments"
Access Granted | Herself  | Episode: "2Pac ft. T.I. & Ashanti 'Pac's Life'"
2007  | HypaSpace | Herself  | Episode: "Episode #6.186"
2009  | Access Granted | Herself  | Episode: "Plies Feat. Ashanti: Want It, Need It"
2010  | The Biggest Loser | Herself  | Episode: "Episode #9.16"
2013  | The Chew | Herself  | Episode: "Camp Chew"
Army Wives | Latasha Montclair  | Main Cast: Season 7
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Herself  | Episode: "Dissonant Voices"
2014  | The View | Herself/Guest Co-Host  | Episode: "Episode #18.43" & "#18.62"
2015  | The Meredith Vieira Show | Herself/Panelist  | Episode: "Episode #1.63"
Unforgettable | Stella  | Episode: "Behind the Beat"
2016  | The Real | Herself/Guest Co-Host  | Recurring Guest Co-Host: Season 3
2018  | Amazingness | Herself  | Episode: "Episode #1.8"
RuPaul's Drag Race | Herself/Guest Judge  | Episode: "Evil Twins"
Steve | Herself/Panelist  | Episode: "Episode #1.100" & "#1.159"
Feed Me TV | Herself  | Episode: "Ashanti Digs In"
2019  | Unsung | Herself  | Episode: "Lloyd"
Dynasty | Herself  | Episode: "Mother? I'm at La Mirage"
2020  | To Tell the Truth | Herself/Panelist  | Episode: "Ashanti, Gary Cole, Michael Ealy, Sherri Shepherd"
Love & Listings | Herself  | Recurring Cast: Season 2
2021  | The $100,000 Pyramid | Herself/Celebrity Player  | Episode: "Ana Gasteyer vs. Luke Kirby and Ashanti vs. Clay Aiken"
2022  | I Can See Your Voice | Herself  | Episode: "Episode #2.4"
Supreme Team | Herself  | Episode: "Truth & Consequences"

### Theater

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Role  | Notes

|
|
|

2009  | The Wiz | Dorothy  |

## See also

[edit]

* List of awards and nominations received by Ashanti

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ On the week dated April 20, 2002.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ McKinnley, James C. Jr. (December 16, 2014). "Ashanti, R&B Singer, Is Cross-Examined by Her Convicted Stalker". The New York Times. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
2. ^ Jean-Baptiste Jr., Renaud (April 23, 2015). "Where Are They Now? The Murder Inc. Edition". VH1. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
3. ^ Dansby, Andrew (April 10, 2002). "Ashanti Tops Celine". Rolling Stone. Retrieved November 9, 2017.
4. ^ a b OnTV Shows | myLifetime.com Archived March 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
5. ^ a b Norment, Lynn (March 2005). "Ashanti: answers critics & doubters". Ebony. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
6. ^ "Billboard Chart Rewind" Archived December 16, 2005, at the Wayback Machine
7. ^ a b Farber, Jim (May 2, 2005). "Ashanti, Tweet lose golden touch". Seattletimes.nwsource.com. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
8. ^ a b Wilson, Michael; Leeds, Jeff (2005). "Hip-Hop Producer Surrenders in Money-Laundering Case". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
9. ^ "Ashanti Makes It In The Guinness World Record Books". The Source. April 7, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
10. ^ "Weekly Program Rankings." Archived May 16, 2009, at the Wayback Machine ABC Medianet, May 24, 2005. Retrieved: October 22, 2008.
11. ^ a b "Ashanti Hopes Her Bloody 'Buffy' Background Helps Her In 'Resident Evil 3'". MTV News. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
12. ^ "Superstar Ashanti Will Bring Down the House at The Grove's Free Summer Concert Series Finale on August 27". August 25, 2008. Archived from the original on July 28, 2020. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
13. ^ "The Sky's the Limit". Vibe. 10 (7). Vibe Media Group: 84. July 2002. ISSN 1070-4701. Retrieved October 29, 2009.[permanent dead link‍]
14. ^ Laufenberg 2005, p. 25
15. ^ Birchmeier, Jason. "Ashanti > Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved October 30, 2009.
16. ^ "Ashanti And Her Sister, Shia Douglas, Wear Completely Sheer Dresses In Hot Beach Photos While Praying". April 21, 2020.
17. ^ "Ashanti: new singer reigns as music's princess of hip-hop soul". Jet. Johnson Publishing Company. July 1, 2002. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
18. ^ "Howstuffworks "Ashanti's Story"". Entertainment.howstuffworks.com. September 17, 2003. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
19. ^ Reidand, Shaheem, Waller, Curtis, and Wilkinson, Peter. "Ashanti: My Sacrifice" Archived January 21, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. MTV.com. April 2, 2002. Retrieved May 30, 2007.
20. ^ Kugel, Seth (December 30, 2001). "A Glen Cove Native's Dream of Fame". The New York Times. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
21. ^ "The Ashanti Picture Pages". Superiorpics.com. Archived from the original on September 12, 2012. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
22. ^ Birchmeier, Jason. "Ashanti Biography" Archived June 21, 2007, at the Wayback Machine. AOL.com. Retrieved April 12, 2007.
23. ^ Group, Vibe Media (May 10, 2017). "Vibe". Vibe Media Group - via Google Books. `{{cite web}}`: `|last=` has generic name (help)[permanent dead link‍]
24. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on January 14, 2009. Retrieved September 14, 2008.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
25. ^ "Vibe". February 7, 2017. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
26. ^ "Ashanti accepts Lady of Soul award" Archived January 13, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
27. ^ "Ashanti "Intimate Portrait" Interview Part 3"
28. ^ Ryan, Joal. "Soul Train Untracked?" Archived January 21, 2012, at the Wayback Machine. E!Online.com. August 20, 2002. Retrieved May 29, 2007.
29. ^ Morales, Tatiana (May 22, 2003). "VH1 Divas Sing Duets". cbsnews.com. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
30. ^ "LidRock Designs – Welcome to Our Galaxy!". Archived from the original on April 17, 2012. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
31. ^ "Ashanti Reveals How She & Nelly Met For His "Behind The Music" Special". March 4, 2011.
32. ^ "Rock On The Net: Ashanti". www.rockonthenet.com. Retrieved February 6, 2018.
33. ^ "The Muppets' Wizard of Oz nominated for Primetime Emmy." Emmy Awards. Retrieved: March 27, 2008.
34. ^ "Coach Carter (2005) – Box Office Mojo". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
35. ^ "John Tucker Must Die". Boxofficemojo.com. November 2, 2006. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
36. ^ "Ashanti and Nelly Get New Release Dates". Rap-up.com. January 24, 2008. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
37. ^ Shaheem Reid; Bridget Bland (July 2, 2007). "Ashanti, Nelly Get Their Beyonce-And-Jay-Z On For New Single 'Switch'". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on May 13, 2008. Retrieved June 7, 2008.
38. ^ "America Loves 'The Way That I Love You,' Brand-New ASHANTI Smash". Business Wire. March 10, 2008. Retrieved July 26, 2014.
39. ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (February 21, 2008). "Ashanti Snaps In TV-Inspired 'The Way That I Love You' Video". MTV News. MTV Networks. Archived from the original on February 22, 2008. Retrieved June 7, 2008.
40. ^ Quarles, Alicia (June 5, 2008). "After a 4-year absence, Ashanti makes a comeback". Associated Press. Archived from the original on June 9, 2008. Retrieved June 7, 2008.
41. ^ Jackson, Charreah. "Ashanti: A New Attitude". Essence.com. Essence Communications Inc. Archived from the original on June 5, 2008. Retrieved June 4, 2008.
42. ^ "R&R :: Going For Adds :: Urban". Gfa.radioandrecords.com. June 16, 2008. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
43. ^ Reid, Shaheem (May 7, 2009). "Irv Gotti Says He's Dropping Ashanti From The Inc". MTV News. Archived from the original on May 9, 2009. Retrieved May 8, 2009.
44. ^ "Ashanti set to make her stage debut in 'The Wiz'"[dead link‍] Associated Press April 29, 2009
45. ^ Thom Geier (June 19, 2009). "The Wiz (2009) Review". EW.com. Archived from the original on September 23, 2011. Retrieved November 24, 2011.
46. ^ [1] Archived August 22, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
47. ^ "New Music: Ashanti f/ Busta Rhymes – 'The Woman You Love'". Rap-Up.com. December 14, 2011. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
48. ^ Edna Gundersen (April 2, 2013). "Ashanti's back with new single 'Never Should Have'". USA Today.
49. ^ "Ashanti at the Soul Train Awards / Takes home Best Independent R&B/Soul Performance!". Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
50. ^ "Ashanti – Never Should Have". VEVO. April 29, 2013.
51. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (November 30, 2012). "Ashanti, Torrey DeVitto & Elle McLemore Join 'Army Wives' As New Series Regulars". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 27, 2012.
52. ^ "'Army Wives' canceled by Lifetime". Entertainment Weekly's EW.com. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
53. ^ "Full Episodes, Clips & Videos – Law & Order: Special Victims Unit – NBC". NBC. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
54. ^ "Christmas in the City". myLifetime.com. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
55. ^ HipHopDX (June 10, 2013). "Ashanti Says She's Ready To Work With Ja Rule Again". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
56. ^ Rose Lilah (February 10, 2014). "New Cover Art & Release Date Revealed For Ashanti's "Braveheart" [Update: Tracklist Revealed]". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
57. ^ "Ashanti Rolls with Rick Ross in 'I Got It' Video". Rap-Up. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
58. ^ "Ashanti to Iggy Azalea: Hey! I did it first!, plus, prepping video with French Montana". HitFix. July 2, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
59. ^ America, Partnership for a Healthier. "GRAMMY Award-Winner Ashanti's New Single "Let's Go" to be Released With the Help of Fans ... And Water". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved August 28, 2019.
60. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Belly – Seven Day Love (feat. Ashanti), December 5, 2016, retrieved August 28, 2019
61. ^ The Hamilton Mixtape, December 2, 2016, retrieved August 28, 2019
62. ^ "Ashanti Confirms Collaborative Album With Ja Rule". HotNewHipHop. June 25, 2018. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
63. ^ "Ashanti Connects With Ty Dolla $ign for Her Bouncy Single 'Say Less': Listen". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
64. ^ Floating, June 28, 2019, retrieved August 28, 2019
65. ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: Ashanti featuring Afro B – Pretty Little Thing (Official Music Video), August 23, 2019, retrieved August 28, 2019
66. ^ "Intervention: Work at Spotify!", Spotify Teardown, The MIT Press, 2019, pp. 193–204, doi:10.7551/mitpress/10932.003.0013, ISBN 978-0-262-34968-0, S2CID 239434505193-204&rft.pub=The+MIT+Press&rft.date=2019&rft_id=https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:239434505#id-name=S2CID&rft_id=info:doi/10.7551/mitpress/10932.003.0013&rft.isbn=978-0-262-34968-0&rfr_id=info:sid/en.wikipedia.org:Ashanti+(singer)" class="Z3988">
67. ^ "'Dynasty': Ashanti Guests Stars In 'Mother, I'm At La Mirage'". Retrieved August 28, 2019.
68. ^ "2:35 (I Want You) - PUSH.fm". January 21, 2021.
69. ^ "Aitch shares summery video for new single 'Baby'". NME. March 10, 2022.
70. ^ "Diddy shares "Gotta Move On" remix featuring Ashanti and Yung Miami". Fader. October 14, 2022.
71. ^ "Jermaine Dupri - This Lil Game We Play feat Nelly, Ashanti & Juicy J". Spotify. February 9, 2024. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
72. ^ Grant, Shawn (February 9, 2024). "Jermaine Dupri Drops New Single "This Lil Game We Play" ft Nelly, Ashanti & Juicy J". The Source. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
73. ^ Inman, Demicia (January 4, 2024). "Jermaine Dupri Previews Nelly, Ashanti, And Juicy J Collaboration". Vibe. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
74. ^ a b "Ashanti Album Review". Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
75. ^ "Singing Pretty Ashanti". People.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2012. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
76. ^ Birchmeier, Jason (October 13, 1980). "Ashanti Biography". Allmusic.com. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
77. ^ "Ashanti". AskMen. April 9, 2002. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
78. ^ "Mpire-Online.Com Your #1 Source For Ja Rule & MPire «". December 8, 2012. Archived from the original on December 8, 2012.
79. ^ "Hip-Hop princess lives the dream". Clarkson Integrator. Archived from the original on July 30, 2009.
80. ^ "Rain On Me 11 Minute Mini Movie". Dailymotion.com. May 31, 2007. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
81. ^ Brady, James. "In Step With Ashanti" Archived September 30, 2007, at the Wayback Machine. Parade. July 23, 2006. Retrieved May 30, 2007.
82. ^ "Ashanti Asia Aid Public Service Announcement". Dailymotion.com. May 30, 2007. Retrieved March 18, 2013.
83. ^ "Celeb-signed Guitar Auctioned for Charity" Archived June 8, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
84. ^ "Ashanti This Is Me » BIOGRAPHY". December 18, 2015. Archived from the original on December 18, 2015. Retrieved November 1, 2019.
85. ^ "Ashanti talks Nelly: "I've been betrayed"". US Magazine. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
86. ^ "Nelly And Ashanti Back Together 10 Years After Breakup: Report". May 4, 2023.
87. ^ Macke, Johnni (December 4, 2023). "Ashanti Is Pregnant, Expecting 1st Baby With Boyfriend Nelly". Us Weekly. United States: A360media. ISSN 1529-7497. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
88. ^ "Surprise! Nelly and Ashanti Are Already Married; Couple Tied the Knot 6 Months Ago". People. June 19, 2024. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
89. ^ "Exclusive: Ashanti And Nelly Are Expecting — And Engaged!". Essence. April 17, 2024. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
90. ^ Sacks, Hannah (August 22, 2024). "Ashanti and Nelly Welcome First Baby Together — and Share His Name: 'So in Love'". People. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
91. ^ Fussbahn (November 8, 2014). "Mutant World (2014)". IMDb. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
92. ^ "Stuck (2015)". IMDb. Retrieved March 9, 2015.

Other sources

* Laufenberg, Norbert B. (2005). Entertainment Celebrities. Trafford Publishing. ISBN 1-4120-5335-8.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ashanti (vocalist).

* Official website
* Ashanti discography at Discogs
* Ashanti discography at MusicBrainz
* Ashanti at IMDb
* Ashanti at the Internet Broadway Database

* v
* t
* e

Ashanti

* Discography
* Awards and nominations

Studio albums|

* Ashanti
* Chapter II
* Ashanti's Christmas
* Concrete Rose
* The Declaration
* Braveheart

Extended plays|

* 7 Series Sampler: Ashanti
* A Wonderful Christmas with Ashanti

Compilation albums|

* Collectables by Ashanti
* Can't Stop
* The Vault

Singles|

* "Foolish"
* "Down 4 U"
* "Happy"
* "Baby"
* "Rock wit U (Awww Baby)"
* "Rain on Me"
* "Breakup 2 Makeup (Remix)"
* "Only U"
* "Don't Let Them"
* "Still on It"
* "The Way That I Love You"
* "Good Good"
* "The Woman You Love"
* "Say Less"
* "Baby"

Featured singles|

* "Always on Time"
* "What's Luv?"
* "Mesmerize"
* "Southside"
* "Wake Up Everybody"
* "Wonderful"
* "Pac's Life"
* "Put a Little Umph in It"
* "Body on Me"
* "Just Stand Up!"
* "Want It, Need It"

Other songs|

* "Into You"
* "Helpless"

Awards for Ashanti

* v
* t
* e

Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album

2000s|

* Ashanti –  Ashanti (2002)
* Dangerously in Love – Beyoncé (2003)
* Confessions – Usher (2004)
* The Emancipation of Mimi – Mariah Carey (2005)
* B'Day – Beyoncé (2006)
* Because of You – Ne-Yo (2007)
* Growing Pains – Mary J. Blige (2008)
* I Am... Sasha Fierce – Beyoncé (2009)

2010s|

* Raymond v. Raymond – Usher (2010)

* v
* t
* e

Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Female Singer

* Britney Spears (2000–2001)
* P!nk (2002)
* Ashanti (2003)
* Hilary Duff (2004)
* Avril Lavigne (2005)
* Kelly Clarkson (2006)
* Beyoncé (2007)
* Miley Cyrus (2008–2009)
* Taylor Swift (2010)
* Katy Perry (2011)
* Selena Gomez (2012)
* Katy Perry (2013)
* Selena Gomez (2014–2015)
* Ariana Grande (2016)
* Selena Gomez (2017)
* Demi Lovato (2018)
* Ariana Grande (2019-2022)
* Taylor Swift (2023-2024)

* v
* t
* e

NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist

1980s|

* Whitney Houston (1984)
* Vanessa Williams (1988)
* After 7 (1989)

1990s|

* Boyz II Men (1991)
* Arrested Development (1992)
* Shai (1993)
* Brandy (1995)
* Kenny Lattimore (1996)
* Erykah Badu (1997)
* Lauryn Hill (1998)
* Eve (1999)

2000s|

* Carl Thomas (2000)
* Alicia Keys (2001)
* Ashanti (2002)
* Ruben Studdard (2003)
* Kanye West (2004)
* Chris Brown (2005)
* Corinne Bailey Rae (2006)
* Jordin Sparks (2007)
* Jennifer Hudson (2008)
* Keri Hilson (2009)

2010s|

* Willow Smith (2010)
* Diggy Simmons (2011)
* Elle Varner (2012)
* K. Michelle (2013)
* 3 Winans Brothers (2014)
* Jussie Smollett (2015)
* Chance the Rapper (2016)
* SZA (2017)
* Ella Mai (2018)
* Lil Nas X (2019)

2020s|

* Doja Cat (2020)
* Saweetie (2021)
* Coco Jones (2022)
* Victoria Monét (2023)
* Doechii (2024)

* v
* t
* e

Def Jam Recordings

* Discography

Founders|

* Russell Simmons
* Rick Rubin

Subsidiaries|

* ARTium Records
* Def Jam South
* Def Soul
* Disturbing tha Peace
* GOOD Music
* Radio Killa Records
* Roc-A-Fella Records

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF
* FAST
* WorldCat

National|

* Germany
* United States
* France
* BnF data
* Czech Republic
* Spain
* Netherlands
* Israel

Academics|

* CiNii

Artists|

* MusicBrainz
* Grammy Awards

People|

* Deutsche Biographie
* Deutsche Synchronkartei

Other|

* IdRef

*[m.]: married
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template