- Ashanti is a famous singer
- She has been around for many years
- Learn more about her life and career here
You may remember Ashanti for releasing hits like "Rain on Me" and "Rock wit U (Awww Baby)" back in the early 2000s. Today, the songstress is still creating music and is as gorgeous as ever!
"Foolish" Singer Ashanti In 2024
Born on October 13, 1980, in New York, Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas was actually named after the Ashanti Empire in Ghana by her parents, which were known to have women in power and influence.
Even though she proved to her parents that she had the vocals to become a professional singer at age 12, she had actually struggled to find someone who'd represent her. She was actually in films before her singing career took off, including as a child extra in Spike Lee's Malcolm X!
It was at the turn of the millennium that she was recognized by Murder Inc. co-founder, Irv Gottti and started off as a featured artist in many rap songs, such as Fat Joe's "What's Luv?" and Ja Rule's "Always on Time". Because of these two hits, Ashanti became the first female to ever top the number 1 and 2 Billboard Hot 100 chart at the same time!
She released her own single in 2002 "Foolish", which immediately became a success! It spent ten weeks at the top of the Billboard charts, and the album itself, titled Ashanti, became certified triple platinum.
Her debut album also earned her several awards and nominations, including:
- Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album
- Grammy Nomination for Best New Artist
- Billboard Music Award for Female Artist of the Year
- Billboard Music Award for R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
- American Music Award for Favorite New Artist in Hip-Hop/R&B
Today, Ashanti is still creating music and even acting! Her latest released album was 2019's For I Know the Plans, I Have for You. The same year, the singer also starred in and served as the executive producer in the film Stuck.
In 2020, Ashanti released her new music video for the single "Pretty Little Thing" featuring Afro B. In her personal life, she and rapper/Dancing with the Stars contestant Nelly dated from 2003-2014 and then - they ended up getting married in 2023 and welcomed their first baby, a boy named Kareem in August 2024!
We can't wait to hear or see what's next for the talented Ashanti!
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