Honestly, when Ashanti arrived on the scene in the early 2000’s I wasn’t initially impressed. Who was this chick tagging along with Ja Rule on the Murder Inc., stealing samples from Notorious BIG? Then I happened to win a radio listener contest. The prize? Ashanti’s self-titled debut album.
Upon first listen I was hooked. I must have played that CD everyday for a month at least. I was not alone in my appreciation for the album. Singles “Foolishâ€, “What’s Luv?†and “Always on Time†were top ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100 list during the same week. Ashanti also won a Grammy Award, two American Music Awards and eight Billboard Awards for her debut album.
Ashanti continued to impress with the release of Chapter II holding the top singles “Rock wit U (Awww Baby)†and “Rain on Meâ€. She then released Concrete Rose in 2004 and Collectibles in 2005. After the lackluster release of The Declaration in 2008 Ashanti was released from Murder Inc. She took to the screen for a few years starring in John Tucker Must Die, Resident Evil: Extinction, and the made-for-TV movie The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz. She also played Dorothy in the cast of The Wiz. Through all of these endeavors, Ashanti’s music has taken a bit of a hiatus.
Until now! Your girl Ashanti is back with a hot new single “The Woman You Love†featuring Busta Rhymes. It’s part of her album dropping early this year. Ashanti is releasing this album on her very own label, Written Entertainment.
Is Ashanti making a strong re-entry into the music world? Give it a listen by clicking here and let us know what you think!