Early in 2002, the label released the lead single for her debut project, “Foolish,” which to this day is her most successful solo record. Records invested in showcasing Ashanti’s true talents as a solo artist, beyond songwriting and feature spots. Not to mention that her instantly memorable contributions to these singles solidified Ashanti as the first female artist to occupy both the #1 and #2 positions on the Billboard Hot 100 charts at the same time.Ĭapitalizing on these opportunities, Murder Inc. She would subsequently make various appearances as a featured artist here and there, but when she sang the hooks on two of 2001’s biggest songs-Fat Joe's "What's Luv?" and Ja Rule's "Always on Time” -the big break that she had coveted finally materialized. Thank goodness for R&B that this never happened.Īs Ashanti attempted to find her identity and the right fit for her musical talents, she appeared as a background singer on the Murder Remix of "I'm Real" by Ja Rule and Jennifer Lopez in 2001. In hindsight, she was likely better off sticking with the development deal Diddy had on the table, because Jive’s rather myopic vision was to cultivate her into a pop singer. Ultimately, this setback resulted in Ashanti pivoting to sign with Jive Records in 1994. Although Diddy knew there was a tremendous talent with Ashanti, the parties involved were never able to come to terms on an official contract. Diddy & Bad Boy Records when she was just 14 years old. Happy 20th Anniversary to Ashanti’s eponymous debut album Ashanti, originally released April 2, 2002.Īshanti may have been the self-titled debut album and formal introduction to the female R&B sensation from New York, but the R&B and hip-hop worlds already knew who she was. says the name Asanti is of African origin and means “Mine”. When Andy Cohen attempted to confirm that Ashanti does indeed appear on the song, Ja Rule said, “She has some vocals underneath… I believe! That is the rumor.Īccording to a user from South Africa, the name Asanti is of African origin and means “Thank you”. Meanwhile, a song she wrote for another artist was sitting in the number three spot. Two of those songs went on to grab the number one and two spots, a feat no other woman in U.S. That week she had already become the first artist since The Beatles to have three songs in the Billboard top ten. Contemporary Musicians,Volume 45,Gale,2004. Where is Eminem from?īooks: Contemporary Black Biography,Volume 37,Gale,2003. She had been admitted to Hampton University in Virginia on a track scholarship, and her music career had yet to take off.
#Baby ashanti discography full#
Ja Rule Irv Gotti Moneybagg Yo Nelly Fat JoeĪfter graduating from high school in 1998, Ashanti was faced with a difficult decision: to go on to college as many of her friends were doing, or pursue her music career full time. in its first week of release….Ashanti (singer) Ashanti In 2002, Ashanti released her eponymous debut album, which sold over 505,000 copies throughout the U.S. Does Ashanti have a new album?Īshanti performs onstage during the 2021 Soul Train Awards at The Apollo Theater on Novemin New York City. Now, the 41-year-old singer is speaking candidly on her decision to redo her self-titled debut album. When Ashanti appeared on the Tamron Hall Show in September, she announced that she took control of her masters and re-recording her albums. Ashanti (2002) Soul In Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5.Concrete Rose (2004) Soul In Stereo rating: 3 stars out of 5.Braveheart (2014) Soul In Stereo rating: 3 stars out of 5.Chapter II (2003) Soul In Stereo rating: 2.5 stars out of 5.2002 – “Down 4 U”-Irv Gotti presents ‘The Inc.