Thirsty Thursday-Ashanti
Ashanti (singer)
Ashanti
Background information
Background information
Birth name
Ashanti Shequoyia Douglas
Ashanti Shequoyia Douglas
Also known as
Shan, Shany, Bonnie
Shan, Shany, Bonnie
Occupation(s)
Singer, songwriter, record producer, choreographer, dancer, poet, actress, fashion designer, model
Singer, songwriter, record producer, choreographer, dancer, poet, actress, fashion designer, model
Years active
1994–present
Label(s)
Jive (1994–1995)Epic (1997–1998)AJM Records (1999–2003)The Inc. (2001–Present)
1994–present
Label(s)
Jive (1994–1995)Epic (1997–1998)AJM Records (1999–2003)The Inc. (2001–Present)
Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas (born October 13, 1980 in Glen Cove, New York), professionally known as Ashanti, is a Grammy Award-winning American singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, model, and fashion designer who rose to fame in the early 2000s. Ashanti is a lyric coloratura soprano.[citation needed]
She is most famous for her eponymous debut album Ashanti which featured the hit song "Foolish", and sold 503,000 copies (Gold) in its first week on release in the USA in April 2002, a record breaking feat. In the same week, she became the first female performer to simultaneously hold the top two places on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with "Foolish", and "What's Luv" (with Fat Joe). She broke records again by having three Top Ten songs (Foolish, What's Luv, & Always on Time (with Ja Rule)) on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in the same week. Ironically, Ashanti wrote and sang background on the song "Ain't It Funny" sung by Jennifer Lopez which was also in the top 10 charts at the same time as "Foolish", "Always on Time" (with Ja Rule) and "What's Luv" (with Fat Joe).[1] In 2002, she was also acclaimed as the "Princess of Hip Hop and R&B." As of 2007 Ashanti has sold more than 7 million albums in the U.S., and more than 12 million worldwide.
She is most famous for her eponymous debut album Ashanti which featured the hit song "Foolish", and sold 503,000 copies (Gold) in its first week on release in the USA in April 2002, a record breaking feat. In the same week, she became the first female performer to simultaneously hold the top two places on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with "Foolish", and "What's Luv" (with Fat Joe). She broke records again by having three Top Ten songs (Foolish, What's Luv, & Always on Time (with Ja Rule)) on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in the same week. Ironically, Ashanti wrote and sang background on the song "Ain't It Funny" sung by Jennifer Lopez which was also in the top 10 charts at the same time as "Foolish", "Always on Time" (with Ja Rule) and "What's Luv" (with Fat Joe).[1] In 2002, she was also acclaimed as the "Princess of Hip Hop and R&B." As of 2007 Ashanti has sold more than 7 million albums in the U.S., and more than 12 million worldwide.
Ashanti cites Mary J. Blige, Ella Fitzgerald, and Blue Magic as her musical influences.[2]
Contents[hide]
1 Biography
1.1 Early life
1.2 Early Career
1.3 Irv Gotti & Murder Inc.
1.4 Debut album: Ashanti
1.5 Chapter II
1.6 Ashanti's Christmas
1.7 Concrete Rose
1.8 Ashanti:The Making Of A Star DVD
1.9 Collectables by Ashanti
1.10 Incredible
1.11 Acting career
2 Other activities
2.1 Legal dispute
3 Personal life
4 Filmography
4.1 Films
4.2 Television
5 Endorsements & Products
6 Discography
7 Albums
8 Awards
8.1 Grammy Awards and nominations
8.2 2002
8.3 2003
8.4 2004
9 Footnotes
10 External links
//
Contents[hide]
1 Biography
1.1 Early life
1.2 Early Career
1.3 Irv Gotti & Murder Inc.
1.4 Debut album: Ashanti
1.5 Chapter II
1.6 Ashanti's Christmas
1.7 Concrete Rose
1.8 Ashanti:The Making Of A Star DVD
1.9 Collectables by Ashanti
1.10 Incredible
1.11 Acting career
2 Other activities
2.1 Legal dispute
3 Personal life
4 Filmography
4.1 Films
4.2 Television
5 Endorsements & Products
6 Discography
7 Albums
8 Awards
8.1 Grammy Awards and nominations
8.2 2002
8.3 2003
8.4 2004
9 Footnotes
10 External links
//
Biography
Early life
Ashanti was born on October 13, 1980, in Glen Cove, New York. She inherited a zest for music from her mother Tina, a former dance teacher, and her father Ken-Kaide, a former singer. Her mother named her after the Ashanti tribe in Ghana. In this tribe, the women are in control and that's the kind of strong and confident woman Ashant's mother wanted her daughter to be. Her grandfather, James, was a civil rights activist who associated with Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 1960s.[3] Growing up, Ashanti took dance lessons and joined the church choir. Ashanti went to Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center where she studied different dance styles including tap, jazz, ballet, African, modern and hip hop. She danced with the Senior Pro Ensemble at Carnegie Hall, the Apollo Theater, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Avery Fisher Hall, and the Black Spectrum Theater. She also performed at the 1994 Caribbean Awards and dancing with Judith Jamison of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. With actress and choreographer Debbie Allen at the helm, Ashanti also performed in the Disney TV film Polly alongside stars Keshia Knight Pulliam and Phylicia Rashad.
Ashanti displayed a knack for singing when she was six by singing in a gospel choir. Her love of music continued to rise as she attended high school. Ashanti also wrote songs. As a teenager, she performed in a local talent show and at the Soul Cafe, China Club, Madison Square Garden, Caroline's Comedy Club and Greek Fest 2000.[4] By the time she hit puberty, her mom was sending out demo tapes of her daughter's vocal and dancing talents. The family couldn't afford to go to a studio and record a formal demo so when labels called, Ashanti would have to sing and dance in front of the record company executives.
[edit] Early Career
Can't Stop (recorded in 1997 but released in 2004)
When she was 14, there was a bidding war going on for her by Jive Records, EMI and Bad Boy Records. Initially, she went to Bad Boy Records and sang one of Mary J. Blige's songs in front of P.Diddy and Biggie Smalls. After being impressed by her singing ability, Diddy then challenged her character. He pulled out a bottle and told her it was his new fragance which he loved. After one sniff, Ashanti exclaimed, "Oh pew, it stinks. I hate it!" Diddy just started laughing and said it was just a test to judge her character. In the end, she didn't sign with Diddy. This ultimately led to a record deal with Jive Records in 1994. Unfortunately, this relationship soured when Jive tried to make the soulful singing teen into a run-of-the-mill pop star.[5]
Ashanti regrouped by throwing herself into schoolwork, cheerleading, and running on her school's track team. Her skills in the 100- and 200-meter dash as well as the triple jump, her specialty, earned her athletic scholarships to Princeton & Hampton University. But she put college pursuits aside when Epic Records came calling with a contract in 1998. However, the label's management changes quickly left Ashanti out in the cold. Undaunted, she continued to croon at local New York clubs and began hanging out at the Murder Inc. recording studio, hoping for another big break.[6]
[edit] Irv Gotti & Murder Inc.
It was when she was noticed by Murder Inc. mastermind Irv Gotti that Ashanti began to blossom. Gotti noted her dancing and acting abilities in addition to her vocal skills. In 2001, 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 appeared as a background vocalist on "I'm Real (Murder Remix)", a collaboration by labelmate Ja Rule and Jennifer Lopez (she also appeared in the music video for Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix), the 2nd duet between Lopez & Rule, for which she also sang background vocals on), and was 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 female to occupy the top two positions on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart when "Always on Time" and "What's Luv?" were number-one and number-two respectively.
[edit] Debut album: Ashanti
Ashanti (2002)
Following the success of her collaborations with Ja Rule and Fat Joe, Ashanti released her debut single, "Foolish", which contained a sample of the 1983 song "Stay With Me" by DeBarge (also utilized by The Notorious B.I.G. in his 1995 hit "One More Chance"). She became the second artist (after the 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, selling over 503,000 copies in its first week (the most successful first week sales for a debut R&B female artist).[7] The album has been certified 3x platinum in the U.S and platinum (300,000 copies) in the UK. The album has sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide. Ashanti penned all 12 songs on the album, most written on-the-spot in the studio.
Ashanti's follow-up singles, "Happy" and "Baby", were not as successful as her debut single but did peak in the top ten and top twenty in the U.S. respectively. During the summer of 2002, Ashanti appeared on Ja Rule's "Down 4 U" with labelmates, female rappers Vita and Charli Baltimore. The song appeared on a Murder Inc. compilation titled Irv Gotti Presents The Inc. Ashanti's debut album earned her many awards including eight Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, a Lady of Soul Award for "Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year," and a Grammy Award.
In September 2002, Ashanti and her sister Kenashia appeared on the first DisneyMania cd which was released under Walt Disney Records. The album featured contemporary Disney classics. Ashanti & her sister sang "Colors of the Wind" from the Disney movie Pocahontas. The album was considered a commercial success, achieving Gold certification in February, 2003.
Ashanti's global appeal became very apparent, as FHM credited her as the "Sexiest Woman in Music" in 2002. In 2003, Ja Rule and Ashanti collaborated on another hit song, "Mesmerize." Its music video was a parody of a scene from the film Grease.
[edit] Chapter II
Chapter II (2003)
In July 2003, Ashanti released her second album Chapter II. It debuted at number-one on the Billboard 200 with first week sales of 326,000 in the U.S. According to Billboard magazine, the album has been certified Platinum (1.5 million copies) in the U.S. and Gold (100,000 copies) in the UK. Chapter II's first single, "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)", became a hit, peaking at number-two on the Billboard Hot 100. Its steamy video, which showed Ashanti in a bikini frolicking on a beach and riding an elephant named Bubbles, was nominated for two 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. A remix of the song contained interpolations of Michael Jackson's "Rock with You".
The second single, "Rain on Me," reached the top ten of the Hot 100. 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. Ashanti's powerful song and lyrics combined with William's visuals to impart the power and horror of the cycle of domestic violence. Ashanti partnered with LidRock to distribute this mini-movie using LidRock's unique platform. This promotion, in conjunction with heavy rotation on MTV, BET, and other music video programs, has brought this film and her cause to the attention of millions of fans. It has also helped to raise money for the cause with proceeds from the $5 mini-disc going toward helping to stop domestic violence.[8]
The album has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Ashanti was scheduled to join Mariah Carey on her "Charmbracelet" US tour but due to schedule issues she was the opening act for R.Kelly's five-date tour in summer 2003 instead.
In May 2003, Ashanti appeared on VH1 Divas and performed her single "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)." She also participated in duets with Stevie Wonder (who later gave her the nickname Little Libra) performing "Do I Do," and the Isley Brothers performing "Who's That Lady".
[edit] Ashanti's Christmas
In November 2003, Ashanti's Christmas album, Ashanti's Christmas The album contained almost an equal amount of new songs to cover songs. The album debuted and peaked at 160 in late 2003 selling just around 100,000 copies.
[edit] Concrete Rose
Concrete Rose (2004)
In 2004, Ashanti was invited back to perform at VH1 Divas 2004. She appeared on stage with Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Jessica Simpson, and others. She performed Diana Ross' smash hit "I'm Coming Out" and she performed a soulful rendition of Chaka Khan's funk driven hit "Ain't Nobody."
Ashanti appeared on three more collaborations. "Southside," with male R&B newcomer and labelmate Lloyd, was released as his debut single and was a moderate hit while "Wonderful" with Ja Rule and R.Kelly peaked at #5 in the U.S and at #1 in UK. Ashanti was also featured on Shyne's song "Jimmy Choo".
Alongside artist such as Wyclef Jean, Mary J. Blige, Eve, Brandy, Fabolous, Jadakiss, Missy Elliott, and many others, Ashanti participated in a cover of the classic "Wake Up Everybody" in support of ACT, the left-leaning political action committee.
On December 14, 2004, Ashanti released her third studio album, Concrete Rose. The album debuted at #7 in the U.S with first week sales of 245,000, making this her first studio CD to not debut at #1. The first single, "Only U," reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and became her biggest hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at #2. Exactly one month after its release, the album was certified platinum and the single Only U was certified Gold In January 2005.
[edit] Ashanti:The Making Of A Star DVD
In December 2004, for a limited time after the release of her third studio album, Concrete Rose, Ashanti released the DVD Ashanti: The Making Of A Star. This deluxe DVD includes exclusive photo and video shoot footage, music from her multi-platinum albums Ashanti, Chapter II plus Concrete Rose, special concert footage, unreleased childhood school performances and behind-the-scenes interviews with family, friends, & fans. On June 21, 2005, a second version of the DVD with alternate music videos was made available to the public as a Walmart exclusive. It was paired with the hit movie Coach Carter, which Ashanti starred in as a pregnant teen named Kyra.
[edit] Collectables by Ashanti
On December 6, 2005, Ashanti released a remix album of Concrete Rose titled Collectables by Ashanti. The album features six remixes of previously released tracks and four newly recorded songs, including the single "Still on It", which featured rappers Paul Wall and Method Man. The album, was only an opportunity for her to fulfill her contract with Def Jam (and have the option of working with another label), managing to debut at #59 on the Billboard 200.
[edit] Incredible
Ashanti's next album has been confirmed by a BET interview as being entitled Incredible. This will be Ashanti's fourth studio album. On Monday, November 27, 2006, Ashanti appeared on BET's 106 & Park to promote the posthumous release of the song Pac's Life, which features herself and rapper T.I.. During the interview, Ashanti mentioned that her new LP would be coming out some time in 2007 and that some of the producers of her 2007 release included L.T. Hutton, Jermaine Dupri, and Pharrell Williams. She also stated that she recorded a "crazy" record with rapper Snoop Dogg.
In January 2007, a buzz track has leaked called "You Can't Deny It", featuring Jim Jones as did a feature with super producer 7 Aurelius titled "My Number Babe", which is scheduled to be on the producers' debut cd entitled Channel 7. On Friday, April 06, 2007, HUFF Events & PR (Ashanti's P.R. Group) confirmed that Ashanti has just finished recording some hot joints with super producers Pharrell Williams, Polow Da Don, Dr. Dre, Ron "Neff-U" Feemstar and L.T. Hutton. It was also confirmed that she has collaborated with fellow singers Robin Thicke, Babyface, rapper Nelly, and producers Bryan Michael Cox and Swizz Beats.[9][10]
Irv Gotti recently appeared in an interview with DJ FlexMaster where he mentioned Ashanti's album will "definitely be out this Summer". He was also quoted addressing the fact that Ashanti has ventured out and acquired producers and collaborations primarily outside the inc for the first time by saying, "she's having her little Janet Jackson "Control" moment. Every artist has their moment when the feel they need to take over their own music. This is hers." Rumors are circulating that Ashanti has left The Inc Records for a 15-20 million, four year contract with Jive records but no reliable sources have surfaced to back up this claim.
Early life
Ashanti was born on October 13, 1980, in Glen Cove, New York. She inherited a zest for music from her mother Tina, a former dance teacher, and her father Ken-Kaide, a former singer. Her mother named her after the Ashanti tribe in Ghana. In this tribe, the women are in control and that's the kind of strong and confident woman Ashant's mother wanted her daughter to be. Her grandfather, James, was a civil rights activist who associated with Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 1960s.[3] Growing up, Ashanti took dance lessons and joined the church choir. Ashanti went to Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center where she studied different dance styles including tap, jazz, ballet, African, modern and hip hop. She danced with the Senior Pro Ensemble at Carnegie Hall, the Apollo Theater, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Avery Fisher Hall, and the Black Spectrum Theater. She also performed at the 1994 Caribbean Awards and dancing with Judith Jamison of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. With actress and choreographer Debbie Allen at the helm, Ashanti also performed in the Disney TV film Polly alongside stars Keshia Knight Pulliam and Phylicia Rashad.
Ashanti displayed a knack for singing when she was six by singing in a gospel choir. Her love of music continued to rise as she attended high school. Ashanti also wrote songs. As a teenager, she performed in a local talent show and at the Soul Cafe, China Club, Madison Square Garden, Caroline's Comedy Club and Greek Fest 2000.[4] By the time she hit puberty, her mom was sending out demo tapes of her daughter's vocal and dancing talents. The family couldn't afford to go to a studio and record a formal demo so when labels called, Ashanti would have to sing and dance in front of the record company executives.
[edit] Early Career
Can't Stop (recorded in 1997 but released in 2004)
When she was 14, there was a bidding war going on for her by Jive Records, EMI and Bad Boy Records. Initially, she went to Bad Boy Records and sang one of Mary J. Blige's songs in front of P.Diddy and Biggie Smalls. After being impressed by her singing ability, Diddy then challenged her character. He pulled out a bottle and told her it was his new fragance which he loved. After one sniff, Ashanti exclaimed, "Oh pew, it stinks. I hate it!" Diddy just started laughing and said it was just a test to judge her character. In the end, she didn't sign with Diddy. This ultimately led to a record deal with Jive Records in 1994. Unfortunately, this relationship soured when Jive tried to make the soulful singing teen into a run-of-the-mill pop star.[5]
Ashanti regrouped by throwing herself into schoolwork, cheerleading, and running on her school's track team. Her skills in the 100- and 200-meter dash as well as the triple jump, her specialty, earned her athletic scholarships to Princeton & Hampton University. But she put college pursuits aside when Epic Records came calling with a contract in 1998. However, the label's management changes quickly left Ashanti out in the cold. Undaunted, she continued to croon at local New York clubs and began hanging out at the Murder Inc. recording studio, hoping for another big break.[6]
[edit] Irv Gotti & Murder Inc.
It was when she was noticed by Murder Inc. mastermind Irv Gotti that Ashanti began to blossom. Gotti noted her dancing and acting abilities in addition to her vocal skills. In 2001, 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 appeared as a background vocalist on "I'm Real (Murder Remix)", a collaboration by labelmate Ja Rule and Jennifer Lopez (she also appeared in the music video for Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix), the 2nd duet between Lopez & Rule, for which she also sang background vocals on), and was 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 female to occupy the top two positions on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart when "Always on Time" and "What's Luv?" were number-one and number-two respectively.
[edit] Debut album: Ashanti
Ashanti (2002)
Following the success of her collaborations with Ja Rule and Fat Joe, Ashanti released her debut single, "Foolish", which contained a sample of the 1983 song "Stay With Me" by DeBarge (also utilized by The Notorious B.I.G. in his 1995 hit "One More Chance"). She became the second artist (after the 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, selling over 503,000 copies in its first week (the most successful first week sales for a debut R&B female artist).[7] The album has been certified 3x platinum in the U.S and platinum (300,000 copies) in the UK. The album has sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide. Ashanti penned all 12 songs on the album, most written on-the-spot in the studio.
Ashanti's follow-up singles, "Happy" and "Baby", were not as successful as her debut single but did peak in the top ten and top twenty in the U.S. respectively. During the summer of 2002, Ashanti appeared on Ja Rule's "Down 4 U" with labelmates, female rappers Vita and Charli Baltimore. The song appeared on a Murder Inc. compilation titled Irv Gotti Presents The Inc. Ashanti's debut album earned her many awards including eight Billboard Music Awards, two American Music Awards, a Lady of Soul Award for "Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year," and a Grammy Award.
In September 2002, Ashanti and her sister Kenashia appeared on the first DisneyMania cd which was released under Walt Disney Records. The album featured contemporary Disney classics. Ashanti & her sister sang "Colors of the Wind" from the Disney movie Pocahontas. The album was considered a commercial success, achieving Gold certification in February, 2003.
Ashanti's global appeal became very apparent, as FHM credited her as the "Sexiest Woman in Music" in 2002. In 2003, Ja Rule and Ashanti collaborated on another hit song, "Mesmerize." Its music video was a parody of a scene from the film Grease.
[edit] Chapter II
Chapter II (2003)
In July 2003, Ashanti released her second album Chapter II. It debuted at number-one on the Billboard 200 with first week sales of 326,000 in the U.S. According to Billboard magazine, the album has been certified Platinum (1.5 million copies) in the U.S. and Gold (100,000 copies) in the UK. Chapter II's first single, "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)", became a hit, peaking at number-two on the Billboard Hot 100. Its steamy video, which showed Ashanti in a bikini frolicking on a beach and riding an elephant named Bubbles, was nominated for two 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. A remix of the song contained interpolations of Michael Jackson's "Rock with You".
The second single, "Rain on Me," reached the top ten of the Hot 100. 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. Ashanti's powerful song and lyrics combined with William's visuals to impart the power and horror of the cycle of domestic violence. Ashanti partnered with LidRock to distribute this mini-movie using LidRock's unique platform. This promotion, in conjunction with heavy rotation on MTV, BET, and other music video programs, has brought this film and her cause to the attention of millions of fans. It has also helped to raise money for the cause with proceeds from the $5 mini-disc going toward helping to stop domestic violence.[8]
The album has sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Ashanti was scheduled to join Mariah Carey on her "Charmbracelet" US tour but due to schedule issues she was the opening act for R.Kelly's five-date tour in summer 2003 instead.
In May 2003, Ashanti appeared on VH1 Divas and performed her single "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)." She also participated in duets with Stevie Wonder (who later gave her the nickname Little Libra) performing "Do I Do," and the Isley Brothers performing "Who's That Lady".
[edit] Ashanti's Christmas
In November 2003, Ashanti's Christmas album, Ashanti's Christmas The album contained almost an equal amount of new songs to cover songs. The album debuted and peaked at 160 in late 2003 selling just around 100,000 copies.
[edit] Concrete Rose
Concrete Rose (2004)
In 2004, Ashanti was invited back to perform at VH1 Divas 2004. She appeared on stage with Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Jessica Simpson, and others. She performed Diana Ross' smash hit "I'm Coming Out" and she performed a soulful rendition of Chaka Khan's funk driven hit "Ain't Nobody."
Ashanti appeared on three more collaborations. "Southside," with male R&B newcomer and labelmate Lloyd, was released as his debut single and was a moderate hit while "Wonderful" with Ja Rule and R.Kelly peaked at #5 in the U.S and at #1 in UK. Ashanti was also featured on Shyne's song "Jimmy Choo".
Alongside artist such as Wyclef Jean, Mary J. Blige, Eve, Brandy, Fabolous, Jadakiss, Missy Elliott, and many others, Ashanti participated in a cover of the classic "Wake Up Everybody" in support of ACT, the left-leaning political action committee.
On December 14, 2004, Ashanti released her third studio album, Concrete Rose. The album debuted at #7 in the U.S with first week sales of 245,000, making this her first studio CD to not debut at #1. The first single, "Only U," reached #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and became her biggest hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at #2. Exactly one month after its release, the album was certified platinum and the single Only U was certified Gold In January 2005.
[edit] Ashanti:The Making Of A Star DVD
In December 2004, for a limited time after the release of her third studio album, Concrete Rose, Ashanti released the DVD Ashanti: The Making Of A Star. This deluxe DVD includes exclusive photo and video shoot footage, music from her multi-platinum albums Ashanti, Chapter II plus Concrete Rose, special concert footage, unreleased childhood school performances and behind-the-scenes interviews with family, friends, & fans. On June 21, 2005, a second version of the DVD with alternate music videos was made available to the public as a Walmart exclusive. It was paired with the hit movie Coach Carter, which Ashanti starred in as a pregnant teen named Kyra.
[edit] Collectables by Ashanti
On December 6, 2005, Ashanti released a remix album of Concrete Rose titled Collectables by Ashanti. The album features six remixes of previously released tracks and four newly recorded songs, including the single "Still on It", which featured rappers Paul Wall and Method Man. The album, was only an opportunity for her to fulfill her contract with Def Jam (and have the option of working with another label), managing to debut at #59 on the Billboard 200.
[edit] Incredible
Ashanti's next album has been confirmed by a BET interview as being entitled Incredible. This will be Ashanti's fourth studio album. On Monday, November 27, 2006, Ashanti appeared on BET's 106 & Park to promote the posthumous release of the song Pac's Life, which features herself and rapper T.I.. During the interview, Ashanti mentioned that her new LP would be coming out some time in 2007 and that some of the producers of her 2007 release included L.T. Hutton, Jermaine Dupri, and Pharrell Williams. She also stated that she recorded a "crazy" record with rapper Snoop Dogg.
In January 2007, a buzz track has leaked called "You Can't Deny It", featuring Jim Jones as did a feature with super producer 7 Aurelius titled "My Number Babe", which is scheduled to be on the producers' debut cd entitled Channel 7. On Friday, April 06, 2007, HUFF Events & PR (Ashanti's P.R. Group) confirmed that Ashanti has just finished recording some hot joints with super producers Pharrell Williams, Polow Da Don, Dr. Dre, Ron "Neff-U" Feemstar and L.T. Hutton. It was also confirmed that she has collaborated with fellow singers Robin Thicke, Babyface, rapper Nelly, and producers Bryan Michael Cox and Swizz Beats.[9][10]
Irv Gotti recently appeared in an interview with DJ FlexMaster where he mentioned Ashanti's album will "definitely be out this Summer". He was also quoted addressing the fact that Ashanti has ventured out and acquired producers and collaborations primarily outside the inc for the first time by saying, "she's having her little Janet Jackson "Control" moment. Every artist has their moment when the feel they need to take over their own music. This is hers." Rumors are circulating that Ashanti has left The Inc Records for a 15-20 million, four year contract with Jive records but no reliable sources have surfaced to back up this claim.
Acting career
Poster for The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
Ashanti got her first taste of acting as a child extra in the Spike Lee directed movies Malcolm X starring Denzel Washington & Who's Da Man. She also started as a dancer in the Disney tv film Polly.[11]
After success with her music career, Ashanti ventured back into acting and in 2004, she appeared in the English-language Bollywood film Bride and Prejudice, in which she sang "My Lips are Waiting" and "Touch My Body'. In January 2005, she made her feature film acting debut in the film Coach Carter alongside Samuel L. Jackson. The movie opened at number-one at the U.S. box office, eventually grossing $70 million in the U.S. In 2005, Ashanti also starred as Dorothy Gale in the made-for-television film The Muppets' Wizard of Oz which pulled in nearly 8 million viewers. She starred in the 2006 film John Tucker Must Die, which opened and peaked at #3 at the U.S. box office (competing with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and Miami Vice) which grossed $58.7 million worldwide. She has also appeared on the TV show Sabrina the Teenage Witch as herself and Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Lissa.[12] Ashanti will also appear in the 2007 film "Resident Evil: Extinction." Many rumors are floating around...one is that she will work with Quentin Tarantino (Who had a cameo as a The Muppets' Wizard of Oz) and to revive the 70's show Get Christie Love and she also up to star as Eartha Kitt in a bio-pic. Ashanti is to star in Spike Lee's protégé, Michael "Boogie" Pinckney's action flick, "You're Nobody 'til Somebody Kills You," which starts shooting in New York City in May 2007 alongside The Sopranos' Michael Imperioli and rappers Jadakiss, and Treach.[13]
In an interview Ashanti stated: "I can't say too much about them because we haven't signed on the dotted line, but there are a lot of interesting irons in the fire," she says. "Hopefully, by the next conversation, we'll be talking about the next two flicks."
[edit] Other activities
Ashanti's Perfume "Precious Jewel" (2005)
In addition to singing, Ashanti has emerged as a songwriter, penning songs for Jennifer Lopez, Christina Milian, and Toni Braxton. She released a book of poetry titled Foolish/Unfoolish Reflections on Love in 2002 and a fragrance, "Precious Jewel by Ashanti," in October 2005. In 2005, she signed an exclusive deal with MUDD to promote their brand of jeans titled "Delicious Curves." In early 2006, she released "Ashanti's OPC-3 Beauty Blend," a nutritional supplement. Ashanti also has a clothing line in Europe for teenage girls titled "Princess."
On May 2, 2002 Ashanti received the key to the city of Glen Cove, New York (her hometown and the day was named Ashanti Day); Ashanti also received a key to the city of Atlantic City, New Jersey (she was crowned princess of hip hop and r & b).[14]
Ashanti is set to showcase her style in a book, titled Ashanti Style, which will be released in late 2007. The book, which is being touted as Ashanti's "life and style guide" will offer fans a behind-the-scenes look into her style, both in her personal and professional life. Ashanti Style will be published by Jump at the Sun, an imprint of Disney's Hyperion Books for Children. Another venture Ashanti has enlisted in is her own handbags and pocketbook to be revealed in 2007.[15]
[edit] Legal dispute
In July 2005, record producer Genard Parker claimed Ashanti owed him money for records that never were completed or distributed.[16] A New York court heard Parker's claims and ordered her to pay Parker $636,000. But as the court stated no time records were ever produced. Parker is claiming over $2.3 million, while Ashanti's lawyers, say Parker never delivered any records and no records were ever distributed.[17] In late 2005 a judge later rejected most of the award, ruling that there was not sufficient facts to determine the proper amount of damages. The case went to court on 17 September, but was dropped in light of each party voluntarily dropping pending lawsuits against each other.
Poster for The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
Ashanti got her first taste of acting as a child extra in the Spike Lee directed movies Malcolm X starring Denzel Washington & Who's Da Man. She also started as a dancer in the Disney tv film Polly.[11]
After success with her music career, Ashanti ventured back into acting and in 2004, she appeared in the English-language Bollywood film Bride and Prejudice, in which she sang "My Lips are Waiting" and "Touch My Body'. In January 2005, she made her feature film acting debut in the film Coach Carter alongside Samuel L. Jackson. The movie opened at number-one at the U.S. box office, eventually grossing $70 million in the U.S. In 2005, Ashanti also starred as Dorothy Gale in the made-for-television film The Muppets' Wizard of Oz which pulled in nearly 8 million viewers. She starred in the 2006 film John Tucker Must Die, which opened and peaked at #3 at the U.S. box office (competing with Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest and Miami Vice) which grossed $58.7 million worldwide. She has also appeared on the TV show Sabrina the Teenage Witch as herself and Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Lissa.[12] Ashanti will also appear in the 2007 film "Resident Evil: Extinction." Many rumors are floating around...one is that she will work with Quentin Tarantino (Who had a cameo as a The Muppets' Wizard of Oz) and to revive the 70's show Get Christie Love and she also up to star as Eartha Kitt in a bio-pic. Ashanti is to star in Spike Lee's protégé, Michael "Boogie" Pinckney's action flick, "You're Nobody 'til Somebody Kills You," which starts shooting in New York City in May 2007 alongside The Sopranos' Michael Imperioli and rappers Jadakiss, and Treach.[13]
In an interview Ashanti stated: "I can't say too much about them because we haven't signed on the dotted line, but there are a lot of interesting irons in the fire," she says. "Hopefully, by the next conversation, we'll be talking about the next two flicks."
[edit] Other activities
Ashanti's Perfume "Precious Jewel" (2005)
In addition to singing, Ashanti has emerged as a songwriter, penning songs for Jennifer Lopez, Christina Milian, and Toni Braxton. She released a book of poetry titled Foolish/Unfoolish Reflections on Love in 2002 and a fragrance, "Precious Jewel by Ashanti," in October 2005. In 2005, she signed an exclusive deal with MUDD to promote their brand of jeans titled "Delicious Curves." In early 2006, she released "Ashanti's OPC-3 Beauty Blend," a nutritional supplement. Ashanti also has a clothing line in Europe for teenage girls titled "Princess."
On May 2, 2002 Ashanti received the key to the city of Glen Cove, New York (her hometown and the day was named Ashanti Day); Ashanti also received a key to the city of Atlantic City, New Jersey (she was crowned princess of hip hop and r & b).[14]
Ashanti is set to showcase her style in a book, titled Ashanti Style, which will be released in late 2007. The book, which is being touted as Ashanti's "life and style guide" will offer fans a behind-the-scenes look into her style, both in her personal and professional life. Ashanti Style will be published by Jump at the Sun, an imprint of Disney's Hyperion Books for Children. Another venture Ashanti has enlisted in is her own handbags and pocketbook to be revealed in 2007.[15]
[edit] Legal dispute
In July 2005, record producer Genard Parker claimed Ashanti owed him money for records that never were completed or distributed.[16] A New York court heard Parker's claims and ordered her to pay Parker $636,000. But as the court stated no time records were ever produced. Parker is claiming over $2.3 million, while Ashanti's lawyers, say Parker never delivered any records and no records were ever distributed.[17] In late 2005 a judge later rejected most of the award, ruling that there was not sufficient facts to determine the proper amount of damages. The case went to court on 17 September, but was dropped in light of each party voluntarily dropping pending lawsuits against each other.
Personal life
Since mid-2003, Ashanti has been dating rapper Nelly, but she has denied reports that they were engaged.[18]
Filmography
Films
Poster for Coach Carter
Bride and Prejudice (2004)
Coach Carter (2005)
John Tucker Must Die (2006)
Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
You're Nobody Till Somebody Kills You (2007)
[edit] Television
American Dreams (2002)
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (2002)
The Proud Family (voice) (2003)
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (2003)
Pepsi Smash (2003)
Punk'd (2004)
Oxygen: Custom Concert (2004)
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz (2005)
Las Vegas (TV series) (2005)
All That (2005)
Oprah Winfrey's Legends Ball (2006)
[edit] Endorsements & Products
Candies
Wet Seal
Hyperion Books
Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love
Ashanti Style (late 2007)
BET Public Service Announcement
Wrap It Up: AIDS/HIV Prevention
McDonald's
Make A Wish
Mercedes-Benz
Performer/Model
Lidrock
Rain On Me Mini Movie (Domestic Violence Prevention)
The Family Violence Prevention Fund (2003- )
Rain On Me Mini Movie
Public Service Announcement
Herbal Essence
Wal-Mart
Precious Jewel By Ashanti (2005)
MUDD Jeans
Delicious Curves Jeans (2005)
OPC-3 Beauty Blend
Ashanti's OPC-3 Beauty Blend (2006)
[edit] Discography
For full information including chart positions and singles, please see Ashanti discography.
[edit] Albums
Year
Chart Statistics
Singles
2002
Ashanti
Studio album.
Released: April 2, 2002
USA peak position: 1
U.K. peak position: 3
U.S. sales: 3 million
RIAA certification: 3x platinum
Worldwide sales: 4 million
"Foolish"
"Happy"
"Baby"
2003
Chapter II
Studio album
Released: July 1, 2003
USA peak position: 1
U.K. peak position: 5
U.S. sales: 1.5 million
RIAA certification: platinum
Worldwide sales: 2.5 million
"Rock wit U (Awww Baby)"
"Rain on Me"
"Breakup 2 Makeup"
2003
Ashanti's Christmas
Holiday album
Released: November 18, 2003
USA peak position: 160
UK peak position:
U.S. sales: 100,000
RIAA certification:
Worldwide sales:
2004
Concrete Rose
Studio album
Released: December 14, 2004
USA peak position: 7
UK peak position: 25
U.S. sales: 650,000
RIAA certification: platinum
Worldwide sales: 1 million
"Only U"
"Don't Let Them"
2005
Collectables by Ashanti
Remix album
Released: December 6, 2005
USA peak position: 59
UK peak position: 72
U.S. sales: 100,000
Worldwide sales: 100,000
"Still on It
[edit] Awards
[edit] Grammy Awards and nominations
Career stats
Career wins: 1
Career nominations: 8
Year
Category
Genre
Title
Result
2003
Best New Artist
General
"Ashanti"
Nominated
2003
Best Contemporary R&B Album
R&B
"Ashanti"
Won
2003
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Rap
"Always on Time"
Nominated
2003
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Rap
"What's Luv"
Nominated
2003
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
R&B
"Foolish"
Nominated
2004
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
R&B
"Rain On Me"
Nominated
2004
Best R&B Song
R&B
"Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)"
Nominated
2004
Best Contemporary R&B Album
R&B
"Chapter II"
Nominated
[edit] 2002
Lady of Soul Awards
Best R&B/Soul New Artist
Aretha Franklin Entertainer Of The Year
Teen Choice Awards
Choice Breakout Artist
MOBO Awards
Best R&B Act
Best Hip Hop Act (Ashanti with Ja Rule)
Billboard Music Awards
Female Artist of the Year
Top New Pop Artist of the Year
Hot 100 Singles Artist of the Year
R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
R&B/Hip-Hop Female Artist of the Year
New R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
R&B/Hip-Hop Single of the Year ("Foolish")
R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Artist of the Year
[edit] 2003
ASCAP Pop Music Awards[19]
Award-Winning Pop Songs ("Foolish")
ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards[20]
Top R&B/HIP-HOP Song ("Foolish")
Award-Winning R&B/HIP-HOP Songs ("Baby")
Award-Winning Rap Songs ("Down 4 U")
American Music Awards
Favorite New Artist in Pop/Rock
Favorite New Artist in Hip-Hop/R&B
Grammy Awards
Best Comtemporary R&B Album
Soul Train Awards
Best R&B/Soul Single, Female ("Foolish")
Best R&B/Soul Album, Female ("Ashanti")
NAACP Image Awards
Outstanding New Artist
Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards
Best New Artist
Celebrity Service Award[21]
[edit] 2004
ASCAP Pop Music Awards[22]
Award-Winning Pop Songs ("Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)")
ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards[23]
Award-Winning R&B/HIP-HOP Songs ("Rain On Me")
Do Something Brick Awards
"Do Something" Brick Award ("Rain on Me")
Since mid-2003, Ashanti has been dating rapper Nelly, but she has denied reports that they were engaged.[18]
Filmography
Films
Poster for Coach Carter
Bride and Prejudice (2004)
Coach Carter (2005)
John Tucker Must Die (2006)
Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)
You're Nobody Till Somebody Kills You (2007)
[edit] Television
American Dreams (2002)
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (2002)
The Proud Family (voice) (2003)
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (2003)
Pepsi Smash (2003)
Punk'd (2004)
Oxygen: Custom Concert (2004)
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz (2005)
Las Vegas (TV series) (2005)
All That (2005)
Oprah Winfrey's Legends Ball (2006)
[edit] Endorsements & Products
Candies
Wet Seal
Hyperion Books
Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love
Ashanti Style (late 2007)
BET Public Service Announcement
Wrap It Up: AIDS/HIV Prevention
McDonald's
Make A Wish
Mercedes-Benz
Performer/Model
Lidrock
Rain On Me Mini Movie (Domestic Violence Prevention)
The Family Violence Prevention Fund (2003- )
Rain On Me Mini Movie
Public Service Announcement
Herbal Essence
Wal-Mart
Precious Jewel By Ashanti (2005)
MUDD Jeans
Delicious Curves Jeans (2005)
OPC-3 Beauty Blend
Ashanti's OPC-3 Beauty Blend (2006)
[edit] Discography
For full information including chart positions and singles, please see Ashanti discography.
[edit] Albums
Year
Chart Statistics
Singles
2002
Ashanti
Studio album.
Released: April 2, 2002
USA peak position: 1
U.K. peak position: 3
U.S. sales: 3 million
RIAA certification: 3x platinum
Worldwide sales: 4 million
"Foolish"
"Happy"
"Baby"
2003
Chapter II
Studio album
Released: July 1, 2003
USA peak position: 1
U.K. peak position: 5
U.S. sales: 1.5 million
RIAA certification: platinum
Worldwide sales: 2.5 million
"Rock wit U (Awww Baby)"
"Rain on Me"
"Breakup 2 Makeup"
2003
Ashanti's Christmas
Holiday album
Released: November 18, 2003
USA peak position: 160
UK peak position:
U.S. sales: 100,000
RIAA certification:
Worldwide sales:
2004
Concrete Rose
Studio album
Released: December 14, 2004
USA peak position: 7
UK peak position: 25
U.S. sales: 650,000
RIAA certification: platinum
Worldwide sales: 1 million
"Only U"
"Don't Let Them"
2005
Collectables by Ashanti
Remix album
Released: December 6, 2005
USA peak position: 59
UK peak position: 72
U.S. sales: 100,000
Worldwide sales: 100,000
"Still on It
[edit] Awards
[edit] Grammy Awards and nominations
Career stats
Career wins: 1
Career nominations: 8
Year
Category
Genre
Title
Result
2003
Best New Artist
General
"Ashanti"
Nominated
2003
Best Contemporary R&B Album
R&B
"Ashanti"
Won
2003
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Rap
"Always on Time"
Nominated
2003
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Rap
"What's Luv"
Nominated
2003
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
R&B
"Foolish"
Nominated
2004
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
R&B
"Rain On Me"
Nominated
2004
Best R&B Song
R&B
"Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)"
Nominated
2004
Best Contemporary R&B Album
R&B
"Chapter II"
Nominated
[edit] 2002
Lady of Soul Awards
Best R&B/Soul New Artist
Aretha Franklin Entertainer Of The Year
Teen Choice Awards
Choice Breakout Artist
MOBO Awards
Best R&B Act
Best Hip Hop Act (Ashanti with Ja Rule)
Billboard Music Awards
Female Artist of the Year
Top New Pop Artist of the Year
Hot 100 Singles Artist of the Year
R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
R&B/Hip-Hop Female Artist of the Year
New R&B/Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
R&B/Hip-Hop Single of the Year ("Foolish")
R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Artist of the Year
[edit] 2003
ASCAP Pop Music Awards[19]
Award-Winning Pop Songs ("Foolish")
ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards[20]
Top R&B/HIP-HOP Song ("Foolish")
Award-Winning R&B/HIP-HOP Songs ("Baby")
Award-Winning Rap Songs ("Down 4 U")
American Music Awards
Favorite New Artist in Pop/Rock
Favorite New Artist in Hip-Hop/R&B
Grammy Awards
Best Comtemporary R&B Album
Soul Train Awards
Best R&B/Soul Single, Female ("Foolish")
Best R&B/Soul Album, Female ("Ashanti")
NAACP Image Awards
Outstanding New Artist
Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards
Best New Artist
Celebrity Service Award[21]
[edit] 2004
ASCAP Pop Music Awards[22]
Award-Winning Pop Songs ("Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)")
ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards[23]
Award-Winning R&B/HIP-HOP Songs ("Rain On Me")
Do Something Brick Awards
"Do Something" Brick Award ("Rain on Me")
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