Given the performance (or lackthereof) of Ashani‘s recent efforts, many have been scratching their heads as to why the singer is releasing her project via own label Written Entertainment.
For, while her present-day stock may not be high, her Platinum flavoured achievements from yesteryear precede her. Hence, the former INC songstress would likely be a shoo-in for a fresh deal at any major label of her choosing.
In an interesting new interview with Sirus radio, the 32 year old sounds off on her reason for going independent and the difficulty in turning down a whopping seven record contracts in the time since her last studio album ‘The Declaration’.
Her words after the jump…
Interesting.
Essentially, Ms. Douglas told the majors “no” due to the fact that today’s standard in recording contracts (see: 360 deals) sees such companies now have a stake in an artist’s music, touring, endorsement deals, and more. Put simply, it’s been the industry’s savvy way of fighting back against the lack of dollars being generated from music sales thanks to illegal downloading.
Ashanti’s rejection of such deals is not as shocking as it may seem when compared to other acts who established themselves in the 90’s and early 00’s; a time frame when music itself generated hefty profits. For, the likes of TLC and Lil’ Kim have gone on record recently to condemn “insulting deals” which would make them “slaves to the system”. A no-no, from thier perspective, given their many achievements.
And while this argument carries much validity, it doesn’t swallow the cold hard fact that the industry has changed and those that survive it often have to “play the game”. It is no longer 2002 when the answer to “who run the world” would have been Ashanti.
As such, it’s startling to think that – after flopping with her underrated ‘Declaration’ and disappearing for years after – that Ashanti would think going independent would be what’s needed to revive her career. For, it’s clear, looking at the chart run of her latest singles, that she doesn’t have the infrastructure to mount an impactful independent campaign. A fact which leaves us of the opinion that she should have just signed one of those seven deals.
Independent is “all good” when you can drum up buzz enough for folk to care about your product and/or pay to see you live. When, like Ashanti you can’t, it leaves such acts just as worse for wear as the “slaves to the system” they so publicly slam.
Needless to say, it’ll be interesting to see whether Ms. Douglas ends up agreeing with us when or if her ‘Braveheart’ album hits stores.
![Nelly & Kelly Rowland Reunite to Perform Their 2002 Hit 'Dilemma' at the 2024 Baby2Baby Gala [Video]](https://thatgrapejuice.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/kelly-rowland-baby2baby-thatgrapejuice-2024-dilemma-nelly-464x260.jpg "Nelly & Kelly Rowland Reunite to Perform Their 2002 Hit 'Dilemma' at the 2024 Baby2Baby Gala [Video].")
LMAO!! oh girl I don’t believe that for a second….
That h** lyn honey
WHY WOULD SHE NOT BE OFFERED 7 DEALS? ASHANTI HAS MORE NUMBER ONE ALBUMS THAN BEYONCE!! DO YOUR RESEARCH AND STOP SOUND LIKE THE BLOG HUNGRY C**** THAT YOU ARE.
@truth lol Okaay like really who TF wants Ashanti??? gurl bye!!!!!
Ashanti ONLY 2 NUMBER 1 ALBUMS… HAVE A SEAT IN ELEVATOR STRAIGHT TO HELL…
@Lamont Bladwin Ashanti only has 3 albums so how does she have more #1 albums than bey? Please explain, because you’re looking stupid right about now.
@lamont do YOUR research she dont not have more #1’s albums than Beyonce…does she even HAVE four cds? @mon IKR! Who tf believes this lie she telln chile
Dead @truth serum!
SHUT THE F*** UP. ITS NOT FOR U TO BLEIEVE.
Now I love Ashanti but she doesn’t have more number one albums than Bey. Sorry.
lol girl no on believes it besides her 3 stans on thatgrapejuice.lol
But @Monstarebel Your on her commenting more than once so it has you mad. If you don’t believe it stratch your ass and get glad. Like why are you worried.
this is funny to me darling you fool’s actually believe she was offered 7 record deals in 2 years hahaha yeah F****** right xoxo
What’s not beliveable? They were 360 deals. She had two deals before Muder Inc so before you try to shade someone check their background. Because labels sign artist for more than one reason
@lamount she the one lyn…dont get mad twan
Ashanti is gorgeous. She still looks 22.
True
No she’s not. She gained about 15 lbs and I cant stand that damn ugly, mad face she stay doing.
you have a s*** smug face and you mad??? @ Ashanti FOH Pressed b****
and yet i’m here dying for one #thestruggle lol
7 record deals in 2 years? girl, you wish! The industry is already oversaturated with thousands of artists and there is no logic in major labels wanting to sign her dusty ass.
Oop!
why would she lie you all sound stupid this girl is in record books and has platinum albums and still books major shows you all sound stupid shes ASHANTI!!!!!
@Shawn jajajajajajajaja lmfao *holds stomach* books major shows? jajajajajajaj i cant …. when was the last time she had a platinum album ? ….. EXACT-F*****-LY have a seat boo.
Yeah, brag about records she achieved a decade ago. And the storage room at KFC ain’t a major show. Sit yo a** and deal with it!
This b**** is lyn…CLEEEEEEEARLY chile
ASHANTI HAS HITS. ANY SMART EXEC WOULD SIGN HER.
And yet she has no deal…hmmmmm…i wonder y
@truthslayer But she does. You have no life though.
Ya’ll know whats worst than a liar???, A BAD LIAR…. gurl bye
f***** sit down somewhere wit yo h***** havin ass u live in a alley ashanti is ashanti if u cant take b**** log off the site oh depressed ass
Sure you did Ashanti, sure you did -_-
hunny child please!!!!!! lmfao!!!!jajajajajaj *holds stomach* 7 record deals really? do you guys really believe that record labels are interested in ashanti,who has not had a hit in close to 10 years? really ashanti? i hate when artist try to create lies and feed the media with b******* stories to try to stay relevant!! WHERE IS YOUR MUSIC? WHEN YOU PUT YOUR MUSIC OUT AND I SEE YOUR NAME ON BILLBOARD I’LL RESPOND,OTHER THAN THAT GOODBYE! *nicki’s voice*
Vanny you are such a pile of s*** you and Monstarebel press ass why would she lie fear of getting called out for it? smh you people get pressed over the smallest s*** and she achieved more than your s***** lame faves okay #DEAL.COM
@You tried it boo.com, fisrt of all you dont even know me h**! i am allowed to have my opinion just like any other person is!! and no sweety i am not pressed at all im just stating facts,aint no way in hell they offered ashanti 7record deals knowing damn well that she dont have a following and her talent is average at best, so have several seats and come back when u have a valid point or u have an actual talented artist you stan for. NEXT!
1st of all b**** you didn’t state any facts b**** you ran off of your hate you pressed ass f***** when you get some convincing logic than reply to me b**** other wise f*** you and your opinion can both kiss the meatyest part of her and mines asses b**** get it together you cross dressing ho
@You tried it boo.com,the “f**” word! wow interesting!!! is funny how when b****** feel really pressed they are fast to throw the gay and f** word around!! NEWS FLASH h**! is dont bother me!! and cross dressing? really? is that all you got? jajajajajajajaa what a sorry m*********** you are just sad!! you need to work on your comebacks,anyways… you keep saying logic , well the logic and comon sense here is that ashanti is garbage she is just another talentless horrible singer that is dying for attention,and sorry delusional stans like you cant face the fact that nobody is checking for ashanti!!! so how about like i said you start looking for better artist to stan as hard as you do for ashanti cause you are a joke just like she is!!! just hilarious!!!!
Glad you find me so funny now laugh your ass into an heart attack and f*** off with you essay writing ass you are officially #DISMISSED
@You tried it boo.com, thank god cause b**** you was boring me to death!!! like do you really come on blogs and fight with people about ashati? really ASHANTI? jajajajajajaaj what a delusional h**!! and you got the nerve to reply and argue back BUT you dont post any relevant or accomplishments from ashanti from the last 10 years! …like how the f*** can you stan so hard for someone and you aint got anything good to say about themor they career… lmfao!!! b**** f*** outta hea!!! have a seat h**! and tell ashanti to have one as well!..
I’m loving this interview.. & believe every word.. The princess of Hip Hop & RnB :)))))
The sun’s still shinin’, the world’s still spinnin’, and That Grape Juice is still hatin’.
girl yes, that fruit juice is just so full of s*** with stupid ass comments from childish ass lames like vanny & Monstarebel sorry b**** asses
@boo.com and @burmy lol! yal silly.
Why woud she lie about something like this when she has her own label? But here is where she gets the last laugh. She profits more at selling 60K then an major artist does selling 600k. So whose mad. It’s all about the money because truthfully R&B artist are not selling how they use to.
She lyn boo she lyn. (uses her last cds as coasters)
Why you worried tho? Your under a post about her. Find somethng better to do than post about an artist you don’t like. Pathetic much?
@truth shut the f*** up b**** b4 i p*** on your face
I agree, She a vet now. I dont think she would lie about anything like that? She has no reason. They act like Ashanti only had 1 hit single or something and we all know thats waaaaaay farfetched lmao.
This should be under *things flops say*
NO1CURR about Ashanti and hasn’t since like 2004
But if you don’t care why comment?
thank you
Rihanna 60% decline sells her second week? *puts in the same boat as Ashanti* At least Ashanti well bank more just from publishing and OWNING her masters.
B**** UNAPOLOGETIC just re entered the top 10 of the billboard 200 in the US it’s sitting pretty at number 7 u mad f**??
But what’s the numbers? And girl never will I be mad at what any celebrity is doing. I’m too busy living life and collecting my own checks.
@Monstarebel you are the weakest link b**** shut the f*** up you sound dumb and pressed as f*** Ashanti has already did what rhishitta is yet to do
Ashanti has never had global smash hits like Pon De Replay, SOS, Umbrella, We found love and Diamonds.
@QueenofDisco But she banked more without breaking her back to tour 24/7. Oh ok.
you do a have good point @iluvmusic. Ashanti has always written all her stuff. Thats what put her on the map when she 1st came out. She wrote her whole 1st album. Which explains a lot also as to why she could take her time before coming back out. She still eating off of her debut self titled album.
Rihanna is currently sitting at #7 on the Hot 200. And Unapologetic has sold 554k in US and 1 million + worldwide. Lets not honey. Lets not.
I’m sorry, does Ashanti have a house at the Pacific Palisades?? Right, didn’t think so.
Has Ashanti ever sold out the Stade De France or the O2 Arena 10 nights in a row??
Ya didn’t think so.
But RIhanna still can’t sell ALBUMS. Not singles but ALBUMS until then stfu. She’s in the same boat.
but u care u rep a h** who has h***** lmfao wit that big ass h** 5 head she got bitc sit the fk down at least ashanti doesnt hop on chris brown d*** aka the n**** who fked the s*** out of her face wit a shoe and his fist #thirst much ehh? yesss b**** sit took rihflop 7years? lmao b**** still cant sing at all live if she gets dropped she wont even get 1 record deal df out of here f***** #ufailed
Artists like Ashanti kill me thinking they can still command top dollar when they don’t have a solid fan base nor the talent to make a label want to spend millions of dollars to support them.
Ashanti was very lucky to be successful when she was. Her label at the time (Murder Inc.) bought a majority of her albums to inflate her record sales. They paid radio stations to play her songs. Once the label folded she was forced to stand on the merit of her talent as was then treated like the mediocre artist that she is.
I think she is very beautiful and smart and will be very successful using those gifts somehow. But music will never be her bread and butter again.
In this time? Music is nobody’s bread and butter. That’s why every other artist is dabbling and every other thing nowadays because people aren’t buying music like they use to. *HINTS* those 360 deals.
You know, all a 360 deal means is that the label does everything in house instead of outsourcing which is cheaper for both the label and artist. People always complain and look down on 360’s but don’t even know what they are. Why as an artist would you pay extra for touring, merchandise, publicity etc when you can tie it into your contract and not worry about paying Tom, D*** and Harry for the same service your label offers? Yeah if they get an endorsement deal from a company the label gets a cut but who do you think made the deal for the artist? Exactly. Case and point, Rihanna.
Um RIHANNA IS PAID AT THE END OF IT ALL!!! AND SHE HAS MAJOR ENDORSEMENTS UNLIKE ASHANTI!!!
Um thats usually how it works…You do the work, they split the profit and you get paid at the end. You still get an advanced with a 360 for living and recording purposes. I was speaking to educate on what a 360 deal really was sense a lot of people on here think it’s always a bad thing, not to compare Rihanna to Ashanti..
@ONIKA, you right outsourcing exactly, and yes lol keeping it in house. And as far as touring, publicity, and etc that you just named I think thats always been the labels job. I think Ashanti was talking about as far as endorsements like you mentioned. And I agree with her, those endorsements should not have anything to do with the label. Why should they get a cut? I bet it sure isnt no 10 pr 20% cut either. Whats the point of getting outside money when you got to split it? What if your record flops? You mean to tell me I still got split my endorsements with you? smh. I dont get it. It could have its perks but it could also f*** you in the end. She did a smart move.
Very true! She just doesn’t have the appeal to be a successful independent artist. She is not an artist most ppl want to buy from. I could be wrong but she needs a major label to keep her relevent.
Btw, she needs a vocal coach, vocal arranger and a better producer because those songs she released last year was trash. And that album cover for Braveheart is a mess. I hope she can afford a better photo shoot.
@IDK The only tour labels are responsible for outside of a 360 is a promo tour (which is for radio play) and even then that is taken care of by an artist manager not the actual label if they don’t do a 360. A tour manager is responsible for coordinating an actual “concert” tour if the artist chooses to outsource and there are companies who actually assist in setting up tours as well. Again all a 360 does is eliminate the need for excess manager(s) and allowing the label to handle it with no extra expense to the artist. As far endorsement deals, why should’t the label get a cut if the artist would’ve never landed that endorsement deal without the label setting it up since they have the relationships with those companies and the artist does not? I think it’s only fair that labels get a cut since they coordinate the deal in the first place. Plus, that gets the artist more exposure leading to increased album sales, event bookings and concert ticket sales so it’s not really a loss for the artist in the long run…
@IDK Also artists can outsource for publicity by hiring their own publicist. If Ashanti didn’t want to split the endorsement deal, than SHE should walk up to the cover girl, l’oreal etc. offices herself and build those close relationships the label already has, and land HERSELF those deals. But if the LABEL calls up the president of these companies on behalf of landing Ashanti’s these jobs, then I see no wrong. These artists want to sell little to no records, putting the label at financial loss, but don’t want any repercussions for not doing their part aka creating hits and generate large amounts of income with their music. Ugh no, when you do your part aka sell records higher than 200,000 copies THEN you can voice an opinion but until then….humble your ass. These labels don’t get sh*t from record sales, leading to no tour money either since the artist has no hits or buzz BUT the artist wants to complain about the label taking part of the little money that their generating period……
So is Ashanti ever heard of publishing? Also excutive producing TV shows and working behind the scences with other artist. When Rihanna go do it?
Are you questioning Ashanti’s publishing credentials? Please don’t! She may not be the best singer in the world or even on her block, but the girl can write a hit song.
She is still getting paid for her own songs including Foolish, Rock Wit U and even songs she wrote for Jennifer Lopez including Ain’t It Funny.
Her publishing is the only reason she can afford to go independent.
Signing a 360 is a death wish, this is the reason people like Drake and Nicki are now hanging out with Irv Gottie and trying to get out of there deals cos they are not being paid no where near enough money that they have generated and they want out! Gaga still lives at her moms house in New York!!! To sit there and judge an artist for not wanting to work like a s**** and make money for other people and end up broke is a very ignorant thing to do, its known especially in the states that the way an artist generated money is through , touring, merchandise and performing, not much income is made from sales as most of that money goes back to the label for how much they have spent in promotion.
An artist manager is the person who takes a percentage for, all of the work they do i.e TV, Deals, Merchandise, Tours, etc and this is right as the manager is the person who organises and sorts these aspects of an artist career out, So if a record label is then going to take a percentage of the same thing even though they have nothing to do with that side of the artist career, how much income do you think that leaves the artist with? Practically nothing!
Now if your signed to Jay Z and you have direct link with Live Nation you can afford to sign a 360 as you are more than likely going to be doing massive festivals and touring all year round which Rihanna does, but look how Rihanna has to tour none stop and release albums every single year to generate a good income!
Its stupied to critic anyone for being business savvy enough to know when they are being ripped off, I commend her for actually being aware of contracts and deals as most artist don’t, lets not forget she has written 2 of JLO’s biggest hits, she’s also an actress and is still very much in the public eye.
Well done to her!
Shut up
you shut the f*** up b**** s*** face go f*** yo momma ho
AMAN TO THT YESSSSSSSSS AMAN…..GVE CREDIT WHN CREDIT IS DUE
yesssssssssssssssssssss loved it.com
Very well stated.
The ignorance displayed in the way this post was written and in the comments is astounding to me.
Why would Ashanti want to give a record label a stake in the royalties she is still receiving from music previously written and any of her acting gigs. They would receive a portion of her earnings from “Army Wives” and “Fuse News”
F*cking ludicrous.
She clearly stated that the income she receives from writing is essential. LISTEN!
She made the right decision not signing a deal with a major.
It’s many that have signed those deals and are still flopping hard because these majors don’t support the artist like they used to.
Amen!!!!! It’s disgusting that labels expect to take money from your’e entire career and aspects of it that they have nothing to do with!
As she pointed out, her own team are the ones who have invested and worked to keep her brand going, then a label who does not actually help in marketing you wants a cut of that, its not cool
PREACH!
UM BUT RIHANNA IS NOT SIGNED TO JAYZ LABEL!! AND RIHANNA HAVENT HAD A MAJOR TOUR SINCE 2011 THO!! AND RIHANNA NETWORTH AS OF 2013 IS 143 MILLION!!
LMAO damn haters love to put Rihanna’s name in everything when she’s on Forbes for being the most paid.
I Love Rihanna, i was not trying to diss her, i used her as a good example of when a 360 works, i was trying tosay its wrth it if yo are consistantley touring n massive venues or festivals, and she may night be signed to Jay Z but she is managed by him and Roc natio which is part of Live Nation
Her net worth is what was paid to her before taxes and before she paid her managers, her record label and every company associated with her marketing and merchandising.
She really only took home a percentage of that $143 million. The label and uncle sam took the majority of it.
This is a kiii!!!!!!
whats kiii is your mother and the fact that she raised a depressed f** kiii that #foodforthought ole bum ass
Artist make majority of there money from publishing so she stays paid. Some of you need to learn the music game before you throw shade. You can be the hottest b**** in the game and at the same time be the brokest.
yes schooled these ho’s they ain’t learn nothing yet
Right. smh.
Agreed.
AKA “I was turned down from record labels”.
No one, absolutely no one believes this Mzzz Ashanti. I see you have already submitted your album for 2013’s first Flop and most likely biggest FLOP of this year, now we’re just waiting for Ciara, Kelly Rowland, Beyonce to make their submissions.
lol um who is that lady in your avi?
The late South Africa “Drama Queen” and “Queen of Disco” Lebo Mathosa.
B****, beyonce isn’t flopping . And even if she does she’ll good body of music to fall back on . Unlike rihanna . B**** is lucky she has a solid fan base .
B**** stop lyn. Ur last single ‘the woman u love’ never even hit airwave and u promotes the hell out of it chile
She has not promoted that single since Feb of 2011. B**** have a seat.
Hav a bath h**
Shut Up!
Die and got to hell
you crossed eye b**** swallow a brick and chokes on des nuts ho
Lmao and now your mad. My work is done.
it wasn’t for you boo so ima let this slide okay move along before you get dragged k
Neither one of yall little girl @boo, @iluvmusic and those other b****** dont know who yall talkn too cus EVERYONE ELSE here KNOOOOWS ill drag each one of u b****** by yall p**** STR8 to hell so im sure they laughn @ yall for tryn it. But its kinda cute so ill let yall little b******, THAT WEARS SKINNY JEANS go family reunions, slide chile. (p**** pops to crazy in love chile)
‘to’
shut the f*** you b**** only thing you gonna drag is you ass across the floor you f****** c*** b**** you m***** face s*** w**** kiss my ass
GET EM BABES!! THEM B****** DONT KNOW YOU WILL DRAG THEY TIRED ASSES!!
@utriedit B**** LET ME STR8 YO MAGGOT P**** ASS! LOOK B**** i was tryna let yo LOOSE p**** ass slide cus i c u stooopud ass f*** but let get into it (FLAME ON B****) U GROTESQUEST p**** b**** dont get mad at me bcus u stannin for a flop B****! GO WASH THE MAGGOTS OUT YO DISEASED P**** B****! b**** yo p**** so toxic u got to sit in a bath of lye get the SMELL down! Funky p**** mutha fucka! Hav u hav ur rabies shot yet u REPULSIVE b****!! B**** yo p**** got the mainge u maingy B****!! Cujo lookn B****!ALL DOGS STOP FUCKN BARKN TIL U GET UR SHOTS…THIS MEANS U @UTRIED B****!! that was for u @bey baby. This maingy SAGN P**** B**** aint even worth my time chile. Lol! This little flea bitten p**** B**** aint even on my level! (shaves my bikini line chile)
b**** shut the f*** you sorry pile of dog s*** talking and all caps/writing you look r***** f*** you and your mammy b**** you acid breath f**
@utried tell that B**** of of momma u got to sew her p**** shut H**!! U and that B**** are disgraces to women. A FUNKY P**** B****! did that W**** tell u how u got here? U greasy wrinkle p**** grandmammy pimped her out. U, she NOR that B**** of a dogfaced mom know who yo daddy is u SICK STANK P**** B****! u gon b JUST like those 2 whores, a useless p**** H**!! F*** U yo MOMMA and THAT S*** of a grandma. Tramp c***
and by the way H** eat yo momma green leaky p****…AFTER u pour bath salt in it!! S***** p**** f*****! I JUST SLAYD THIS WANG P**** B**** AND SHE AINT EVEN A ICKI STAN!! WHO NEXT DAMNIT!! YALL C I DONE STOMP THIS BRICK P**** TRAMP DOWN!!
@utriedit aka BITCHUGOTDRAGGED where u @ c*** b****?? Say sumthing u funky B****! IM JUUUUST GET STARTED…like the train those 10 crackheads getn ready to pull a yo SLUTTY ass mammy! Im waitn H**! yo crackhead mammy pop p**** for foodstamps b****! SAY SUMTHING B****!! ILL kick u in yo nasty p**** but my foot may burn off before i tske my foot out u BURNIN P**** C*** GO GET CHECKD B****!!
learn too correct your grammar b**** then clap back you p**** eating h** you still guzzling your momma juices f**
As if yo DUMB ass would know what correct spelln is u little MUTT!! tell that W**** of a mom of urs to stop garglin all that crack c** but u u B****, u gargle my S***** DIARREAH!! yea b**** i been hitn refresh WAITN on u u fuckn MUTT!! u a str8 up and down nasty W****! a WOLF P**** B****! H** i bet yo STANK P**** ass will think twice bfo comn for ME again! Or at the very least H** bathe! U little fuckn b****. Whinnin ‘learn how to spell’ whinnin like a little B****! u d*** suckn s***! Come on b****! Iaint even STARTD dragn u yet
Yea b**** this the internet so EVERYBODY CAN C me draaaagn the f*** outta u u h**! If u NO TEETH HAVN MAMMY COULD READ she’d c it too and thats ASSUMN the b**** can read u rePULsive B****!
Change yo name B**** cus EVERYtime i c u imma proceed to DRAAAAGN ur ENTIRE PATHETIC ASS EXSISTENCE!! B****! now everybody laughn at how u getn dragged u sour p**** D*** b****!
Girl stop feeding your damaged ego.
Why is it so hard to believe that she was offered 7 deals? We are on the outside looking in and just like she said it is all politics! I hope she does well, i enjoyed the songs she has released thus far and I will be purchasing a copy of Braveheart!
You’ll be buying Braveheart??? LMAO
^^^ f*** you
@Queen of Disco (Beyonce’s Weave)
She’s still more talented than Katy perry and her first album has outsold every Katy Perry’s album.. oops
This slays everything Katy has done >>
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p4ZBBIaEPQ
So why can’t she sell records today??? Why???
Katy Perry is still selling records today, where is Ashanti??? Where???
Katy release pop bubble gum singles that are repetitive and generic. Where was Katy Perry in 2003 with her first album Kate Hudson? How many copies did it sell? Ashanti’s best selling album has sold 3.6 million copies in the USA without reloaded version, Katy could never 😉
Well Ashanti never will again, NEVER.
Fans kill me. Yall dont know anything about the music business smh. Case in point she said they were offering 360 deals. It makes since for a record label to pursue her because she’s currently in the process of executive producing a movie, a tv show “fuse news” and starring in army wives & still recording music. if a label signs her they are getting a percentage of everything she is doing. so whether she flops or not.. they’re still getting paid from her other checks. not to mention the publishing she gets from writing for herself and other artist. this lady is paid. yall on blogs hating on her but she’s cashing checks from multiple angles. im not the biggest fan of her musically but she’s smart and is attaining longevity in this game. kudos to ashanti, im looking forward to braveheart. p.s. message to beyonce fans, yall do too much, thats why ppl dont like beyonce. if the post is about gaga, adele, or christina leave her name out of it. carry on…
Why are you getting the navy mixed with the hive? I was going to +1 until I saw that. How about you kearn who is who and then run your mouth
It’s the Beyawnce stans. These drag queens were hating on Ashanti when she was huge. They hype up Beyslut out of hate for Ashanti. Let them talk because it will backfire. Look at 4lop, no massive hits and she sold 2 mill when her album was released in June 2011. This is somebody who is suppose to be a huge icon and somebody who had huge promotion. Her next project will flop though. People are sick of her fake old tired a__.
It was the beyhive yet, the navy. Are the main ones talking about her? I didn’t read your tired ass rant but nice try. Tou love making essays about the hive and bey I see. #tiredfag
Bunch of silly haters. Who is anyone here to accuse her of lying? None of you work for her to dispute the validity of what she’s claiming. Ashanti is past her peak — obviously — but her success really wasn’t THAT long ago, and she’s still a recognizable name. I can believe that she would attract major label offers. Because it’s been a minute since she’s been “hot,” I can believe that those offers weren’t great, or superstar level…but I can believe she got them just the same. She’s smart to not take some piddly 360 deal that wouldn’t generate her any real money. No one wants to be some Rihanna type of star, where the success is just on the surface, while everyone behind the scenes is collecting the bulk of the profit. Damn a #1 single or album if you still can’t pay your bills.
Rihanna is paid and gets most of it. They need Rihanna. She doesn’t need them.
DAMNED LOOOL THIS GIRL can lie!!! I DON’T BELIEVE THIS S***
Well nobody does
its 2013, not 2003. f*** off ashanti
you shut your s***** ass up weather it’s 2003 or 2020 b**** still has her coins you mad ho i guess so b****!!!
Why are Ashanti’s 2 fans mad??? No one, absolutely no one believes this. You can write as many paragraphs as you want but we all know Ashanti is as relevant as Nelly Furtado now and the only offers she would get is from some no name label like “Terrible Records”.
No one is checking for Ashanti.
Your checking. Becuase you’re leaving a comment. If you weren’t would scroll down instead of leaving a comment for someone you don’t like. And regardless of what label offers her anything she will still bank more than a major label artist because she has her own label. Learn the business.
If she has her own label, it means she has overheads. She needs to sell a certain amount to keep the label afloat and if she cannot do that, she won’t be banking more than an artist on a major label.
lol! sds!
B**** Nelly Furtado’s Spanish album has sold 1 million copies worldwide. How much did Kate Hudson sell? Oh yes, better hush.
Plus Lose has sold over 10 million + so lets not honey.
kiss her ASS B****
WHY WOULD SHE LIE THOUGH???????????? ASHANTI IS GONNA MAKE A HUGE SPLASH THIS TIME ALONG WITH BEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HONEY CHILE PLEASE! the only thing ashanti gonna splash is water on beyonce’s face to cool her down from her superbowl performance!! ….how dare you put her name next to beyonce!! smh..
Look here you nappy headed m***** you need to f*** off and deal
@You tried it boo.com , well you must be in love with this m***** cause you keep following my comments, stalking me and commenting on all my posts…. get a life you loser!! suck a d***!!
go suck on your mother’s t***** d*** b****
F*** the Bull, Im buying her album.
That’s right. For me, Ashanti and Christina Milian are the hottest black chicks in the game beside Rihanna and Beyonce xD
UBSDS!
Xtina Mili is not black, she is hispanic. Cuban I believe.
Damn, girl why you telling lies FIRST IT WAS NELLY TELLING US LIES ABOUT HER GOING INDEPENDENT KNOWING DAMN WELL THE LABEL IS DROPPING HER. Now you Ashanti please stop it.. I can tell you read the nelly post of her telling lies lmao!!! So you was like let my flop ass tell a lie to lol.
Girl, go tell you’re two fans on here to have a seat cause AIN’T NONODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!
C’mon Ashanti nobody is checking for you lil mama you soooooooo 2003 it’s not even funny. And I see you got a couple of Stan’s on here wrighting books for us but I ain’t trying to hear it.
yasss hunny preach!!! *gives standing ovation*
Ashanti was offered 360 deals because even if she flopped hard, the label would still make money off her other business ventures.
Now why is this hard for you simpletons to understand and believe?!!!
Financially that was the best decision to make because She would be out there with the best promotion, music and everything but she would be broke.
At the end of day, NOTHING isn’t FREE it’s all BUSINESS!
Couldnt of said it better!
It amazes me how insecure the Bey Hive is….
Always on the attack.
Hmm maybe the “Bey Hive” fears that the throne is not secure.
lol!
Beyhive is only one commenting on this post? Oh ok!
Funny that your stupid ass only called the beyhive and they didn’t even start the bs. You ashanti stans did..don’t mention bey and ashanti shall not be dragged.
Ashanti probably reading these comments saying ( I hate being a flop b**** I miss the early 2000’s) lol she probably hoping more of her fans stick up for her in this post but she forgot she doesn’t really have any since her last album flop lmao!!!!
from a rita oral fan stop it girl
chiii who is frito lay ora? kii is no one checkin for her even tho she been releasing music lmfao she could never touch Ashanti !
Ashanti shits all over rita and her 360 deal
It’s all about MONEYYYY
I’m guessing these “labels” are DESPERATE and UNKNOWN ( like herself ). This girl doesn’t have longevity. At least beyonce and J-Ho managed to shake their booty for quite some time.
she could be telling the truth. she didnt say which labels offered her deals!! i got an idea of the ones that did………
thug misses entertainment
hammertime records
EBT MUSIC
straight talk wireless records
basic INC
black n mild entertainment
DOLLAR MENU PRODUCTIONS
Go suck a horse d*** b****
You tried #fail.com that really was NOT funny
@ quetta
is that u ashanti??
LMAOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
I feel guilty for laughing but that was funny lol.
Thug Misses tho? Really??? LOL!!!
Girl nobody believes that. Your music is nowhere to be found on these radio stations, who’s gonna want to sign you?
Keep dreaming boo.
Why is a Mariah fan tallking about someone Desperate? Triumphant B**** lets not Mariah done. I like Ashanti so I’m not go say s*** but damn you gat turn down by 7 record labels grill get your life lol
I believe her. Given the fact that so many labels today want to sell theit artists out to the dance pop trend, Ashanti is not that kind of artist and I’m sure she turned them down because ofhat exact reason.
The fact that artists can own more of their own profits as an independant without having to pay back record companies in the long run says a lot. Mya, Nelly, Ashanti, even tho flops currently, will still be getting their coins more than u broke b****** ever could so keep hating while these girls do what they love. I respect anyone’s hustle as long as it’s not prostitution or illegal affairs.
I WISHING THE BEST FOR ASHANTI I THINK SHE IS ONE OF GREATEST FEMALE ARTIST OF ARE TIME I THINK THE NEW GENERATION IS NOT UNDERSTANDING THE ESSENCE OF MUSIC HOW IT WAS IN THE 70s 80s AN 90s in early 2000s PEOPLE DIDN’T WORRY ABOUT HOW MANY ALBUMS WERE SOLD THEY WORRIED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF SONG DOES IT TELL A STORY OR GOOD MEDLEY NOW A Days the radio station are not even playing underrated artist music any more they only play music that the major labels tell them to play every time i turn on the radio i hear is rihanna beyonce jay z lil Wayne Katy perry etc i hope 2013 would be the year for good quality music instead of trying to set a trend whats in style i hope artist stay true to there hardcore fan base that love the for making good quality music not trying to sale a hit in then be call a flop in a couple months for garbage music just because its saleing because are ears being force to listen to it
Soooo
I find it funny that a certain biased commenter is saying beyonce fans are haters of other artists yet there are Rihanna fans that are usually the first to say mean things about someone on every post on this site. Oh are we that blind now? Okay….
Exactly! !
And haters seem to keep bringing Rihanna’s name up to prove their point. Poor You
It’s funny how people are begin so negative about people who has and always will have more money then them. Ashanti, Rihanna and Beyonce probably have more money in their purse then someone of you have earned all year.
Ashanti
http://www.google.com.ag/imgres?hl=en&sa=X&tbo=d&biw=1600&bih=791&tbm=isch&tbnid=jqaRAe9AR3G2lM:&imgrefurl=http://jjb.yuku.com/reply/11470832/-t-stay-food-budget-matter-hard-try-advice&docid=nexvIF_VNSCZOM&imgurl=http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mcspb0ZJ3C1qfqdfr.gif&w=320&h=216&ei=DaboUKmKJoPq0gHrrYGoBg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=448&vpy=141&dur=3418&hovh=172&hovw=256&tx=143&ty=100&sig=108564979347530137145&page=1&tbnh=145&tbnw=230&start=0&ndsp=39&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:91
Uhm…I didn’t have a problem until her broke ass fans tried to call out the beyhive. For what though? They’re REALLY asking to be dragged. Even though the NAVY (wo started it) buried her ass.
rih new domo songhttp://youtu.be/A9VoGpIFwOc classic song
rih domo http://youtu.be/A9VoGpIFwOc
Music sales, are not as robust as it could or should be but it sales. There are many artists that have gold,platinum & multiplatinum albums. The bottom line is for anyone, going into trying to own your own label is very risky. First off the artist that is doing so should make sure that they have everything in order to do so, their project needs to do well also. She could hae taken a major label without one of those deals that she was speaking off. If she releases an album that doesn’t go gold, then this whole label thing will look like a flop. Sure your returns may be good, but it’s also about the success of your material. The internet helps alot, but you cannot just bank on that alone. Theres promo,performances,videos,budgets & etc.
have*
I love Ashanti’s personality…she is one of a kind. As opposed to everyone else on this site saying negative comments about her, I actually think Ashanti knows what she wants and she’ll be the one that ends up having the last laugh. She’s running the show now and even if “Braveheart” flops, she’s still getting that money.
Ok i need to clock a few things. Ashanti, i love you, i have all your albums. Concrete Rose is my s***. But honey whens the last time you did anything? Turning down a 360 deal is cute and all but where are you making your money since yer too good for a label? Also where are the hits? Hell where are even the good songs because im not hearing them. It would be nice for onve to actually see these ‘independent’ artists succeed because theyre not. How are you gonna sideeye Rihanna, the biggest artist on a 360 deal, when shes making bank? Ashanti you may be banking 90% of your revenue but who wants 90% of $10,000 when you can be making 50% of $100,000,000??? Im sorry but a 360 deal is exactly what Ashanti needed because she obviously cant even get an album out. Ashanti needs to come down off her Murder Inc 2003 ego and realize less than nobody is checking for her. Ashanti grrrrrrrl bye on this one
God every f****** post its a bunch of queens and f** h*** ruining the comment section. While I don’t like ashanti,I can respect her hustle. I mean what do you people have going on in your life besides commenting every hour on the hour on tjg or posting other hateful s*** on different sites? There are more labels than RCA,universal,Columbia,Def Scam etc. So why would she be lying? You people know absolutely nothing about a 360 contract either or the concept of making a profit. If ashanti were to release an independent album and sell just 100k or less she would still bring in more revenue than most of you people’s whole entire family for two years straight in some cases even longer. There is a fine line in basically not liking someone most of the people you people claim are legends are laughable. Selling records isn’t what makes you legendary. Ask Marvin,Patti,Gladys, and the list goes on. That’s the problem today with 12-27 they focus on flash instead of talent. Ashanti cant sing but atleast she is still trying…Again hop off of tgj and get some fresh air.
Agreed. The comments on every post are so negative and have nothing to do with the artist who the post is about. I don’t get it…Why is everyone so negative? Am I missing something?
360 deals are largely for unestablished acts who’re trying to get their foot in the door and don’t have the clout to negotiate something better or to say no. They are usually inaugural contracts for newbies who haven’t proven themselves; those who eventually do and live out their 360 contract won’t be signing another.
The only artists I can think of who have worthwhile 360 deals are Jay-Z and Madonna, and that’s because they’re big enough to command huge signing bonuses, royalties, back ends AND have enough clout to put stipulations in place that stops the company from hemorrhaging too big a percentage of their overall earnings. If I had to guess, none of these 360 offers Ashanti was getting were anything like that. They were insulting, I’m sure.
I don’t care if Ashanti’s hit streak was 30 years ago. The fact of the matter is that she has established herself, has notable credentials to her credit, is still actively involved in the industry enough for her name to have resonance, and therefore shouldn’t have to take some s****’s contract where she would be working herself to a nub, while not making anything out of it but hype and spare change. Then add the reality that if she did take a 360 from a major label, any album she puts out probably wouldn’t be heavily promoted or sell that well anyway…so in the end, not only would they take whatever little scraps she generates from music, and profit from other venues that she’s involved, but she could wind up in debt to them. It wasn’t worth it and she was right to reject a deal like that.
Going the independent route has its own set of issues, isn’t the best way have commercial success, and (because there won’t be that much money to fund promotion) is probably a guaranteed commercial “flop”…but some things are important than charts. Ashanti has other things going on that are keeping her name in the industry, and paid. I’m not really a fan of hers, but offhand I know she’s acting, writing and producing. Singing and recording is just another part of her overall career package at this point, and isn’t her be all/end. She doesn’t need to be validated with another “Foolish.”
i read some of the comments and i can’t help but smh! some people are just too pressed or probably have no life talking about how their “fave” is better than other people’s “fave”! i mean really? how old are you guys?. talking sh!t about artists who don’t sell anymore etc etc etc… how is that affecting your life seriously? i swear some people live through celebs and it’s really sad really really sad!!
They’re probably between the ages of 10-14 who don’t know anything about life yet. They are in for a #harsh reality. Get a life and try to be POSITIVE!
H** hush
I like how people are getting on here calling her a liar, but can’t back it up. If you’re so bent on asserting that her claims of having seven different major label offers in 2 years is false then I’d be interested in your proof to the contrary. Oh, you don’t have any proof? Then shut up. Ashanti has a net worth of nearly 50 million dollars. I fail to see why she has to lie about rejecting insulting 360 offers. Who is she impressing with that?
Take a seat.
preach chile preach! *down whitney bow* slayed for days the haters cant take!
ok so lets say she is not lying. she still looks dumb for turning down seven labels cuz she clearly doesnt know what the fuc she is doing. how many pushbacks has the album had?? how many singles have flopped on itunes?? exactly!
Are you saying that she should do the 360 deal and work like a s****? That’s what your insinuating. The real reason why R&b isn’t played on these radio stations because most of these radio states are owned by white people. Black artists overall are struggling because people like Sam (I hate to say it but gays) promote and create unnecessary stan wars. The young minded fall for the weak jabs and go around prancing and parading from blog to blog and blasts these artists The Stans are the new k.k.k. to the music industry and will be the rise and fall of the industry and artists. Now as far as labels approaching Ashanti, I know of two that has entertained her. (both from the mouths of Dr. Dre and Lil Wayne). You see Ashanti is not going to name drop because she keeps it professional. There’s no need for her to make any lies. She is happy and content with where she is in life. She’s not just doing music, she’s writing, doing Broadway shows, executive producing tv shows, acting in movies and tv shows, and an ambassador to young children. She has learned that the music business of today is no longer the same. Today’s emphasis is heavily drawn to quantity. The material is lackluster and forgettable.
Other contributions factors are the dumbing of our school system. Yes the school system sucks. In turn music is produced to dumb down the kids even further. Another fact of the matter is that public schools have taken away art, fine art and music. The important foundation of music is lost.
Now to only worry about the statement that Sam posted, shows the pettiness and immaturity of the commenters (of a few or more). Who cares if she was entertained by 7, 2 or even 15 offers. The truth of the matter is that these deals are slick and manipulative. Ashanti is only repeating what many of our greats have already said, “the music business is slick and you are indebted to the record labels. (RIP Michael Jackson)
So now DEE ROK, should you work 16 hours a day and only 30% of your hours worked?
Is it fair towork you like a s****? Think before you leap. take a moment to Think.
Thanks for this.
The real reason why R&b isn’t played on these radio stations because most of these radio states are owned by white people.
why are u playing the race card?? hip hop is dominating the charts right now! and when rnb was popular did white people own the radio station then?? its not about race. and yes the school systems suck! i totally agree!! a perfect example of that is when a less than wealthy atlantic city high school paid ashanti 20k to speak to their students!! that was completely ridiculous and that money coulda been used to pay for those fine arts and music programs u admire so much.
@Dee Rock I agree with sam has no life. if you look at the entire demographic of music…rap is mostly ratchet and ignorant now at days. So yes it will dominate just like Mob wives and basketball wives will garner viewers and music buyers (in the case of music).
The majority of people who buy hip hop music are white.
i still say ashanti should have snagged one of those seven deals! cuz it aint lookin too good 4 her right now. her songs arent even making an impact on the rnb charts so u know there is a problem! if keyshia cole and brandy can crack the top ten then ashanti can too!
enough of no love #7
put it down # 3
the woman u love # 59
I can believe this because she said some of the deals weren’t all that great. 7 deals, yea okay but it doesn’t necessarily mean they were the best. I wont believe any of them offered her anymore than 2 million.
Ashanti you still iight, just re-shoot the braveheart cover.
Trust me I studied Music Industry and have a BA degree in it.
She is right, it does seem insulting for a veteran act to sign into a 360 deal. When record labels DO NOT place any attention into getting you endorsements, book shows, magazine covers, etc. it does seem foolish to think they would STILL reep the benefits from all!
Does that mean if I was Ashanti I would have denied the deals, maybe not. But I do understand her take on the case at hand.
I do think if a label got behind her, she could be a big R&B star again. She has stayed true to her genre and been around in the entertainment industry over the years. Would more albums and less down time have helped, certainly, but you can’t deny that she is still a celebrity. Its not like you’ve seen her on D-list “celebrity” shows on the Food Network, VH1, or FOX!
Do your thing Shani Bonnie!
I posted this earlier in response to another commentator, but I thought others could benefit from actually knowing what a 360 deal is and why Ashanti should humble her ass.
—————————————————————————————————-
You know, all a 360 deal means is that the label does everything in house instead of outsourcing which is cheaper for both the label and artist. People always complain and look down on 360′s but don’t even know what they are. Why as an artist would you pay extra for touring, merchandise, publicity etc when you can tie it into your contract and not worry about paying Tom, D*** and Harry for the same service your label offers? Yeah if they get an endorsement deal from a company the label gets a cut but who do you think made the deal for the artist? Exactly. Case and point, Rihanna.
The only “tour” labels are responsible for outside of a 360 is a promo tour (which is for radio play) and even then that is taken care of by an artist manager not the actual label if they don’t do a 360. A tour manager is responsible for coordinating an actual “concert” tour if the artist chooses to outsource and there are companies who actually assist in setting up tours as well. Again all a 360 does is eliminate the need for excess manager(s) and allowing the label to handle it with no extra expense to the artist. As far endorsement deals, why should’t the label get a cut if the artist would’ve never landed that endorsement deal without the label setting it up since they have the relationships with those companies and the artist does not? I think it’s only fair that labels get a cut since they coordinate the deal in the first place. Plus, that gets the artist more exposure leading to increased album sales, event bookings and concert ticket sales so it’s not really a loss for the artist in the long run…
Also artists can outsource for publicity by hiring their own publicist. If Ashanti didn’t want to split the endorsement deal, than SHE should walk up to the cover girl, l’oreal etc. offices herself and build those close relationships the label already has, and land HERSELF those deals. But if the LABEL calls up the president of these companies on behalf of landing Ashanti’s these jobs, then I see no wrong. These artists want to sell little to no records, putting the label at financial loss, but don’t want any repercussions for not doing their part aka creating hits and generate large amounts of income with their music. Ugh no, when you do your part aka sell records higher than 200,000 copies THEN you can voice an opinion but until then….humble your ass. These labels don’t get sh*t from record sales, leading to no tour money either since the artist has no hits or buzz BUT the artist wants to complain about the label taking part of the little money that their generating period……
If that’s what she thinks is best or her, then that’s her choice…I hate when broke ass people sit at home behind the confines of their computers and try to DOWN and criticize artists who are actually dealing with these hard decisions. GET A LIFE..and have a seat. Do YOU Ashanti and nobody else..
What the f*ck do you think a blog is for? It’s to voice your opinion you bigot. If you like the way her careers going based on HER decisions than your a dumba*s cause she’s flopping hard. The point of my comment AGAIN was to educated dumb c*nts like yourself who don’t know what the hell a 360 deal is, and why Ashanti needs one with OBVIOUSLY not having big enough relationships to be successful on her own. Get the f*ck off blogs if you don’t want to read opinions or TRUTH and stay the f*ck off my post b*tch.
AT LEAST SHE STILL HAD BETTER FIRST WEEKS AND MOE N#1 ALBUMS THAN RIHANNA THATS A FACT
U SEE —> Ashanti: 503K N#1 on Billboard
Chapter II: 326K N#1 on Billboard
Concrete Rose: 254k N#7 on Billboard
The Declaration 86K N#6 on Billboard (Tho her lowest first week she still outsold Rihannas Music Of The Sun Album #FACT)
(BY THE WAY IM NOT ASHANTI’S FAN I JUST LIKE TO DO RESEARCH ABOUT SINGERS)
yasssss slay that h***** h** LMFAO! #IMDONE!
Good on her. Today’s standard of music is terrible nowadays anyway. She’s right to stick to her guns.
when the girls hate so hard its almost if ashanti has done something to them// lmao // ashanti is the s*** // stop denying
I’m late be oh course I have an opinion. Ashanti, is a beautiful girl with much talent (her songs make it seem like she can’t sing) and yes it is possible for her o have seven deals in two years and urn them down because my friend whom raps has done the same and he is a nobody (love u CC). But truth is that 360 deal is crazy and making revises to it kills an artist pockets look it up (so that research) ..plus she right she a vet and kno what need to be on her contract at the same time the companies are not willin to not get there money back because record sells have gone down and the brand is what’s making the money now.
Ashanti didnt get turned down, she turned down the record deals theres a big difference LEARN IT!!!!
stop hating it don’t look gud on none of yall she doing her thing she mite not b batta then beyonce but she following her dreams so keep hating cuz yall really boosting her ego
Yes! Finally something about all star cheer squads.