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Saturday, January 5th 2013

Ashanti: “I Turned Down Seven Record Deals In Two Years”

Ashanti 2013 e1357402145942 Ashanti: I Turned Down Seven Record Deals In Two Years

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 shoe-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.

Your thoughts?

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214 Comments

214 COMMENTS

  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +17
    Monstarebel

    January 5, 2013 at 11:47 am

    LMAO!! oh girl I don’t believe that for a second….

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +27
    CHUDDS

    January 5, 2013 at 11:49 am

    Ashanti is gorgeous. She still looks 22.

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +11
    NAVI

    January 5, 2013 at 11:51 am

    and yet i’m here dying for one #thestruggle lol

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +14
    Foolish

    January 5, 2013 at 11:53 am

    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.

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +9
    My forehead tho

    January 5, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    Sure you did Ashanti, sure you did -_-

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +5
    vanny

    January 5, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    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 bullshit 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*

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      You tried it boo.com

      January 5, 2013 at 12:57 pm

      Vanny you are such a pile of shit you and Monstarebel press ass why would she lie fear of getting called out for it? smh you people get pressed over the smallest shit and she achieved more than your shitty lame faves okay #DEAL.COM

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        vanny

        January 5, 2013 at 1:40 pm

        @You tried it boo.com, fisrt of all you dont even know me hoe! 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!

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        You tried it boo.com

        January 5, 2013 at 1:47 pm

        1st of all bitch you didn’t state any facts bitch you ran off of your hate you pressed ass f***** when you get some convincing logic than reply to me bitch other wise fuck you and your opinion can both kiss the meatyest part of her and mines asses bitch get it together you cross dressing ho

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        vanny

        January 5, 2013 at 1:58 pm

        @You tried it boo.com,the “fag” word! wow interesting!!! is funny how when bitches feel really pressed they are fast to throw the gay and fag word around!! NEWS FLASH hoe! is dont bother me!! and cross dressing? really? is that all you got? jajajajajajajaa what a sorry motherfucker 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!!!!

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      You tried it boo.com

      January 5, 2013 at 2:02 pm

      Glad you find me so funny now laugh your ass into an heart attack and fuck off with you essay writing ass you are officially #DISMISSED

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        vanny

        January 5, 2013 at 2:32 pm

        @You tried it boo.com, thank god cause bitch 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 hoe!! 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 fuck can you stan so hard for someone and you aint got anything good to say about themor they career… lmfao!!! bitch fuck outta hea!!! have a seat hoe! and tell ashanti to have one as well!..

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +8
    Antonio DeJoyce

    January 5, 2013 at 12:08 pm

    I’m loving this interview.. & believe every word.. The princess of Hip Hop & RnB :) ))))

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +5
    Burmy

    January 5, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    The sun’s still shinin’, the world’s still spinnin’, and That Grape Juice is still hatin’.

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +10
    iluvmusic

    January 5, 2013 at 12:11 pm

    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.

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +7
    Rihanna

    January 5, 2013 at 12:16 pm

    This should be under *things flops say*

    NO1CURR about Ashanti and hasn’t since like 2004

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +8
    MUSICHEAD

    January 5, 2013 at 12:17 pm

    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.

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      IDK

      January 5, 2013 at 1:22 pm

      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.

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        ENOUGH ONIKA (0 GRAMMY NOMS...)

        January 5, 2013 at 3:18 pm

        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, Dick 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.

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      • January 5, 2013 at 4:35 pm

        Um RIHANNA IS PAID AT THE END OF IT ALL!!! AND SHE HAS MAJOR ENDORSEMENTS UNLIKE ASHANTI!!!

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        ENOUGH ONIKA (0 GRAMMY NOMS...)

        January 5, 2013 at 8:08 pm

        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..

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        IDK

        January 6, 2013 at 12:52 am

        @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 fuck you in the end. She did a smart move.

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        MUSICHEAD

        January 6, 2013 at 2:09 am

        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.

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        ENOUGH ONIKA (0 GRAMMY NOMS...)

        January 6, 2013 at 8:44 am

        @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…

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        ENOUGH ONIKA (0 GRAMMY NOMS...)

        January 6, 2013 at 8:59 am

        @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……

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      iluvmusic

      January 5, 2013 at 4:47 pm

      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?

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        MUSICHEAD

        January 6, 2013 at 2:04 am

        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.

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +25
    Drake ThankMeLater

    January 5, 2013 at 12:18 pm

    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 slave 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!

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment -1
    Monstarebel

    January 5, 2013 at 12:21 pm

    This is a kiii!!!!!!

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +17
    iluvmusic

    January 5, 2013 at 12:24 pm

    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 bitch in the game and at the same time be the brokest.

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment -3
    Queen of Disco (Beyonce's Weave)

    January 5, 2013 at 12:28 pm

    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.

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  • January 5, 2013 at 12:29 pm

    Bitch stop lyn. Ur last single ‘the woman u love’ never even hit airwave and u promotes the hell out of it chile

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    Yolo

    January 5, 2013 at 12:44 pm

    Girl stop feeding your damaged ego.

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +7
    Owwws

    January 5, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    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!

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +5
    Tooo Great

    January 5, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    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…

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      quetta

      January 5, 2013 at 5:11 pm

      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

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      2013 is the year Beyonce's career officially ends(yours truly zzzzb)

      January 5, 2013 at 5:39 pm

      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__.

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        quetta

        January 5, 2013 at 9:34 pm

        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

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    Absolved

    January 5, 2013 at 1:10 pm

    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.

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    @PEGGYHYLS5 on instangram

    January 5, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    DAMNED LOOOL THIS GIRL can lie!!! I DON’T BELIEVE THIS SHIT

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    the real xoxo

    January 5, 2013 at 1:19 pm

    its 2013, not 2003. fuck off ashanti

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    Queen of Disco (Beyonce's Weave)

    January 5, 2013 at 1:20 pm

    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.

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  • January 5, 2013 at 1:25 pm

    WHY WOULD SHE LIE THOUGH???????????? ASHANTI IS GONNA MAKE A HUGE SPLASH THIS TIME ALONG WITH BEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment -1
    IDK

    January 5, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    Fuck the Bull, Im buying her album.

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    Nahjee

    January 5, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    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!

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +3
    BEYONCE4LIFE

    January 5, 2013 at 1:37 pm

    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.

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    CRAMPED

    January 5, 2013 at 1:38 pm

    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!

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment +8
    Wow!

    January 5, 2013 at 1:39 pm

    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.

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  • Like This Comment Dislike This Comment -2
    RITANATION

    January 5, 2013 at 1:47 pm

    Ashanti probably reading these comments saying ( I hate being a flop bitch 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!!!!

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    HOWYOULIKEIT

    January 5, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    It’s all about MONEYYYY

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    SLAYRIAH CAREY

    January 5, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    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.

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    dee rock

    January 5, 2013 at 2:44 pm

    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

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    That B*tch

    January 5, 2013 at 2:50 pm

    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.

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  • January 5, 2013 at 2:56 pm

    Why is a Mariah fan tallking about someone Desperate? Triumphant Bitch lets not Mariah done. I like Ashanti so I’m not go say shit but damn you gat turn down by 7 record labels grill get your life lol

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    christinastherealtalent

    January 5, 2013 at 3:08 pm

    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.

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    Fierce Pussy

    January 5, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    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 bitches 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.

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    chyna white

    January 5, 2013 at 3:36 pm

    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

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    Fierce Pussy

    January 5, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    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….

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    iluvmusic

    January 5, 2013 at 4:50 pm

    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.

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    quetta

    January 5, 2013 at 5:22 pm

    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.

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    chyna white

    January 5, 2013 at 5:50 pm

    rih new domo songhttp://youtu.be/A9VoGpIFwOc classic song

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    theman

    January 5, 2013 at 6:04 pm

    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.

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    Kyle

    January 5, 2013 at 6:26 pm

    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.

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    Jer

    January 5, 2013 at 6:55 pm

    Ok i need to clock a few things. Ashanti, i love you, i have all your albums. Concrete Rose is my shit. 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

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    Nope!

    January 5, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    God every fucking post its a bunch of queens and fag hags 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 shit 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.

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    MsThing485

    January 5, 2013 at 8:36 pm

    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 slave’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.”

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    soulmusiclover

    January 5, 2013 at 8:37 pm

    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!!

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    Avi

    January 5, 2013 at 9:06 pm

    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.

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    dee rock

    January 5, 2013 at 9:34 pm

    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!

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      sam has no life

      January 5, 2013 at 11:50 pm

      Are you saying that she should do the 360 deal and work like a slave? 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 slave? Think before you leap. take a moment to Think.

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    dee rock

    January 6, 2013 at 12:38 am

    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.

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      Love Got to Do with it

      January 6, 2013 at 2:14 pm

      @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).

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      MUSICHEAD

      January 6, 2013 at 2:48 pm

      The majority of people who buy hip hop music are white.

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        dee rock

        January 6, 2013 at 3:04 pm

        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

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    credits

    January 6, 2013 at 2:44 am

    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.

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    HeHaHeHa

    January 6, 2013 at 4:58 am

    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!

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    ENOUGH ONIKA (0 GRAMMY NOMS...)

    January 6, 2013 at 9:04 am

    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, Dick 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……

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      noliaboi

      January 6, 2013 at 11:54 am

      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..

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        ENOUGH ONIKA (0 GRAMMY NOMS...)

        January 6, 2013 at 4:37 pm

        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.

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    BITCH SHOW ME A DIPLOMA NOT UR NACKED PICS

    January 6, 2013 at 1:41 pm

    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)

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    James

    January 6, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    Good on her. Today’s standard of music is terrible nowadays anyway. She’s right to stick to her guns.

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    staticbmajor instagram//

    January 8, 2013 at 3:50 pm

    when the girls hate so hard its almost if ashanti has done something to them// lmao // ashanti is the shit // stop denying

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  • January 20, 2013 at 5:40 pm

    [...] Like Ashanti, she’s made no secret of her disdain for the supposedly “insulting deals” labels are putting on the table to veterans such as herself (see: 360). And with each year reducing the chance of a better deal being cooked up, also dissolved are our hopes of  Kim releasing a 00′s album as epic as ‘The Naked Truth’. Or an album of any sort. Such a project requires two components: artistic confidence and a mini-machine to mobilize its cause. Sadly, these are things Kim clearly doesn’t have in her arsenal anymore. [...]

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    Stay504

    April 24, 2013 at 11:27 pm

    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.

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