R&B Divas Creator Eyes Ashanti & Elle Varner For ‘R&B Divas: New York’

Published: Wednesday 8th Apr 2015 by David

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Should Ashanti be on the hunt for a TV gig she may be pleased to learn the mastermind behind the R&B Divas empire has set his sights on her for the show’s New York arm.

Full story below…

In a recent interview with That Grape Juice.Net, Phil Thornton revealed that he would enlist the ‘Rain on Me’ singer to lead an NYC offshoot of the Reality series if an NYC offshoot of the series was to receive a green light from its network, TV One.

Read his remarks here!

Unfamiliar with the series?

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Your thoughts?

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  1. kareem April 8, 2015

    I’m an Ashanti fan and I hope she don’t do it.

    • HALF AMAZIN April 8, 2015

      As long as they don’t make her a ratchet character on the show it could work for her. She has a likeable personality and people still remember her. I think Murder Inc was her downfall so quickly. Which other R&b singers are originally from NYC like Ashanti?

      • Edna April 8, 2015

        Murder INC was her downfall? So we’re just going to ignore them 2 multi-platinum albums whilst under their umbrella… Ok

      • HALF AMAZIN April 9, 2015

        @Edna
        Thanks for your attempt to be snarky but you clearly don’t understand the definition of “downfall”. When Murder Inc went down for drug funding and other shady business practices, so did their Artists careers. I made no reference to her prior successes. Stay on topic or hush

    • Lake Erie April 8, 2015

      I agree with you 100%. I f**** with her tough. I hope she doesn’t either.

  2. #TeamTinashe Stan April 8, 2015

    Elle Varner might need it but not Ashanti.
    Ashanti in the next coming years will be known as a Legend for her contributions in music that were groundbreaking, so not a good look.

    R&B Divas should recruit Sunshine Anderson (“Heard It All Before”), Jazmine Sullivan, Tweet (“Oops…Oh My”), Tiffany Evans (“Promise Ring”) and her former mentor Ciara.
    These are all great choices.

    P.s don’t dispute on why I think why Ashanti will be hailed a Legend. History proves it.

    • TheElusiveLamb April 8, 2015

      Tiffany, Tweet (she’s making new music and just signed a new deal) & Jazmine (Reality Show is so slept on) would be great choices, but I just would be afraid of what the producers would make them look like.

      • #TeamTinashe Stan April 8, 2015

        The producers cannot make them look outrageous only they(the artist) could. That’s just impossible. If you want to rep yourself well as an artist than don’t act up on TV. Simple!

    • LOL April 8, 2015

      LOL YOU LOST ME AT ¨ASHANTI IS A LEGEND¨ LMAO #GURLPLEASE

    • Faf April 8, 2015

      Lol @ u thinking GRAMMY winner billboard woman of the year ciara would ever

      About to be on a prime time nbc series

      Yall done all u can to bring her up every day on This blog

      Her last certified single was her last Era … When were the ladies named?????

    • #JACKIE April 8, 2015

      Lmao! B**** your Bugs life fave should be on there. Ciara would NEVER. She’s still relevant, and still CHARTS unlike the others. Your fave is a one hit wonder. Focus on her.

  3. Centurion (American Oxygen) April 8, 2015

    Ashanti has no source of income… Go figure.

    • TheElusiveLamb April 8, 2015

      She ghostwriter (& RUMOR: goes overseas and sells the kitty. Her Mother is her pimp- ask Lisa Raye’s ex husband who met Lisa the same way.) #ButYouDidntHearItFromMe…

      • Centurion (American Oxygen) April 8, 2015

        LOL Girrrrrrllll Hehehehehe. I like this side of you. 😆

  4. Jay Jay April 8, 2015

    Im not a huge fan of ratchet reality TV that much anymore except RHOA but I think in some ways it will be a good move for Ashanti. She needs to reinvent her image and she can leverage the show for her next project.

    Ashanti is still well known so I’m sure ppl will watch to see what she has going on.

  5. TheElusiveLamb April 8, 2015

    Elle Varner- NO. She is still new and can get her career going.

    Ashanti- YES. She has a likeable personality, she would be the top dog on the show, and the show would bring attention to Braveheart (and her empire) and *maybe* even land her a new ¿¿deal¿¿

    • Anastasia Beaverhousen (aka T.I.T.S.) April 8, 2015

      Hey luv! Elle and Ashanti are both very talented. It’s sad they may be reduced to this.

      Then again I can’t believe Kelly Price and Dawn Robinson went this route!

      The music industry is just phucked.

      • TheElusiveLamb April 8, 2015

        Hi love! I have to agree. I feel bad for them some times, but like Mariah said, they asked for this, so deal with it.

  6. Molly April 8, 2015

    No one watches R&B divas. Ashanti will have a better chance on Love and Hip Hop.

    • King B > ur fave April 8, 2015

      I know right that where the fun is at!!!! Specially ATL and LA

  7. AMilian April 8, 2015

    I’ve actually witnessed in person Ashanti saying that she wouldn’t do a reality show like that. She says that if she has one she’d have to be in control of the production.. I think she has too much on the line to do ratchet TV. i.e. connection with Lifetime, Written Entertainment (her record label), movies, and her commitment to the Tupac movie soundtrack. It would have to be logically worth it from a business standpoint. Her image is at stake.

    • EdisonDreams April 8, 2015

      n**** please, you heard heard her say that on youtube -_-

      • AMilian April 8, 2015

        March 03, 2014 at the Apple Store in SoHo, 2nd row. Photos on IG/FB. Session located on Itunes. And you were say what again??

  8. musicMatters101 April 8, 2015

    Yeah why I couldn’t see such an established act join rachet reality TV. Say what you will but Ashanti has achieved records and big feats. She is still making money off of her first album’s music to date. Imagine, if Ashanit joined she would be the biggest R&B singer (female) to join a rachet reality TV show. Even Nivea should have thought twice about LHH ATL because in early 00s she had some hits and a name for herself. Difference is with Nivea is that she was absent for like a decade completely raising her kids and aside from baby daddy drama was unheard of, so she can benefit from the exposure to her name, most people think of Nivea as the lotion in 2015 not a has been R&B female.

    But I do not think Ashanti would join a reality TV show of this caliber but I could see why they would want her. Honestly, Ashanti is uch more suited for a panel judging role on American Idol, The Voice, etc. above joining any rachet reality show.

  9. #TeamTinashe Stan April 8, 2015

    I like this show because I am truly a R&B fan and it sucks how today’s society everyone anticipates a turn up or pop song from an artist, when there is other artists that are pouring their souls out to get you to be a believer in R&B but only to end up FAILING..
    Example A) Jazmine Sullivan, she came out with a great R&B album but of course it got dodged by fans. And sadly the Grammys won’t put this kind of album in a “Album Of The Year” category…

    Long gone are the days when there were the Whitneys and Janet’s sharing chart glory. Sad.

    Let me get my life to this, I can’t deal….
    https://youtu.be/ed2nSh7QraY?list=RD0op6rzdA8cc

  10. EdisonDreams April 8, 2015

    ashanti and elle varner shouldnt even be mentioned in the same breath… Ashnati has accolades under her belt…. say what you will, but in the past Ashanti has broken music history records… She has platinum albums, and she is a working actress…If anything Ashanti deserves her own show… R&B Divas dont even have no divas on there no more… its just a bunch of washed up has beens. The show hasnt helped any of their music careers at all… Elle Varner can do it cuz she literally has nothing to lose. I dont even know why this girl is still around? the b**** cant sing and her songs aint even poppin… and she seems so fake and insecure in her interviews.i remember when they caught her lying on Vladtv… Elle varner is wack. clearly she is suckin somebody’s d*** behind the scenes cuz it dont make no sense for her to be getting so many chances when dont nobody even rock wit her like that.

    • Dave April 8, 2015

      You definitely sound mad. She definitely can sing. You have to be somewhere near deaf if you think she can’t. And all the insults you’re throwing at her. You ain’t got to like her, but you act like she slaughtered your ancestors. I swear, y’all on here don’t do nothing, but throw shade and be negative. And she does have something to lose, she has her own fanbase, small or not, and she has a great/clean image that works for her. Popularity is not always success, nor is is the only means of success. I wouldn’t mind her being on the show for exposure, but the dirty shade really seems quite unnecessary. But,you are entitled to your opinion, so whatever.

  11. Anastasia Beverhousen (aka T.I.T.S.) April 8, 2015

    What else do they have to do? Lol.

    #GoodLuckGurls

  12. pat April 8, 2015

    Never thought I’d say ashantu is too big of a star. But for this she is. Vh1 or BET would give her her OWN show n a heart beat

  13. RATEDXXX April 8, 2015

    should she do this show? yes…because her time has passed, so she might as well fit in where she can…

    would I watch it? no

    I don’t watch “reality” tv…

    I will stick to my law and order, snapped, anything on the ID network…

    • Anastasia Beaverhousen (aka T.I.T.S.) April 8, 2015

      Lol. I guess I know who Bye meant when she said “now everyone in the group can sing” after the 1st lineup change..

      • Anastasia Beaverhousen (aka T.I.T.S.) April 8, 2015

        *Bey

      • AnnaliseKeatingsNewWig April 8, 2015

        LOL gurllll! Did you catch that too and Bey said it on at least 4 different interviews! And apparently someone (mathew) said to L “You don’t even do enough in this group to even have an opinion”SCREAMS!

        But L did harmonise well and more importantly she and Bey had been friends since they were like 7. I don’t even think LaTavia wanted to be famous but she stuck with DC because of the friendship.

      • Anastasia Beaverhousen (aka T.I.T.S.) April 8, 2015

        Everything you wrote is true. DC4 did have tight harmonies. I just think LaTavia’s voice is not meant to stand alone. As evidenced in the video you posted. She’s cool tho..

  14. Lake Erie April 8, 2015

    Ashanti!!!! Don’t do it!!!!!

  15. Lake Erie April 8, 2015

    I swear Smh. I normally don’t double post but this is how you know we are in our last days because artist like Ashanti? Smh. Should never have to do this. I pray it’s just a hoax though.

  16. Rang April 8, 2015

    No for ashanti, she has broken records and made history in the music industry she may not be on top anymore but check her history she has made her mark in this music industry, she can get her own show without a problem, as for Elle Varner I havent heArd from her in years she could definitely use a refill because she’s dry tbh but she can sing I will say that she just isn’t hot and never has been.

  17. AnnaliseKeatingsNewWig April 8, 2015

    Ashanti no you did not have to go the radio stations and claim you wanted to host a talk show and then result to reality tv instead LOL! Maybe she should be a co-host on The Real or even The Fashion Police, that would be a better look.

  18. WHO ME? WHO YOU, CHILE? HA HA HA! (QUEEN SLAYANNA) April 8, 2015

    Ashanti? Chile, not Ms. “Foolish”! She used to slay back in her day. Ooh, “Rock Wit U” is still my jam and the music video slays me to pieces. If this platform will help her brand, although she has her own label, then I’m all here for it. Lol! Who can do what she did? She came back releasing music out of nowhere when everyone even forgot she was still alive and still debuted in the top 10 of the Billboard 200. But how come Azealia Banks, a.k.a motor mouth and twitter thugstress, can’t even scrape the top 20. I was freaking delusional for even stanning for her, although “Ice Princess” is my jam. Please, I was fooling myself! That loud mouth h** will never be as goood as Ashanti was, even though Ashanti has ALWAYS been a horrible live singer and even more horrible dancer.

    Aside from that, I’m ready for Rih and Ciara to release these soon-to-be critically/universally-acclaimed albums (bodies of work). I’m s beyond ready to be snatched from my entire body. Bring on “Jackie” and “R8”!

    CIARA, HONEY BOO BEAR, ADD SOME ARENAS TO THAT TOUR OF YOURS AND STOP BEING SO SCARED YOU WON’T SELL THEM OUT! THERE’S NO REASON YOU SHOULDN’T AT LEAST BE ABLE TO BOOK THE INDEPENDENCE EVENTS CENTER. MAKE THIS TOUR WORTH IT; YOU HAVEN’T TOURED IN SIX YEARS! RIH NEEDS COMPETITION!!

    • Rang April 8, 2015

      B**** pleaE stfu Ashanti sings circles around Ciara for sure and def Rihanna any day why u think they never ask either of those flops to sing national anthems? Df out of here Ciara can’t even get a gold album nor alimum at that lol and she’s on major label lolol #byefelicia

      • WHO ME? WHO YOU, CHILE? HA HA HA! (QUEEN SLAYANNA) April 8, 2015

        Damn, you’re mad! Is it that serious to focus on who I stan for and support, hun? If so, you need to stop living your life around me and reevaluate your entire existence thus far. Some girls play games and some girls fool men, but honey I catch bodies. Please don’t do me like that when I didn’t deserve it. I don’t wanna get nasty on you, boo.

  19. hyisi April 8, 2015

    They both should do it but not make it literally their only source of income. Sure Ashanti broke some records when she first started but what’s she today to the music industry? Her collaborations and first two albums are her milestones but Ashanti hasn’t been hot since 2007. It won’t necessarily get her any new fans but it would certainly keep her name out there more consistently than her own promo team has done in years. As for the other chick,if LaTavia Cripsy Throat Roberson can be on there why not she? She at least had her own solo R&B hit. I would prefer for someone of Ashanti’s former status to a least be on VH1 though, so she could get more exposure.

    • WHO ME? WHO YOU, CHILE? HA HA HA! (QUEEN SLAYANNA) April 8, 2015

      Oh, gosh! Chile, not crispy throat! I swear I wasn’t ready for such an accurate, yet demeaning drag. That is the true meaning of shade!I can’t believe that girl wasted her time on television pretending that she could sing…and shame on those women for saying that everyone in the group could sing when the knew good and well that she was and has always been the weakest link,,,just like in DC. Chile, she is so lucky she helped co-write some of their hits because none of those royalty checks would’ve been in her name.

      Speaking of crispy throat, I’m sure that’s what that h** “Christian” has right about now after doing overtime on her shift in the back of the gay bar. She better have locked the place up too before she left like I told her ass.

  20. musicMatters101 April 8, 2015

    I think people are forgetting R&B Diva’s is on TV One… Its not even on the level of VH1. VH1 houses Love & Hip Hop, and is a great network for celeb. reality TV. Not TV One, the new BET essentially. Like BET’s sister!

  21. DatDude April 8, 2015

    The way I see it This will be a good look for her if she do joins she will definitely be the star of the show to bring up them ratings.. None the less it will also give her that relevancy she deserves.. Although I highly doubt she accept the offer. I can see her more co-hosting talk shows or even a judging on the voice etc.. Either way she need some TV shine to let some of y’all ignorant ppls know that she in this music game for a reason and got more talent tthen most of these mainstream artist..

  22. High Dolla April 9, 2015

    I think Ashanti would be a treat on R&B Divas NY. She has a great personality, and she would stay drama free as possible. She has been trying to revive her career for some time now so it could help propel her back out there. There has been some blind items on other websites talking about her needing money and thinking about escorting in Dubai. I’d rather see her on TV than tricking any day.

  23. 4everBrandy_Ci April 9, 2015

    It’s silly how people come on here to tear down these artists who have made an impact in the music industry. And honestly, these reality shows are not really that much of a vehicle to get people recognized for their talent. I wouldn’t want any of these artists like Ashanti and Elle Varner to be on a reality show because it doesn’t seem like it will benefit them. Ashanti has been in the game for over 10 years and she’s a vet. I love her and I grew up with her. She doesn’t need to go that route because at the end of the day she always will put out her music and invest herself. She has her own label which is independent so why should she waste her time? Elle Varner is very talented and she’s a genuine artist. I see folks coming at her for no reason; please ladies and gentlemen do your research on Elle. She’s a grammy nominated singer, songwriter and this upcoming album FourLetterWord will prove she’s here to stay and change the game. Jazmine Sullivan did the damn thing with Reality Show that I must say I have to support her. But overall I think it’s best that r&b needs to grow and evolve and people need to start supporting. These stan wars are pointless. Why are you spending so much time throwing shade and all this other nonsense? If you don’t like certain artist that’s fine. But don’t go do this petty stuff. Everyone has something to offer regardless you like it or not.

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