It’s hard to believe next month marks 15 years since the record-shattering, self-titled debut of the Murder Inc.-crowned ‘Princess of Hip Hop & R&B’ Ashanti Douglas, but the songstress – who is commemorating the event by releasing new music – is in just as much disbelief, a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar reveals.
Taking to the publication, Douglas says:
“It’s crazy. It’s an awesome feeling to know through it all—all my trials and tribulations, the obstacles, and the ups and the downs, the growing pains of the music industry—to still be here … it’s an incredible, humbling feeling. My album as a debut artist is still in the Guinness Book of World Records.”
And, if her sit down with ‘Bazaar’ is any indication, the ‘Happy’ hitmaker is looking to make more history with the soon to be released single, ‘Lose Yourself.’
Tuck in below to read her reflection on her 15 year career, dish on new single, and so much more:
On her musical relationship with Ja Rule:
“I think that we have a very unique relationship. I think it’s the fact that we are extremely genuine and our chemistry is so authentic. It’s real, it’s always been since day one. It just happens. We get on stage together and sometimes if we don’t see each other for a few months or a few years or whatever it is, we get back onstage and it feels like we’ve been hanging out all day. It’s been like that from the first time we ever worked together. It’s weird because it’s always been like that.”
On her new single, “Lose Yourself”:
“My new single will be coming out very, very soon. I’m trying to get the video shot as soon as I get back. The song is incredible. I played it in one of the venues during soundcheck out here and the whole venue was like, ‘Holy sh*t, is that Ashanti’s new record?! No way!’ I’m just really excited about it. And obviously, being able to release my single on my own record label, called Written Entertainment, and having done everything independently, is such an awesome feeling. I’m stoked about that.”
On her new sound:
“This new song is completely different. Let’s just say, with me and Ja knowing each other for over 15 years, when I played him the record, he was like, ‘Who’s that? Yo thats you?’ He made me start the record over! He was like, ‘Oh my gosh, you gotta put that out tonight.’ It’s safe to say that it’s very different and so dope. It’s really a nice change. It’s current, it’s urgent. When you do put the two together, you’re like, ‘Damn it does sound like Ashanti, but something new, something 2017.”
Read the full interview by clicking here.
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A breathe of fresh air, finally
I liked your comment even though it’s “breath” #petty lol
???
Love her!, can’t wait!!
I hope this song slays. She deserves it.
I love this chick she’s always been the same since her debut…she’s a definition of a hustla can’t wait to hear her new song
Ashanti was the bomb back in the day and it feels like on her more recent stuff, she hasn’t evolved and has lost her way a bit.
Here’s hoping this new promised sound, is, in fact something new. This girl has some serious tale and its such a shame that she hasn’t found the consistent success to match it!
She is looking smoking hot in that image though. Come through Ashanti
*Presses play on ‘Foolish’*
*Talent, not ‘tale’
I’m ready
hopefully the product matches the hype she’s giving it. Fingers crossed.
She hasn’t been relevant in over a decade. It’ll go nowhere like her last few efforts.
Why is it necessary to be so negative and rude? Whoever raised you must’ve skipped a few chapters.
Yet you’re on the street checking for her. If she’s so irrelevant, keep scrolling! We know who she if
*is
Homegirl STAYS SNATCHED…she’s the poster child for black don’t crack lol
Her and Gabrielle Union.
I truly respect her grind! She could’ve easily signed a 360 and penned out a few hits with a huge budget; just to give an illusion of success. Her last album was so f*cking underrated!! All of her albums are really good, & she’ll definitely get my coin again! Low key her pen game is a PROBLEM!
Yes! Underrated as hell! She had some hits on there.
Thank you that is what i tell my friends. If you dont love her voice cool but her pen gane is straight Fire
And her first album tho!! ??? nothing short of iconic!! Hands down one of my favorite albums of all time! EVERY song is ??
I want Ashanti to win again, and I love her hustle. I hope this record does what she hopes it will do.
I can’t wait to hear it! Always loved Ashanti. I just hope she doesn’t wait too late. It’s Spring already! Bring it out!
And I promise nobody will buy it
Can we have a moment of observance for the overlooked opus that was “concrete rose” ….only u is such a classic well produced song to this day and please don’t get me started on “don’t leave me alone” criminal that wasn’t the follow up. Come thru ashanti
That album was so amazing. And damn, “don’t leave me alone” was my fave from first listen. That album was a new route for her and to this day I still don’t get why it wasn’t more successful than it was
Meh. She was boring & mediocre 15 years ago, which is why she was replaced so easily & quickly. And that hasn’t changed since then.
Her albums have always been very consistent and full of good quality. She may not has been the best singer, which she doesn’t need to, but she never disappointed musically
I ? Ashanti. The declaration Of Independence. Was the s*** 4 real !!!!! Definitely under rated !!!!! ? her!!!!!!!!
She was never boring boo just underrated! !!! Natural beauty always hated on she really is and has the whole package to take it . ALL THE WAY ?! !!!!!!!!!
I’m here for it! She signed an independent deal and still managed to crack the top 10 and #1 on he r&b charts. Look up 360 deals and you’ll see why she took that route.
I mean I can’t believe I’m going to say this but she is a great singer of other people she songs, I never really chased her for her tones though…
This b**** is so basic with her childish vocals. No ones gonna purchase. Cute pics though.
I just hope her promo and release date is legit this go round it was so many delays with the braveheart era!! Which she coulda kept that mess
Notice how she never gives a date. She’ll being saying “soon” for the next 2 years.
Ooooooh i can’t wait to get close to you…….i just cant leave you alone. Llllllllove me sum Ashanti. …cant wait for this next era to start….
YES!!! I am and always have been a fan.
plus bought all of her albums so this New one will be added to the collection as soon as it drops.
Go Ashanti !
I was at the gig. She did a minute of it and it sounded so hard. It was the highlight of the night. Can’t wait for the release she did it in Leeds.
Happy to see her coming back out with a new single. ???
Im excited for the new music
Finally!!! I really do miss her music she always amaze me she so underrated it’s ridiculous… Her last album Braveheart was everything.. I really hope she dnt disappoint us with delays and waiting for ever to release it!! Like last time ?
Nice