Ashanti is a modern-day Renaissance woman.
Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas is a famous singer and actress from the United States, who was discovered when she was a teenager, and later, in 2002, signed to Murder Inc. Records. Ashanti’s lifelong dream was to become a successful musician, but the road to that goal was not an easy one to navigate.
A Star Deserving of Attention
After initial unsuccessful experiences with Jive and Epic, she was noticed by Irv Gotti, the producer of Murder Inc. He realized how talented she was and gave Ashanti a platform where she could show it off. Ashanti’s first professional performance was as a featured artist on Big Pun’s song “How We Roll”. In 2001, the song became a tremendous hit, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard charts. In the wake of this triumph, she entered a deal with Murder Inc. and began working on her first album.
Ashanti’s self-titled debut album was released in 2002 and went on to sell over 500,000 copies in the United States in the first week of sales. At the close of 2003, the record had racked up 6 million sales worldwide and was awarded triple-platinum status in the U.S. “Foolish”, the album’s debut song, was both critically and commercially successful, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. In addition, she became only the second musician (just after the Beatles) to have all three of their first singles chart on the Billboard Top 100s simultaneously. I can easily remember pumping Ashanti’s album while getting dressed to go out and party with my girls, or singing one of her heartbroken ballads when I was going through a heartbreak.
In 2005, Ashanti shifted more of her attention to her acting career, making her debut in a feature film — beside Samuel L. Jackson — the movie Coach Carter. She portrayed the role of Kyra, a pregnant girl who is faced with the decision of whether or not to terminate her pregnancy and get an abortion. The film debuted at No. 1 at the box office in the United States and earned a total of $67 million.
She also starred as Dorothy Gale in the made-for-television film The Muppets: Wizard of Oz, which attracted almost 8 million viewers when it first aired. Ashanti contributed the song “When I’m with You” to the movie, which was then considered for a nomination for a Primetime Emmy in the category of Outstanding Music and Lyrics.
Later in 2005, Oprah Winfrey hosted her annual Legends Ball. This event recognizes some of the most significant and renowned African-American women of the 20th century in civil rights, entertainment, and arts. Ashanti was one of the honorees at the event.
Collectables by Ashanti was released in December 2005 and is the name of the rework of her December 2004 album Concrete Rose.
She had a starring role in the adolescent comedy John Tucker Must Die, which was released in 2006 and debuted and reached No. 3 at the U. S. box office. She was cast in a supporting part in the horror movie Resident Evil: Extinction, released in 2007.
Ashanti was signed to Universal Records in 2008; however, she got offers from seven significant labels at the time and had to turn them all down. She wasn’t interested in a 360 deal, which was the only offering. A 360 deal is when the label receives a share of anything you accomplish professionally for the rest of your life. So there are carve-outs and percentages, some are smaller and some larger. It’s essentially a loan you pay out to the label, and they have their hands in everything. Ashanti refused a 360 contract because of her morals.
In one of her interviews, Ashanti stated that she learned a lot while dealing with her record label. Every day she learned something new, and it made her stronger.
2011 saw Ashanti launch Written Entertainment, her label, in collaboration with Entertainment One. Taking her career and entrepreneurial ventures into her own hands. She is also the first black female artist to co-own and be a partner in EQ Exchange, a Web3 tech firm. To build a more democratic and just internet, Web3 companies leverage blockchain and other decentralized technologies.
Ashanti Gets a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: ‘Over the Top Grateful’
Ashanti is achieving all of her goals and more!
The Grammy Award winner, who is now 41 years old, was officially recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday, April 7, 2022. The star was placed in the recordings section of the Walk of Fame.
“It’s surreal,” Ashanti said to Billboard, following her star reveal and photo sessions with old friends Ja Rule and Tichina Arnold. “The fact that my mom spoke this into existence is surreal,” the star elaborated. “She really had that feeling as a mother to say, ‘My child is gonna get this.’ She manifested it, and I’m forever grateful. I’m shocked, stunned, and over the top grateful. This is a staple in my career, and the fact that it will be here forever is a big deal.”
“I’m not a super emotional person, so the fact that I cried a little bit today is a little weird for me,” Ashanti continued. “I’m so humbled and overjoyed to have friends, family, and genuine people here supporting me that I love.”
“Ashanti is an award-winning singer, author, actress, and executive producer. She has proven her talent in many different Hollywood industries. She is an example for young girls who want to be in the ‘biz'”, said a statement released by Hollywood Walk of Fame Producer Ana Martinez.
During the ceremony, the multi-talented entertainer honored both her mother and manager, Tina Douglas, for her unwavering support throughout her career. She was really grateful for their incredible and unbreakable bond.
She has finally gotten a real star on the Hollywood walk of fame with her name on it forever and ever for her kids. Dreams do come true; always believe and work towards them.
Ashanti is a devoted fan of beautiful hairstyles, fashion, and makeup.
Although Ashanti is known as the queen of R&B, she’s also a master of hair makeovers. There have been various looks for the multi-platinum actor, entrepreneur, and singer since she first appeared in the music industry in 2002. However, some of her most notable hairstyles have included razor-sharp bob cuts, long extensions, and a blond shade with bangs.
“Ladies of Soul” has always been a hairdo inspiration, but these are some favorite styles put together for you.
The singer spoke to the magazine about what it means to be a powerful woman.
“There’s nothing better than a confident woman. When you know you look good, it’s a different kind of swag; you know when you walk in the room. Your whole aura changes when you know you look good. I feel like nowadays, especially with everything going on, it’s really important for women to feel uplifted and empowered.”
The multi-award-winning artist has maintained her skill while taking a sabbatical throughout the years, and now she has made a comeback to the spotlight with her signature flair. Since the public expects artists to have a sense of fashion, one must learn fashion art.
Ashanti’s fashion choices demonstrate that she is at ease with her sexuality. Her style can be described as sensual and edgy with just a touch of beauty. The self-assured R&B singer is unrepentant about her wardrobe choices, dressing up to represent her curves in ensembles that highlight them. You can check out Ashanti on her Instagram looking flawless in all of her looks!
Conclusion
Conclusively, her newfound energy is a direct result of Ashanti’s healthier way of living.
She advises people to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen while still allowing themselves two indulgence days each week to avoid being overly restrictive.
Awakening Your Roots Blog 