What is Ashanti's Net Worth?
Ashanti is an American singer and actress with a net worth of $5 million. She has had a highly successful career in both music and acting, making her one of the most recognizable figures in the entertainment industry.
Ashanti shot to fame with her debut album, Ashanti, which featured the hit single "Foolish" and won her a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album. The album set a record for the highest first-week sales for a debut artist's album.
Her subsequent albums, including Chapter II and Concrete Rose, continued her success with hit singles like "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)" and "Only U." She became a prominent figure in the early 2000s R&B and hip-hop scene, collaborating with artists like Ja Rule and Fat Joe.
Apart from her music, Ashanti has also made a mark in the film industry with roles in Coach Carter, John Tucker Must Die, and Resident Evil: Extinction. Her versatility has cemented her status as a household name.
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Early Life
Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas was born on October 23rd, 1980, in Glen Cove, New York. Both of her parents have musical backgrounds, with her mother being a former dancer and her father a former singer. She was named after the Ashanti Empire, which ruled Ghana from 1670 to 1957. Her singing talent became evident when her mother heard her singing a Mary J. Blige song at age 12.
Initially focusing on acting, Ashanti appeared as an extra in films and music videos. Despite her vocal talent, she faced challenges in securing a record deal but eventually gained attention at Murder, Inc. Records by networking and forming connections.
Career
Irv Gotti from Murder, Inc. recognized Ashanti's potential and had her write hooks and sing for his rappers. Her breakthrough came with features on Fat Joe's "What's Luv?" and Ja Rule's "Always On Time," both of which reached the top of the charts.
Her debut single "Foolish," released in 2002, became her most successful song, spending ten weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Her self-titled debut album went on to sell over six million copies worldwide and earned her a Grammy Award.
Chapter II, released in 2003, also achieved platinum status with hits like "Rock Wit U." She followed this with a Christmas album and Concrete Rose, which went platinum and became famous in the UK with "Only U."
In 2005, Ashanti pivoted to acting with roles in Coach Carter and later John Tucker Must Die and Resident Evil: Extinction. She returned to music in 2008 with the album The Declaration, which included the hit "The Way That I Love You."
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After a brief hiatus, she reappeared in 2011, releasing singles for her fifth studio album, Braveheart. The album, released in 2014, featured tracks like "The Woman You Love" and was well-received for its progressive sound.
During her quieter years, Ashanti focused on collaborations, including work on "The Hamilton Mixtape." In 2017, she announced a collaborative album with Ja Rule and returned to releasing singles in 2019. In recent years, she has continued to evolve artistically, including producing the film Stuck and releasing new singles.
Musical Style
Ashanti is renowned for her sweet soprano voice. Her musical influences include Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey, although it was Mary J. Blige who inspired her to pursue a singing career.
Charity Work
Ashanti has actively participated in various charitable efforts, particularly raising awareness for domestic violence. Proceeds from her single "Rain On Me" went to domestic violence charities. She has also been involved in fundraising for Hurricane Katrina relief, cancer research, female empowerment, and the Jumpstart reading program.
Personal Life
Ashanti dated rapper Nelly for ten years, starting in 2004 and ending in 2014. They later reunited and, in November 2023, announced they were expecting a baby together.
Real Estate
In 2003, Ashanti purchased a home in Old Westbury, New York, for $1.95 million. She listed the property for sale in July 2022 for $2.2 million and sold it in August 2023 for $1.95 million. The home is situated on 2 acres and was built in 1999.
