Ashanti

Ashanti Shequoia Douglas, better known as Ashanti, is an American singer, producer, actress, dancer and model. She is best known for her debut album Ashanti, which sold half a million copies in its first week, a record for the singer according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Beautiful singer, great dancer Ashanti Douglas was born in 1980 in a far from prestigious neighborhood – Glen Cove, Long Island in New York. She grew up in a family of musicians. Her mellifluous voice and exotic looks got her a contract with Jive Records when she was only 14.

And at 17, she had a contract with another company, Epic Records, in her pocket. However, neither label went further than the contract. But Ashanti’s life would not have changed if not for a fateful meeting with Gotti. She won him over with her talent. Demonstrating her ability in front of the microphone – in the Walt Disney musical “Polly” and the soundtrack to the movie “Fast And Furious”, she dispelled Irv Gotti’s last doubts.

Murder Inc. already had one well-known and successful performer Ja Rule in its ranks. Irv Gotti produced Ashanti and Ja Rule’s duet “Leaving (Always On Time Part II)”, which didn’t take long to top Billboard. A successful appearance as a guest vocalist paired with hyped stars. Big Punisher’s “How We Roll” and Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv?” have become favorites of millions of listeners.