From birth to stardom

Ja Rule. J. Lo. Big Pun. Fat Joe. She’s worked with some of the industry’s best—writing lyrics and singing hooks that help their records reach the top of the music charts. Now it’s time for 21-year-old Ashanti Douglas to take center stage and shine on her very own self-titled debut, the much-anticipated Ashanti. In April, Ashanti hits the scene as the first R&B vocalist on Murder Inc. Although this is a departure for the hip hop powerhouse label that has a roster including rappers Ja Rule, Vita and Charli Baltimore, all indications show that the transition has been more than smooth and successful. Ashanti’s lead single, “Foolish,” has already made waves at radio—getting heavy rotation on urban stations and galvanizing fans to demand an earlier-than-planned release of her album, a tantalizing blend of edgy hip hop groves and subtle R&B styling. With Ashanti’s clever lyrics and slick production by Murder Inc.’s president Irv Gotti, “Foolish” immediately reminds music lovers of the Notorious B.I.G.’s popular “One More Chance” remix. (True old school heads will remember the familiar melody from DeBarge’s 1983 hit “Stay with Me.”) Either way, you’re sure to be hooked. And that’s what Irv’s depending on.

Born in Glen Cove, NY, Ashanti S. Douglas first sang in a gospel choir at age six. Her R&B singing career began in 1994 when she performed at a local talent show. Her strong soulful voice caught the attention of industry insiders and she immediately signed on with a management team and began showcasing her talent with performances at the Soul Cafe, China Club, Madison Square Garden, Caroline’s Comedy Club and Greek Fest 2000 at Jones Beach to name a few.

Signed to AJM Records, Ashanti quickly caught the attention of multi-platinum producer Irv Gotti of Murder Inc. who recognized her exceptional singing and writing talents and set the stage for her introduction to the music world. Ashanti is featured on Ja Rule’s single “Always On Time” and appeared with him on MTV’s Making the Video. She also appears on two other tracks on Ja’s platinum CD Pain Is Love as well as Big Pun’s smash hit single “How We Roll” from his Endangered Species CD. Ashanti has also worked with Murder Inc. recording artist Cadillac Tah on his singles “Thug Love” and “POV City Anthem”. Ashanti also released a solo track titled “When A Man Does Wrong” in addition to being featured on rapper Vita’s remake of Madonna’s “Justify My Love” on the soundtrack of the Vin Diesel movie The Fast and the Furious.

Ashanti’s talents extend beyond the recording studio. She began her dance training at the Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center and performed with the Senior Pro Ensemble at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, the Apollo Theater, Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Black Spectrum Theater. Her dance credits include the Disney TV musical “Polly” directed by Debbie Allen and starring Phylicia Rashad, the 1994 Caribbean Awards and dancing with Judith Jamison of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company.

Ashanti's already well established track record has placed her on the sweet road to success. (Ja Rule’s "Always On Time" has broken history as Def Jam's top selling single. Her contribution to J. Lo's "I'm Real" helped give the former fly girl-turned-actress-turned-singer urban credibility.) With her own album, Ashanti continues the saga that is sure to gain her the hip hop/R&B princess crown. And the impact she hopes to make during her reign is simple: "If you’re a person who has trouble expressing yourself, all you have to do is pop in this album and it'll speak for you," she says with all sincerity. "When you listen to this album with your man or your girl, everybody will be on the same page." Says a much more boastful Gotti, "Ashanti delivers at the highest level. And she has this personality that makes people love her. She's got too many people feeling her, too many hit records and too much heat for her to stop," he praises. "She can’t lose."