Who is Ashanti Dating Now and 11 Exclusive Facts!

What is Ashanti Doing Now?

Here’s a quick rundown of what Ashanti is up to now:

• She’s a Reality TV Star: She and Nelly are starring in a new docuseries on Peacock titled “Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together,” which gives fans an inside look at their rekindled love story, marriage, and journey to parenthood.
• She’s Balancing Career and Family: Ashanti is navigating the busy life of a new parent while continuing her work in the entertainment industry. She’s talked about balancing filming, music, and her new role as a mother.
• She’s a Tech Entrepreneur: In addition to her music and acting, she’s the co-founder of EQ Exchange. This Web3 company focuses on empowering artists to have greater ownership of their work through the use of blockchain technology.

In short, it’s a busy and exciting time for the R&B icon.

This PriveTalk article is your ultimate guide to the life of the R&B princess, with all information updated as of June 2025. We’ll take a deep dive into the incredible story of who is Ashanti dating now.

We’ll also explore their biographies, compare their net worths, and delve into personal details about their families, diets, and fitness routines. Plus, we’ll take a respectful look back at the complete list of both Ashanti’s and Nelly’s exes.

11 Fascinating Facts About Ashanti

Ashanti has been a fixture in the music industry for over two decades, but there’s so much more to her than just her chart-topping hits.

From breaking world records to becoming a tech entrepreneur, she continues to evolve and surprise her fans. Here are 11 fascinating facts you might not know about her.

1. She’s a Guinness World Record Holder

When Ashanti burst onto the scene, she didn’t just make waves; she caused a tsunami. Her self-titled debut album, Ashanti, released in 2002, was a monumental success. The album sold over 503,000 copies in its first week, landing her in the Guinness World Records for the fastest-selling debut album by a female artist in history. It also earned her a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album.

2. She and Nelly Were Secretly Married for Months

While the world was buzzing about their rekindled romance and engagement, Ashanti and Nelly pulled a fast one on all of us. Court records eventually revealed that the couple officially and quietly got married on December 27, 2023. They managed to keep their marriage a secret for nearly six months before the news broke, proving they value their privacy as they build their new life together.

3. She Became a First-Time Mother at 43

Adding to their whirlwind year of love, Ashanti and Nelly welcomed their first child together in July 2024. Their son’s name is Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, a beautiful tribute to family. The middle name “Kenkaide” is a nod to Ashanti’s father, Ken-Kaide Thomas Douglas, blending the couple’s family histories right from the start.

4. Her Name Has Royal Origins

Ashanti isn’t just a stage name; it’s a name rooted in powerful history. Her mother, Tina Douglas, named her after the Ashanti Empire, a powerful West African kingdom in what is now modern-day Ghana. The name signifies strength, royalty, and a deep connection to African heritage, which has fittingly mirrored her powerful presence in the music world.

5. She’s a Tech Entrepreneur

Beyond music and acting, Ashanti has ventured into the tech world. In 2022, she made headlines by becoming the co-founder of EQ Exchange, a Web3 company. This platform empowers artists to own their intellectual property and connect more directly with their fans, utilizing blockchain technology, demonstrating that she’s as business-savvy as she’s creative.

6. Their Love Story Had a 10-Year Intermission

The “will they or won’t they” saga of Ashanti and Nelly is one for the ages. The couple first started dating in 2003 after meeting at a press conference for the Grammy Awards. They were together for a decade before calling it quits in 2013.

For the next ten years, they lived separate lives, only to find their way back to each other in 2023, proving that some love stories need a little time to achieve the happy ending.

7. Her Mother is the Original “Momager.”

Long before Kris Jenner trademarked the term, there was Tina Douglas. Ashanti’s mother has been a guiding force in her career from the very beginning, serving as her manager. This close-knit family bond has been a cornerstone of Ashanti’s enduring success and stability in the often-turbulent music industry.

8. She Has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

On April 7, 2022, Ashanti received one of Hollywood’s highest honors: a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The emotional ceremony celebrated her two decades of contributions to the entertainment industry. Her star is the 2,718th one awarded, cementing her legacy in Hollywood history alongside her musical achievements.

9. She’s a Published Poet

Ashanti’s songwriting talents extend beyond just lyrics for her music. In 2002, she released a book of poetry titled “Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love.” The book provided fans with a deeper, more intimate glimpse into her thoughts on life, relationships, and heartbreak, showcasing her talent as a writer and poet.

10. She Has an Impressive Acting Resume

While best known for her music, Ashanti has built a solid acting career. She has appeared in numerous popular films and television shows over the years. Her most notable roles include playing the fiery Heather in John Tucker Must Die (2006), Kyra in Coach Carter (2005), and Dorothy Gale in The Muppets’ Wizard of Oz (2005).

11. Her Dating Roster Before Nelly Was A-List

Before she and Nelly rekindled their epic romance, Ashanti was linked to several other high-profile men in the entertainment and sports worlds. Her dating history includes names like rapper Joyner Lucas and NBA star James Harden. However, as fate would have it, her path ultimately led her back to the man she started with two decades ago.

Who is Ashanti Dating Now?

Ashanti’s love life has officially come full circle, most spectacularly.

After one of the most talked-about “will they, won’t they” sagas in modern pop culture, Ashanti is not just dating—she is officially married to the one and only Nelly. The iconic R&B and Hip-Hop couple, who first dated for a decade from 2003 to 2013, rekindled their romance in 2023. They kept fans guessing for months until they finally confirmed they were back together.

Things moved beautifully from there; the couple secretly tied the knot on December 27, 2023, and welcomed their first child, a son named Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, in July 2024. Their story is the ultimate testament to second chances and finding one’s way back to oneself.

10 Exclusive Facts About Nelly

Nelly isn’t just the man who won Ashanti’s heart (twice!); he’s a trailblazing artist who redefined the sound of the Midwest and became a global superstar. With a unique blend of country grammar and hip-hop swagger, he’s left an indelible mark on music history.

1. His Real Name is Cornell

Before he was Nelly, he was Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., born on November 2, 1974, in Austin, Texas. He was named after his father, a member of the U.S. Air Force. After his parents divorced when he was seven, he and his mother moved to St. Louis, Missouri, the city he would famously put on the hip-hop map.

2. He Was a Professional Baseball Prospect

Music wasn’t Nelly’s only talent. In his youth, he was a gifted baseball player, excelling as a shortstop. He was so good that he was scouted by both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Ultimately, he chose to pursue a career in music, a decision that paid off massively.

3. He Started with the St. Lunatics

Nelly’s career began in 1993 with the hip-hop group St. Lunatics. The group, which included his childhood friends, had regional success with the single “Gimme What U Got.” When the group struggled to land a major record deal, they made a collective decision for Nelly to pursue a solo career first, with the promise of bringing his friends to the forefront once he had achieved success. He kept that promise.

4. ‘Country Grammar’ is Diamond Certified

Nelly’s debut solo album, Country Grammar (2000), was a monumental success. It wasn’t just a hit; it became one of the few hip-hop albums ever to achieve Diamond certification from the RIAA, meaning it sold over 10 million copies in the United States. It remains one of the best-selling rap albums of all time.

5. The Famous Band-Aid Had a Special Meaning

The signature band-aid Nelly wore on his cheek in the early 2000s wasn’t just a fashion statement. He started wearing it in solidarity with his St. Lunatics groupmate and friend, City Spud, who was serving a 10-year prison sentence. It was a tribute and a way of keeping his friend in the public eye until his release.

6. He’s a 3-Time Grammy Winner

Nelly’s commercial success is matched by critical acclaim. He has been nominated for 12 Grammy Awards throughout his career and has taken home the coveted trophy three times. His wins include Best Male Rap Solo Performance for “Hot in Herre” and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Dilemma” with Kelly Rowland.

7. He’s a Dedicated Family Man

Long before he became a father again with Ashanti, Nelly was a devoted dad. He has two children, a daughter named Chanelle and a son, Cornell Haynes III (also known as Tre), from a previous relationship. Following the tragic death of his sister, Jackie Donahue, from leukemia in 2005, Nelly officially adopted her two children, Shawn and Sydney Thomas, raising them as his own.

8. He’s Also an Actor

Nelly has successfully crossed over into acting. His most notable role was in the 2005 remake of the Adam Sandler film The Longest Yard, where he played the fast-footed inmate Earl Megget. He also had a recurring role on the hit BET series Real Husbands of Hollywood.

9. He Co-Owned a Basketball Team

Leveraging his success, Nelly became a part-owner of the Charlotte Bobcats (now the Charlotte Hornets) NBA team in 2004, alongside basketball legend Michael Jordan. It was a major business move that solidified his status as a savvy entrepreneur.

10. He’s a Passionate Philanthropist

After losing his sister to leukemia, Nelly founded the Jes Us 4 Jackie campaign to raise awareness and educate African Americans about the importance of bone marrow donation. He also runs the 4Sho4Kids Foundation, which provides developmental and educational opportunities for children in underprivileged areas.

Complete List of Ashanti’s Exes and Nelly’s Exes

Before finding their way back to each other, both Ashanti and Nelly had their share of high-profile relationships. They navigated the complexities of love and heartbreak in the public eye, creating dating histories that were often the subject of headlines.

Ashanti’s Exes

Joyner Lucas

Rapper Joyner Lucas and Ashanti were linked between 2020 and 2022. Their relationship sparked after she appeared as his love interest in the music video for his song “Fall Slowly.” While they never officially confirmed a romance, the steamy video and their evident chemistry led to widespread speculation that they were an item for a period.

Nas

From 2018 to 2019, persistent rumors circulated that Ashanti was dating the legendary rapper Nas. The two were spotted together on multiple occasions, including celebrating Nas’s birthday, fueling the belief that they were in a relationship. However, neither artist ever publicly confirmed the romance.

James Harden

Ashanti dated NBA superstar James Harden from 2016 to 2018. Their relationship was kept mostly private, but it was understood in celebrity circles that they were a couple. The romance eventually fizzled out, reportedly due to the challenges of their busy and conflicting schedules.

Darnell Dockett

In 2015 and 2016, Ashanti was in a relationship with former NFL defensive end Darnell Dockett. Dockett was very public with his affection, famously winning her over after a long social media campaign. They made several public appearances together before quietly parting ways.

DeSean Jackson

Ashanti was briefly linked to NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson in 2014. While their connection seemed more like a short-lived fling than a serious relationship, they were seen together enough to get the rumor mill buzzing before they went their separate ways.

Nelly’s Exes

Shantel Jackson

Nelly’s longest public relationship outside of Ashanti was with model and actress Shantel Jackson. The two were together for seven years, from 2014 to 2021. Jackson confirmed their breakup on social media, stating they had grown apart but remained on good terms.

Lashontae Heckard

Following his first split from Ashanti, Nelly had a relationship with model and actress Lashontae Heckard. They dated from 2013 to 2014. Interestingly, Heckard was a close friend of Nelly’s previous ex, Shantel Jackson, creating a bit of a stir at the time.

Eve

Before he ever dated Ashanti, Nelly was in an on-and-off relationship with fellow rap icon Eve. The two music superstars dated between 2000 and 2003. Their relationship was a major topic in the hip-hop world at the height of their careers.

Ashanti Biography vs Nelly Biography

While they may be a perfect match now, Ashanti and Nelly come from very different corners of the American experience. Ashanti is a New York native, born and bred in the fast-paced entertainment world with a family already connected to the industry.

Nelly, on the other hand, is a Texas-born, St. Louis-raised hustler who built his career from the ground up, bringing the unique sound of the Midwest to the global stage.

Ashanti’s Biography

Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas was born on October 13, 1980, in Glen Cove, New York. Her destiny in entertainment seemed almost predetermined. Her mother, Tina Douglas, a former dance teacher, became her manager, while her father, Ken-Kaid Thomas Douglas, was also a singer.

Her mother even named her after the powerful Ashanti Empire in Ghana, a name that would prove fitting for her commanding presence in the R&B world.

From a young age, Ashanti was honing her craft. She began writing songs in high school and was discovered by Irv Gotti, the co-founder of Murder Inc. Records. This connection proved to be her golden ticket.

In 2002, she exploded onto the scene, not just with her own music, but by featuring on two of the biggest tracks of the year: Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv?” and Ja Rule’s “Always on Time.” When her self-titled debut album was released, it became a cultural phenomenon, selling over half a million copies in its first week and earning her a Grammy Award. This cemented her status as the “Princess of Hip-Hop & R&B.”

Nelly’s Biography

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. was born on November 2, 1974, in Austin, Texas. His father was serving in the Air Force, and after his parents divorced when he was seven, Nelly moved with his mother to St. Louis, Missouri. Before music dominated his life, Nelly was a talented athlete with a passion for baseball. He was a gifted shortstop and was even scouted by the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates.

However, the allure of music proved stronger. In 1993, he formed the hip-hop group the St. Lunatics with his high school friends. After achieving regional success but failing to secure a major record label deal, the group made a strategic decision for Nelly to pursue a solo career first.

The gamble paid off. His debut album, Country Grammar (2000), was a massive success, bringing a completely new “country” sound to hip-hop and eventually becoming one of the few rap albums ever to be certified Diamond, signifying over 10 million sales.

Ashanti Net Worth vs Nelly Net Worth

When it comes to finances, both artists have built impressive empires. Still, Nelly has a significant edge in overall net worth, largely due to his massive early commercial success and diverse business ventures. Ashanti, however, has made savvy moves in recent years, particularly in the tech sector, to secure her financial future.

Ashanti’s Net Worth

Ashanti’s net worth is a topic of some debate, with figures ranging from $5 million to as high as $20 million. This discrepancy often depends on how her assets and master recordings are valued. Her wealth was built on the foundation of her incredibly successful music career, which includes her record-breaking, Grammy-winning debut album and a string of top-10 hits.

She has also earned a significant income from her acting career, with roles in films such as Coach Carter and John Tucker Must Die.

In recent years, Ashanti has made smart moves to diversify her portfolio. Her most notable venture is co-founding EQ Exchange, a Web3 platform that helps artists protect and monetize their intellectual property.

This move into the tech space shows she is focused on long-term wealth building. While specific details about her properties and car collection are kept relatively private, she is known to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle befitting an R&B icon.

Nelly’s Net Worth

Nelly’s net worth is estimated to be around a formidable $40 million. The bulk of this fortune comes from his monumental music sales, particularly from his Diamond-certified album Country Grammar and its multi-platinum follow-up, Nellyville. He has been a consistent touring artist for over two decades, which remains a major source of revenue.

Beyond music, Nelly has proven to be an astute businessman. He launched the successful clothing lines Vokal and Apple Bottoms, which became cultural staples in the 2000s. He was also an early celebrity investor in the tech world with a stake in the music streaming service TuneGo.

For years, he was a part-owner of the Charlotte Hornets NBA team. His real estate portfolio has included several properties, most famously a massive, unfinished mansion in Wildwood, Missouri, that has become a point of public fascination.

Ashanti and Nelly’s Age, Height, and Weight

In terms of physical stats, Nelly is several years older and has a noticeable height advantage over Ashanti, reflecting his athletic background. Ashanti is known for her petite but curvy and toned physique, which she maintains with a dedicated fitness and diet regimen.

Ashanti’s Age, Height, and Weight

Born on October 13, 1980, Ashanti is currently 44 years old. She stands at a petite 5 feet 3 inches (approx. 160 cm). Her weight is generally reported to be approximately 130 pounds (59 kg). Ashanti is celebrated for her stunning looks, which include her signature bright smile, dark brown eyes, and naturally black hair, often styled in various glamorous ways.

Nelly’s Age, Height, and Weight

Born on November 2, 1974, Nelly is currently 50 years old. He stands at a solid 5 feet 8 inches (approx. 173 cm) and maintains an athletic build, a remnant of his days as a baseball prospect. His weight is estimated to be approximately 185 pounds (84 kg). Nelly’s signature look includes his dark brown eyes and black hair.

Ashanti’s and Nelly’s Diet and Fitness

When it comes to staying in shape, Ashanti is a disciplined queen of routine and balance, while Nelly seems to rely on a lifetime of athleticism and regular physical activity. It’s a fascinating contrast between meticulous planning and a more intuitive approach to fitness.

Ashanti is famously committed to her health and has been very open about her diet and workout regimen. She works with a personal trainer and focuses on a “pescatarian or plant-based” diet. She’s a huge fan of Beyond Burgers and other plant-based alternatives, often incorporating them into her daily meals alongside veggies and egg whites.

However, she’s not about deprivation. Ashanti strongly believes in balance, which is why she schedules two “cheat days” a week. These are her days to enjoy her favorite treats, such as pizza, mac and cheese, and sweets, ensuring she sticks to her clean eating plan the rest of the time.

Her workouts are just as structured. She hits the gym regularly with her trainer, focusing on a mix of cardio and strength training. Her routine includes a lot of running, cycling, and circuit training, with a heavy emphasis on squats, lunges, and crunches to maintain her famous curves. She’s all about consistency, which is how she has maintained her “body goals” physique for over two decades.

While Nelly’s specific diet isn’t as public, his background as a star high school athlete who was scouted for professional baseball speaks to a deep-seated foundation of fitness. He remains active and has maintained an athletic build throughout his career, likely due to a combination of regular physical activity and staying on his feet while touring and performing.

Ashanti’s and Nelly’s Hobbies and Interests

Beyond the stage and studio, Ashanti and Nelly share a common interest in philanthropy and giving back, but their personal hobbies reflect their different upbringings. Ashanti’s interests lean toward creative and business pursuits, while Nelly’s are deeply rooted in sports and entrepreneurship.

Ashanti’s Hobbies

Ashanti is a multi-talented creative who extends her artistry well beyond music. She is a published author, having released a book of poetry in 2002 titled Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love, which provided fans with a deeper insight into her personal thoughts and writing skills. She has a passion for acting and continues to take on roles in film and television.

Her interests have also expanded into the world of business and technology. She is the co-founder of the Web3 company EQ Exchange, a venture that aims to empower artists to have more control over their work.

In her downtime, she enjoys traveling, often to tropical and exotic locations, and spending quality time with her close-knit circle of friends and family.

Nelly’s Hobbies

Nelly’s biggest hobby has always been sports. A talented baseball and football player in his youth, he remains an avid sports fan and has been a regular at celebrity basketball and softball games. For years, he was even a minority owner of the Charlotte Hornets NBA team. He is also a skilled poker player and has competed in the World Series of Poker main event.

Like Ashanti, Nelly is deeply committed to charity. His most significant philanthropic effort is the Jes Us 4 Jackie campaign, which he started after his sister, Jackie Donahue, passed away from leukemia in 2005. The campaign works to educate and register more African American bone marrow donors, a cause he is incredibly passionate about.

Ashanti’s and Nelly’s Parents and Family

Family is the undeniable anchor in the lives of both Ashanti and Nelly. Both artists have incredibly close bonds with their parents and siblings, and they have now beautifully blended their two families with the birth of their son.

Ashanti’s Family

Ashanti’s family has been deeply intertwined with her career from the very beginning. Her mother, Tina Douglas, is the original “momager” and has managed her career since the beginning. Her father, Ken-Kaid Thomas Douglas, is a former singer himself, giving Ashanti her musical roots. This tight-knit unit has been her support system throughout her journey in the entertainment industry.

She has one younger sister, Kenashia “Shia” Douglas, who is also a creative and entrepreneur. The sisters are incredibly close and often support each other publicly.

The family’s bond was on full display when Nelly asked for Ashanti’s hand in marriage, with her father, Ken-Kaid, giving a heartfelt speech at their baby shower, officially welcoming Nelly into the family. The couple honored him by giving their son the middle name “Kenkaide.”

Nelly’s Family

Nelly’s family story is one of resilience and deep love. He was raised primarily by his mother, Rhonda Mack, after his parents divorced. He has always been a dedicated family man, and his commitment was put to the test in the most profound way.

Nelly was exceptionally close to his sister, Jackie Donahue. When she was diagnosed with leukemia, he organized bone marrow drives to find a match for her and others. Tragically, Jackie passed away in 2005.

In a testament to his character, Nelly officially adopted his sister’s two children, Shawn and Sydney, raising them as his own alongside his biological children, Chanelle and Cornell III (Tre). Now, with the birth of Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, his first child with Ashanti, his beautiful and blended family has grown even larger.

Ashanti and Nelly’s Friends List

When you examine the inner circles of Ashanti and Nelly, you see a story of loyalty that mirrors their journeys. Nelly’s core group is famously his childhood crew, the St. Lunatics, the guys he came up with and never left behind.

Ashanti’s circle, while also fiercely loyal, is built from the industry-defining collaborations she made at the height of her career, particularly with her Murder Inc. labelmates.

Ashanti’s Friends

Ja Rule
You can’t talk about Ashanti’s career without talking about Ja Rule. Their musical chemistry was undeniable, producing some of the most iconic duets of the 2000s, including “Always on Time,” “Mesmerize,” and “Wonderful.” Their bond went beyond the studio; they became a defining duo of the Murder Inc. era. Their friendship has endured through the years, and they still frequently tour and perform together, a testament to their lasting personal and professional connection.

Fat Joe
Another key figure from her early career, Fat Joe, collaborated with Ashanti on the massive 2002 hit, “What’s Luv?”. This track was instrumental in launching Ashanti into superstardom. Their friendship has remained solid, and they have often been seen supporting each other at industry events.

Kenashia “Shia” Douglas
While she’s her sister, Shia is also one of Ashanti’s closest friends and confidantes. The two are incredibly close, and Shia is a constant presence in Ashanti’s life, from family gatherings to red-carpet events. She is a fierce supporter of her sister’s career and personal happiness.

Nelly’s Friends

The St. Lunatics
Nelly’s loyalty to his friends is legendary. His crew, the St. Lunatics, isn’t just a group of collaborators; they are his brothers. The group includes his childhood friends Ali, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, and the late City Spud. When the group struggled to get a record deal in the ’90s, they collectively decided that Nelly, with his breakout potential, should go solo first.

Nelly kept his promise to them. After his debut album Country Grammar exploded, he brought the entire crew into the spotlight. The St. Lunatics released their own successful album, Free City, in 2001, which was named in honor of City Spud, who was incarcerated at the time.

Nelly’s signature band-aid on his cheek was famously worn in solidarity with his friend. This unwavering loyalty is a defining part of Nelly’s character.

Latest News on Ashanti and Nelly

The past year has been an absolute whirlwind for the couple, with their rekindled romance leading to a series of beautiful, life-changing milestones. Here’s the latest on their journey as of June 2025:

• Secret Marriage Revealed: While the world was still celebrating their reunion, court records unearthed in June 2024 revealed that Ashanti and Nelly had secretly gotten married months earlier, on December 27, 2023. They successfully kept their union private for nearly six months!
• Official Engagement and Pregnancy Announcement: In a stunning exclusive with Essence magazine in April 2024, Ashanti officially announced that she and Nelly were engaged and expecting their first child together. The news confirmed months of fan speculation, sending the internet into a joyous frenzy.
• Welcome, Baby Haynes! In August 2024, the couple officially announced the birth of their son, who had arrived in July. They named him Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, with the middle name serving as a beautiful tribute to Ashanti’s father, Ken-Kaid Thomas Douglas.
• They’re Coming to Reality TV: Get ready for an even closer look at their love story. In June 2025, the couple dropped the trailer for their new eight-episode docuseries on Peacock, titled “Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together.” The show promises to give fans an intimate look at their life, from their secret marriage to their journey into parenthood.

This article has taken you on a deep dive into the lives of Ashanti and Nelly, covering fascinating facts about their careers, families, net worth, friends, and personal activities. With the latest content update completed in June 2025, you’re now fully caught up with one of the greatest love stories in music history.

Ready for more Celebrity Dating News, or need some expert advice for your own love life? Follow PriveTalk.com to stay informed with the latest dating news and the best online dating guides!

Ashanti FAQs

Is Ashanti single?

No, Ashanti is happily off the market. She is married to her longtime love, rapper Nelly, after they rekindled their famous romance. The couple secretly tied the knot on December 27, 2023, and welcomed their first child, a baby boy, in July 2024.

How old is Ashanti?

Ashanti was born on October 13, 1980, which makes her 44 years old as of June 2025. She celebrated her milestone 43rd birthday by announcing her pregnancy, becoming a first-time mother at an age where she feels blessed and full of love. Her career has spanned more than two decades, with her Grammy-winning debut album released when she was just 21.

How tall is Ashanti?

The R&B superstar stands at a petite 5 feet 3 inches (approximately 160 cm). Her height has never stopped her from having a commanding stage presence throughout her 20+ year career. She often accentuates her frame with high heels, which complement her famously toned and curvy physique.

Where is Ashanti from?

Ashanti is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Glen Cove, Long Island. Her mother, a dance teacher, and her father, a singer, nurtured her talents in this suburban setting just outside of New York City. It was from Glen Cove that she was discovered by Murder Inc. executive Irv Gotti, launching her into global stardom.

Where does Ashanti live?

While she was raised in New York and has owned properties in various places throughout her career, Ashanti typically keeps the exact location of her primary residence private. Given her status and her new growing family with Nelly, maintaining a private and secure home base is a priority.

She travels frequently for her work, which includes music tours, acting, and managing her Web3 company, EQ Exchange.

How much is Ashanti worth?

Ashanti’s net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $20 million. This wealth was built from her highly successful music career, including her record-breaking debut album, which sold over 503,000 copies in its first week, as well as a successful acting portfolio. Her fortune continues to grow through savvy business ventures, such as her role as co-founder of the tech company EQ Exchange.

What’s the nationality and ethnicity of Ashanti?

Ashanti holds American nationality, and her ethnicity is African American. Her name itself carries deep cultural significance, as her mother named her after the historical Ashanti Empire in Ghana, West Africa, which flourished from the 1700s to the early 1900s.

This connection to her heritage is profound, especially considering her grandfather, James, was a civil rights activist who marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. in the 1960s.

Who is Ashanti married to?

Ashanti is married to fellow Grammy-winning artist Nelly (Cornell Iral Haynes Jr.). After a highly publicized romance that lasted a decade from 2003 to 2013, they rekindled their relationship in 2023. The couple secretly married on December 27, 2023, and welcomed their first child, a son, in July 2024.

What is Ashanti’s favorite color and number?

While Ashanti has not publicly stated a favorite color or number, the number 13 holds special significance as she was born on October 13th.

What is Ashanti known for?

Ashanti is best known as the “Princess of Hip-Hop & R&B,” a title she earned after dominating the charts in the early 2000s. Her 2002 self-titled debut album landed her in the Guinness World Records for the fastest-selling debut album by a female artist, selling over 503,000 copies in its first week. She famously held three of the top 10 spots on the Billboard Hot 100 simultaneously with her hits “Foolish,” “What’s Luv?,” and “Always on Time.”

What happened to Ashanti?

Nothing bad happened to Ashanti; in fact, she is thriving in a beautiful new chapter of her life. After a successful career spanning years, she has reunited with and married her longtime love, Nelly, and become a first-time mother in 2024 at the age of 43. She continues to be active in the industry, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022 and launching a new reality TV series with her husband in 2025.

When is Ashanti’s birthday?

Ashanti’s birthday is on October 13, 1980. This makes her a Libra, a zodiac sign known for valuing balance and harmony, which she often speaks about in her approach to diet and life. She will celebrate her 45th birthday in 2025, marking another milestone in her incredible life and career.