The Real Reason We Don't Hear About Ashanti Anymore

Ashanti was a dominant force in the early 2000s music scene, captivating audiences with her smooth vocals and catchy hits. She found herself on top of the charts with her debut album, which included chart-topping singles like "Foolish" and "Always on Time." As a pivotal artist of her time, she garnered multiple accolades, including Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards, solidifying her status as a pop culture icon. Yet, despite her success, Ashanti's presence in the music industry has significantly diminished over the years, leaving fans to wonder what happened to the once-unmissable star.

In the early years of her career, Ashanti was known for her impressive vocal abilities and songwriting skills. She was signed to Murder Inc. Records, where she released a series of successful albums that went platinum, showcasing her talent and commercial appeal. However, various factors contributed to her decline in visibility, including challenges with her record label and personal struggles that kept her out of the spotlight.

Ashanti's journey through fame and fortune is marked by a series of ups and downs, and her story serves as a reminder of how quickly success can fade. Today, we explore the reasons behind her absence from the music scene, reflecting on her achievements and the obstacles that led to her quieter career. Join us as we take a closer look at Ashanti's life, her rise to fame, and what she has been up to in recent years.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Ashanti
• Her Record Label's Impact
• PR Stunt Gone Wrong
• Label Head Sabotage?
• Building Her Own Label
• Battling a Stalker
• Diversifying Her Portfolio
• Low Ticket Sales
• Tired of Getting Trolled
• What's Ashanti Up to Now?

Biography of Ashanti

Her Record Label's Impact

Ashanti's initial success can be attributed to her time with Murder Inc. Records, where she broke onto the scene with her self-titled debut album in 2002. The album was a massive hit, featuring chart-toppers and earning her a place as a household name. However, the label's issues, including legal troubles faced by its founders, severely affected her career trajectory.

After her initial rise, Ashanti's career took a hit when Murder Inc. faced legal scrutiny, leading to a separation between her and the label in 2009. This split marked a significant turning point in her career, as she struggled to regain the momentum she once had. Her departure from the label coincided with a noticeable decline in her musical output, resulting in years of relative silence in the industry.

PR Stunt Gone Wrong

In 2008, while promoting her album "The Declaration," Ashanti attempted to generate buzz through a controversial public relations stunt. The music video for "The Way That I Love You" depicted a dramatic narrative involving murder, which, when coupled with the promotional tactics employed, led to considerable backlash.

The backlash from this PR stunt not only tarnished her image but also diverted attention from her music. Critics argued that it glorified violence rather than promoting her artistic work. Ashanti later retracted her support for the stunt, recognizing its negative impact on her career and reputation.

Label Head Sabotage?

During a recent conversation with Fat Joe, Ashanti revealed shocking details about her relationship with her former label head, Irv Gotti. She expressed surprise at discovering that Gotti had considered replacing her with Jennifer Lopez for the hook on their hit song "What's Luv." This revelation sparked questions about whether her label head was actively trying to undermine her success.

Reflecting on her dominance during her peak years, Ashanti recalled holding multiple top spots on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite her past achievements, it appears that her career may have been hindered by internal decisions made within the label that she was unaware of at the time.

Building Her Own Label

After leaving Murder Inc., Ashanti took control of her career by establishing her own record label, Written Entertainment, in 2011. This move allowed her to reimagine her music career and regain creative control over her work.

With her new label, Ashanti aimed to capitalize on her entrepreneurial spirit, stating that ownership in the music industry is crucial for artists. While she released her album "Braveheart" through her label in 2014, it didn't achieve the same level of commercial success as her earlier works. Nonetheless, this step showcased her resilience and determination to continue making music on her own terms.

Battling a Stalker

Ashanti's life took a troubling turn when she became the target of a convicted stalker, Devar Hurd, who was found guilty of felony stalking in 2016. The legal battles stretched over several years, causing Ashanti to maintain a low profile as she dealt with the ramifications of Hurd's actions.

Despite receiving a maximum sentence, Hurd's history of stalking Ashanti raised concerns about her safety and mental wellbeing. This ongoing struggle impacted her public presence and may have contributed to her decision to step back from the music scene during that time.

Diversifying Her Portfolio

While music may have taken a backseat, Ashanti has diversified her career by exploring opportunities in acting and entrepreneurship. She has appeared in various television shows and films, including "Sabrina, The Teenage Witch" and "Coach Carter." Additionally, she launched her own fragrance line, Precious Jewel, showcasing her business acumen.

Ashanti's ventures beyond music highlight her versatility as an artist and entrepreneur. Her ability to adapt and seek new avenues for success is a testament to her resilience in a competitive industry.

Low Ticket Sales

In 2018, Ashanti faced a stark reminder of her diminished presence when her performance at Stony Brook University was canceled due to shockingly low ticket sales. The event, which aimed to attract students, saw only 24 tickets sold a week before the concert, illustrating the challenges she faced in reconnecting with her audience.

While low ticket sales can often reflect a multitude of factors, Ashanti's situation raises questions about the demand for her music and performances in the current landscape. It also highlights the difficulty many artists experience in maintaining their relevance over time.

Tired of Getting Trolled

Ashanti's experiences in the public eye have also included dealing with online trolls, particularly from high-profile figures like 50 Cent. His mockery of her canceled concert underscored the ongoing challenges she faces as a celebrity. Despite her efforts to maintain a positive attitude, such comments can undoubtedly impact an artist's morale.

The backlash she faced during her career, coupled with public scrutiny, has made Ashanti cautious about her public persona. This ongoing struggle with online criticism illustrates the reality many celebrities face in today's digital age.

What's Ashanti Up to Now?

Despite the challenges, Ashanti has remained active in the entertainment industry, recently collaborating with Megan Thee Stallion and DaBaby on the track "Nasty," which peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. This collaboration marked a significant milestone, demonstrating that Ashanti still has the ability to create music that resonates with audiences.

Looking ahead, Ashanti continues to pursue new projects, including a musical film titled "Stuck," showing that