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Ashanti Profile |
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Birth Date: October 13, 1980
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Birth Place: Glen Cove, Long Island, New York, USA
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Birth Name: Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas
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Height: 5'3"
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Biography |
Ashanti Douglas was born in 1980 in Glen Cove, Long Island,
New York into a musical family. Her father used to sing and
her mother is a dance instructor. Ashanti began to sing in a
gospel choir at the age of 6. As she grew, her musical
talent developed and with it, appearances followed.
She danced in a show at Carnegie Hall and in the Disney
television musical Polly. It was in high school that she
honed her songwriting skills and harnessed her talent for
creating a story that people could relate to, song after
song.
Ashanti first announced her presence with the Big Pun hit
"How We Roll" in 2001. Her sound was infectious and caught
the attention of record producers. Irv Gotti, the polished
producer with Murder Inc. Records, was credited with her
discovery and what was supposed to be an initial
collaboration, turned into a record contract. The demure and
feminine Ashanti was hesitant at first to sign with a label
named Murder Inc., but she filled a void in the company
stable of talent. What was a pure rap label became stronger
with the arrival of the R&B singer.
The marketing team at Murder Inc. went to work to promote
Ashanti in time for her debut release. She was featured on
the Ja Rule smash "Always On Time," receiving major airwave
and video exposure. In addition, her voice was loaned out to
reigning Don of the Terror Squad, Fat Joe, for his big hit
"What's Luv?". Ashanti stole both songs away from the thug
rappers and created such a buzz that her self-titled debut
album was released early, on April 9, 2002.
The first single "Foolish" ripped apart the charts and the
video was on heavy rotation as well. As a result, Ashanti
sold over half a million units the first week and debuted in
the top spot, a major achievement for a relative unknown
with almost no expectations on her shoulders. In the future,
you can expect to hear and see much more of this young
talent. Ashanti has served notice that she is moving on up. |
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Other
Information |
Names Mary J. Blige, Ella Fitzgerald and Blue Magic are
artists whom inspired her.
Her songs "Foolish", "Always On Time", and "What's Luv" made
the top 10 all in one week.
Launched her career in 1994 when she was recognized at a
talent show.
Wrote all 12 tracks on her self-titled debut album.
A native of Long Island, she began singing at the age of 12.
Was the first R&B singer to join Murder Inc. Records.
Has worked with Ja Rule, Big Pun and Fat Joe.
Turned down a track scholarship to Hampton University to
pursue her singing career.
Before she joined Murder Inc. Records, she was signed by
Jive Records.
Her father is half African-American and half Chinese and her
mother is 3/4 Dominican and 1/4 African-American.
Her aunt lives in Rhode Island.
Released new fragrance line, "Precious Jewel" [2005]
Named #13 on the Maxim magazine Hot 100 of 2005 list.
Ranked as #81 in FHM's "100 Sexiest Women in the World 2005"
special supplement. (2005) |
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