Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas (born October 13, 1980 in Glen Cove, New York), known mononymously as Ashanti, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor. She rose to fame in 2002 with her debut album, Ashanti, which spawned the number-one single "Foolish". Before the album was released, Ashanti appeared on Fat Joe's "What's Luv" song, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as on Ja Rule's single "Always on Time", which reached number two, making her the first female artist to occupy the top two positions on the chart. In addition to being a singer, Ashanti is also an actor and has made several appearances in films and television series such as the films John Tucker Must Die and Resident Evil: Extinction.
Discography
- Ashanti (2002)
- Chapter II (2003)
- Ashanti's Christmas (2003)
- Concrete Rose (2004)
- The Declaration (2008)
- Braveheart (2014)
Selected Filmography
Film
- Coach Carter (2005) - Kyra
- The Muppets' Wizard of Oz (2005) - Dorothy Gale
- John Tucker Must Die (2006) - Heather
- Resident Evil: Extinction (2007) - Betty
- Mutant World (2014) - The Preacher
- Mothers And Daughters (2016) - Kelly
- Stuck (2017) - Eve
- Honey Girls (2021) - Fancy G
- A New Divas Christmas Carol (2022) - Aphrodite
Television
- American Dreams (2002) - Dionne Warwick, episode: "Silent Night"
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2003) - Lissa, episode: "First Date"
- The Proud Family (2003) - Randi (voice), episode: "It Takes a Thief"
- Army Wives (2013) - Latasha Montclair, main role (season 7)
Tropes
- Crazy Jealous Guy - The "Rain On Me" video depicts Ashanti's boyfriend (played by Larenz Tate) as envious, controlling, and physically abusive due to his jealousy towards Ashanti's success.
- Darker and Edgier - The Concrete Rose album took Ashanti's music and image in an edgier new direction.
- Domestic Abuse - "Rain On Me" is about a physically abusive relationship
- Hotter and Sexier - Ashanti always had a sexual image, but the Concrete Rose cycle took it over the top.
- Intercourse with You - "Rock Wit U (Aww Baby)" (not to be confused with the Michael Jackson song) is about this.
- Love Martyr - "Foolish" is about this where the subject can't leave her emotionally abusive partner.