Ashanti is one of the most successful R&B singers of the early 2000s, with a string of hit singles, albums, and collaborations that earned her multiple awards and accolades. She is also an accomplished actress, with roles in various films and television shows. But how much is Ashanti worth in 2023, and how did she make her money?Early Life and Career Breakthrough
Ashanti was born on October 13, 1980, in Glen Cove, New York, to a musical family. Her mother was a dancer and her father was a singer. She was named after the Ashanti Empire in Ghana, where her ancestors came from. She started singing at a young age and performed in various local shows and talent contests. She also appeared as an extra in several movies and music videos as a child.
Ashanti’s career breakthrough came when she was discovered by Irv Gotti, a producer at Murder Inc. Records, who invited her to write hooks and sing on tracks for his rappers. She soon caught the attention of the public with her featured vocals on Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv?” and Ja Rule’s “Always on Time”, both of which became huge hits in 2002. She also wrote and sang the background vocals for Jennifer Lopez’s “Ain’t It Funny (Murder Remix)”, which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Solo Success and Awards
In 2002, Ashanti released her self-titled debut album, which sold over 500,000 copies in its first week and became the fastest-selling debut album by a female artist in history. The album spawned the smash hit “Foolish”, which spent 10 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Ashanti became the first female artist to have three songs in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart simultaneously, and the second artist ever after The Beatles. The album also earned her a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album, among other honors.
Ashanti followed up her debut album with Chapter II in 2003, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 1.5 million copies in the U.S. The album featured the hit singles “Rock wit U (Awww Baby)” and “Rain on Me”, which were both nominated for Grammy Awards. Ashanti also released a Christmas album titled Ashanti’s Christmas in 2003, which was a modest success.
In 2004, Ashanti released her third studio album, Concrete Rose, which debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 chart and sold over one million copies in the U.S. The album contained the hit single “Only U”, which reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became her biggest hit in the U.K., peaking at number two.
Acting Career and Other Ventures
Besides her music career, Ashanti also pursued acting, with roles in films such as Coach Carter (2005), John Tucker Must Die (2006), Resident Evil: Extinction (2007), and Stuck (2019). She also appeared in television shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2003), Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2013), Army Wives (2013), and Dynasty (2018-2019). She also starred as Dorothy in The Wiz Live! (2015), a live musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz.
Ashanti has also ventured into other businesses, such as launching her own perfume line called Precious Jewel by Ashanti in 2005, and her own clothing line called Princess by Ashanti in 2007. She also wrote a book titled Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love in 2002, which was a collection of poetry based on her songs.
Ashanti Net Worth
Ashanti has an estimated net worth of $5 million as of September 2023. This fortune comes from the sales of her albums, singles, tours, endorsements, acting roles, and other ventures. Ashanti has sold over 27 million records worldwide throughout her career.
Ashanti lives a lavish lifestyle with her wealth. She owns several properties, including a mansion in New Jersey that she bought for $1.4 million in 2002. She also owns a luxury car collection that includes a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, a Range Rover Sport, and a Bentley Continental GT.
Ashanti is currently dating rapper Nelly, whom she has been in an on-and-off relationship with since 2003. They rekindled their romance in early 2023 after breaking up in 2014. Ashanti is also close to her family, especially her mother Tina Douglas, who is also her manager.
Ashanti is a philanthropist who supports various causes, such as education, health, and women’s empowerment. She is a spokesperson for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and has participated in campaigns for Make-A-Wish Foundation, Red Cross, and Stand Up to Cancer. She also founded her own charity called The Ashanti Foundation, which aims to empower and inspire young people through music and arts.
Conclusion
Ashanti is a multi-talented entertainer who has achieved success in both music and acting. She is one of the most influential R&B singers of her generation, with a string of hit songs and albums that have earned her numerous awards and recognition. She is also an accomplished actress, with roles in various films and television shows. She is also a businesswoman, an author, a philanthropist, and a fashion icon. Ashanti’s net worth reflects her hard work and dedication to her craft, as well as her versatility and creativity as an artist.
