Ashanti was born on October 13, 1980, on Long Island, New York. After an introduction to show business in 1980s and '90s via appearances in television commercials and music videos, Ashanti made her recording debut as a featured artist on Big Pun's song "How We Roll" in 2001. The following year, she released a single of her own, "Foolish," from her self-titled debut album, which dominated the charts and made a name for the R&B newcomer. Ashanti has since branched out into TV and film, having made appearances on shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2003) and Army Wives(2013), and in films like John Tucker Must Die (2006).

QUOTES

"Crazy how speaking to the right people helps you understand the right things. Always follow your gut; don't be blinded by the facades."

– Ashanti