Ashanti has definitely declared herself on her latest effort, The Declaration. This multiple Grammy winner and R&B superstar has delivered some of her most powerful and passionate songs yet. “The Declaration” features the smash hit “The Way That I Love”, which showcases the power of Ashanti's soulful voice as she tells the heart wrenching story of a scorned lover. This 13 song set is Ashanti’s 4th studio album and first since 2004. Ashanti has been busy developing her acting career with John Tucker Must Die, Coach Carter, and Resident Evil, and now she returns to deliver a career defining album.
The Glen Cove, NY representative first burst onto the music scene singing hooks for hip-hop heavyweights like Ja Rule, Big Pun and Fat Joe. After her first single “Foolish” catapulted her to almost overnight success, Ashanti has been on a steady pace to the top since. Proclaimed the princess of R &B from her record label The Inc.( Murder Inc. at the time), Ashanti went on to receive countless # 1 singles and albums.
As the title suggests, “The Declaration” is in many ways about womanhood and empowerment, which is why Ashanti chose to work with producers and collaborators outside the Inc. family including A-listers like Babyface, Robin Thicke and rumored boyfriend Nelly. On the Darkchild-produced “So Over You,” Ashanti croons about getting past a former relationship, while the Jermaine Dupri-mixed “Good Good,” featuring elements of Michael Jackson’s “The Girl Is Mine,” finds her confidently belting about her abilities to please in bed. Ashanti continues to celebrate her femininity on tracks like the sensual, Robin Thicke-assisted “Things You Make Me Do” and the bass-heavy “Girlfriend,” where she teases about all the things she’d allow her love interest to do if they were a couple. Meanwhile, “Mother” is inspired by Ashanti’s close bond with her own mother, and “Shine” is aimed at motivating young women. Other potential bangers are “In These Streets” and “You’re Gonna Miss”.
Not to say the album isn’t flawed; listeners will come a cross a track or two that you may skip over but overall Shani—as friends and family refer to her—came with a pretty solid effort this time around. Despite the trials and tribulations that Ashanti has been through the past four years, she proved that hard work and perseverance pay off. Definitely two-thumbs up from me. Be sure to pick up The Declaration, in stores now.
The Glen Cove, NY representative first burst onto the music scene singing hooks for hip-hop heavyweights like Ja Rule, Big Pun and Fat Joe. After her first single “Foolish” catapulted her to almost overnight success, Ashanti has been on a steady pace to the top since. Proclaimed the princess of R &B from her record label The Inc.( Murder Inc. at the time), Ashanti went on to receive countless # 1 singles and albums.
As the title suggests, “The Declaration” is in many ways about womanhood and empowerment, which is why Ashanti chose to work with producers and collaborators outside the Inc. family including A-listers like Babyface, Robin Thicke and rumored boyfriend Nelly. On the Darkchild-produced “So Over You,” Ashanti croons about getting past a former relationship, while the Jermaine Dupri-mixed “Good Good,” featuring elements of Michael Jackson’s “The Girl Is Mine,” finds her confidently belting about her abilities to please in bed. Ashanti continues to celebrate her femininity on tracks like the sensual, Robin Thicke-assisted “Things You Make Me Do” and the bass-heavy “Girlfriend,” where she teases about all the things she’d allow her love interest to do if they were a couple. Meanwhile, “Mother” is inspired by Ashanti’s close bond with her own mother, and “Shine” is aimed at motivating young women. Other potential bangers are “In These Streets” and “You’re Gonna Miss”.
Not to say the album isn’t flawed; listeners will come a cross a track or two that you may skip over but overall Shani—as friends and family refer to her—came with a pretty solid effort this time around. Despite the trials and tribulations that Ashanti has been through the past four years, she proved that hard work and perseverance pay off. Definitely two-thumbs up from me. Be sure to pick up The Declaration, in stores now.
Check her out performing for the Walmart Soundcheck Series {presented by Vaseline..haha., you"ll get it once you watch} in NYC recently...I personally think she smashed the performance...
Also if you're in the NYC area, check her out at any of these events she'll be attending..Chick is gonna be extra busy I see:
* Today - MTV TRL - 3.00pm: Interview
* Today - Virgin Megastore in Times Square - 6.00 PM: Live performance and CD signing.
*Today -Planet Hollywood, New York: -Hand-Printing Ceremony.
* Friday (June 6th) - Good Morning America Summer Concert Series - Performing a set; will be joined on stage by special guest Ja Rule to perform a medley of their hits.
