The music video for Ashanti‘s new single “The Woman You Love” (feat. Busta Rhymes) is out of this world…literally!

Ashanti reflects on her troubled relationship aboard a space ship in the futuristic video, which co-stars actor Marcus Patrick as her leading man.

“The Woman You Love” is the first single from the independent R&B singer’s upcoming album “Braveheart,” due this spring on her new label Written Entertainment.

Watch the video below:

Looking for a record deal? Cash Money is giving them out like free condoms!

During an interview on New York’s 98.7 Kiss FM, Lil Wayne announced to DJ Lenny Green that in addition to Busta Rhymes and Mystikal….90′s rock group Limp Bizkit has recently signed to his parent label.

“We’re always listening and looking at acts. Every other day I hear about somebody new just signed to Cash Money…the other day I found out Limp Bizkit signed to Cash Money. They’re signing everybody,” Wayne said.

Weezy also revealed that R&B singer Ashanti has recently been working with the label. (Could should be the next to ink a deal?)

Listen to the interview below:

New dad Jay-Z partied in style as he made his first public appearance since the birth of his daughter Blue Ivy Carter Wednesday night (Jan 18) at the relaunch of his 40/40 nightclub in New York City.

Of course his wife (and new mom) Beyonce stayed at home with their newborn daughter, but there were plenty of other celebs who showed up to party, including Swizz Beatz, Ashanti, Russell Simmons, Kevin Liles, producer Rico Love, supermodel Selita Ebanks, filmmaker Spike Lee, record executive Steve Stoute, and many others.

Even Warren Buffett — the THIRD RICHEST MAN IN THE WORLD worth around $50 billion — partied with Jay-Z and his industry friends, and was even spotted throwing up the “Roc” sign. (That sh*t cray!)

According to various reports, Jay-Z laid on a champagne tower made of 350 handmade gold Armand de Brignac bottles that stretched from floor to ceiling, and was topped with a stork carrying a baby.

“All that preparation must have been thirsty work – judging from the champagne tower Jay laid on. Nothing like that has ever been created before,” an anonymous source said. “It was a bit [over the top] but he’s [crazy] about his daughter. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her. You’d expect nothing less from the richest man in rap.”

Sounds like everyone had a great time!

Check out over 20+ photos below:

Ashanti is back!

The R&B singer has returned to the music scene with her new single “The Woman You Love,” featuring Busta Rhymes. The song, released via Ashanti’s brand new Written Entertainment record label, is expected to show up on her upcoming (currently untitled) fifth studio album, due in stores sometime next year.

“I’m so excited to have my own record label, Written Entertainment. With eOne as my distributor, I feel that their innovative and ambitious approach to the music industry, really gives my label a worldwide presence,” Ashanti said in a statement. “They have the top radio people in the business and are hungry to win! The more I learned the business the more I knew this is what I wanted. Ownership is so important. As a business woman this was a great move for me!”

Take a listen to Ashanti’s new song below:

[See post to listen to audio]

New couple alert?

Omarion and Ashanti’s little sister Shi Shi were caught getting EXTRA close with other in the VIP section at a nightclub recently.

This could, of course, be the result of a little harmless fun between “friends,” but what’s up with the coordinating outfits? (See how her cheetah-print top matches his shoes?)

[RWS]

While making an appearance on the “Today” show Thursday morning (Sep 29), R&B princess Ashanti announced that she is on the verge of releasing a new single.

“It’s called ‘No Good.’ It’s amazing,” the singer revealed for the first time. “My official single will be out very soon. It’s so phenomenal, oh my gosh!”

Watch below:

US Weekly hosted an event honoring the 25 Most Stylish New Yorkers of 2011 at Penthouse at Dram Downtown in New York City Wednesday night (Sep 14). Some of the celebrities who attended the honory celebration were Ashanti, Carmelo Anthony & Lala Vazquez, Pharrell Williams, Taraji P. Henson and more.

Check out a few pics below:

Ashanti promises to always be there in her new music release “Never Too Far Away.”

The track is off the soundtrack for the upcoming thriller film “Dreamhouse.”

Take a listen below:

Can you say hot mama???

Ashanti takes her beauty to the desert in a new promo pic (shot by photographer Robert Ector) released for her upcoming album.

The R&B singer has been in the studio with Dr. Dre, Game and Lil Wayne, and is currently in the works to release a new single in the next few weeks.

What do you think about the pic?

Ashanti is in the studio working on a new album!

The R&B singer, whose last album was released in 2008, tweeted a pic of her with Lil Wayne last night in the booth.

“Jus had the funniest convo with @liltunechi he’s hilarious!!! #studioswag #funtimesinthelab.” Ashanti wrote.

Wonder if these two were cooking up a collaboration??

Lil Wayne poses with his 12-year-old daughter Reginae Carter in the audience at the 2011 BET Awards.

Other famous faces spotted in the crowd of the 11th annual ceremony included Nelly & Ashanti, Nicki Minaj, Diddy, the entire Smith family (Jaden, Willow, Will and Jada), Keri Hilson, Laz Alonso, Big Sean, Mary J. Blige, Justin Bieber and plenty more.

Check out 20+ pics below:

The 2011 BET Awards went down in Los Angeles last night (Sun. Jun 26) … and the green carpet was JAM PACKED with celebrities! So many, that we’re going to have to split this post into 2.

Some of the big names who graced the green carpet outside the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. included Nicki Minaj, Kelly Rowland, Meagan Good, host Kevin Hart, Eve, Ashanti, Nick Cannon, YouTube sensation “Karmin,” Nelly, Bruno Mars and dozens of others.

Check out over 30+ pictures of celebs arriving at the BET Awards below:

CLICK HERE FOR PART 2!

Halle Berry and her daughter Nahla were spotted as they headed out for pizza while out and about in Los Angeles yesterday (Thurs. Jun 23).

Socialite/reality TV star Kim Kardashian was seen going for a yacht ride in New York City Thursday (Jun 23).

Rocker Lenny Kravitz was photographed leaving his downtown hotel in NYC Thursday afternoon.

A friendly Queen Latifah spoke to the paparazzi as she made a stop at Ralph’s grocery store in Los Angeles Thursday.

Kimora Lee and her husband Djimon Hoounsou were spotted leaving Il Pastaio Restaurant in Beverly Hills after having lunch together Wednesday (Jun 22).

Wearing sunglasses and a short pink dress, R&B singer Ashanti greeted fans outside Katsuya restaurant in Hollywood Thursday evening (Jun 23) before a late-night dinner.

Pop singer Jason DeRulo is pictured here leaving the ITV studios in London Thursday afternoon  following a guest appearance on the UK’s “Daybreak” show.

Photogs caught Lady Gaga signing autographs for fans as she was leaving a popular Japanese restaurant while out in Tokyo Wednesday night (Jun 22). Gaga was in Japan to perform at the 2011 MTV Japan Music Awards, held the very next day.

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick were spotted out together Wednesday in Los Angeles getting back into their convertible Ferrari after spending the afternoon together. Earlier in the day, Kourtney and Scott went out for lunch at Il Pastaio Restaurant before heading to Neiman Marcus for a little shopping.

And Ciara, rocking a figure-hugging horizontally striped dress, was seen out and about in Beverly Hills running errands Wednesday afternoon.

Game teams up with R&B singer Ashanti in his newest music release, the Dr. Dre produced “Soft Rhodes,” lifted from the rapper’s newly released Purp & Patron mixtape (hosted by DJ Skee & Funkmaster Flex).

In addition to Ashanti, the project also features collabs from Lil Wayne, Dr. Dre, Pharrell, Fabolous, Wiz Khalifa and more. The mixtape also includes a remix to Wiz Khalifa’s “Black & Yellow” with Snoop Dogg, renamed “Purp & Yellow” in honor of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Check out “Soft Rhodes” (f/ Ashanti) below!!

a[See post to listen to audio]

D/L: GAME & ASHANTI – SOFT RHODES

Ashanti and Nelly looked real comfy together Friday Night (Dec 31) in Las Vegas.

The couple who refuse to publicly acknowledge their relationship were all hugged up as they brought in the new year together at a party hosted by Nelly at Haze nightclub in Vegas. Also spotted at Nelly’s New Year’s Eve Party was singer Avery Storm, who is signed to the rapper’s Derrty Ent recording label.

More pics below!

Your thoughts on the pics?

Rapper Nelly and R&B singer Ashanti appeared to be boo’d up Sunday night (Dec 19) at Nelly’s 2010 Black & White Ball. The 5th annual charity event was held at the Chase Park Plaza’s Khorassan Ballroom in St. Louis (Nelly’s hometown) and featured performances from Ashanti, who later invited her rumored boyfriend Nelly onstage for a duet, and a serenade to a new Ashanti song titled “If I Was Your Girlfriend.”

Other folks at the gala were Nelly’s brother, rapper City Spud, and rapper Jermaine Dupri (who co-hosted and deejayed at the the event. Nelly presented full scholarships to students Lindenwood University, a college nearby.

Check out 10+ pics from the event below, and continue reading for the video footage of Ashanti serenading Nelly…

Nelly isn’t ready to put a ring on it just yet….

The “Just a Dream” rapper recently explained in an interview with Rap-Up why he hasn’t taken things to the next level (meaning marriage) with his girlfriend R&B singer Ashanti. Peep the footage below:

Video Via: Rap-Up

Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp were at the premiere of their new movie “The Tourist” in New York on Monday (Dec 6).

While Johnny came in solo, Angelina was with her inseparable “life partner” Brad Pitt and looked elegant in a long off-white dress. In addition, all types of celebs came to see the movie – from extravagant fashion designer Betsey Johnson to model Alessandra Ambrosio, and actors Jennifer Connelly, Gabourey Sibide, Brooke Shields and singer Ashanti.

“The Tourist” will be in theaters this Friday on December 10th. Check out 15+ pics of the premiere below!

Nelly and his “friend” Ashanti (who both refuse to confirm their status as a couple), along with Ashanti’s sister Shia, were spotted kicking it courtside at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte, NC at the Bobcats vs. Orlando Magic basketball game Saturday night (Nov 6).

FYI: Nelly, who happens to be minority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, just celebrated his 36th birthday last Tuesday (Nov 2) and his sixth studio album 5.0 hits stores next Tuesday (Nov 16)!

What do you think about the pic?

BET’s 106 & Park celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and Wednesday (Oct 6) the network threw a party and invited celebs like Nelly, Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Ashanti, Trey Songz, Ne-Yo, Jamie Foxx and more to come out and celebrate with them. The show’s former hosts AJ and Free even came through to party with BET and 106 & Park. Check out 15+ pics below!

R&B singer Ashanti and rapper Nelly are seriously not claiming each other!

Just last week, Nelly told WGCI that the two were never in a relationship and have always been friends. Well either Ashanti doesn’t want to look like a fool or we’ve just been fooled all this time…because she too has confirmed they were never an item.

On 106 & Park’s 10th anniversary episode Wednesday (Oct 6), the R&B singer told BET.com:

“So one of the rumors that I would like to clear up, the whole Nelly-Ashanti, and Nelly’s denying and Nelly’s not claiming; let’s clear that up right now. Me and Nelly are good friends. I never said I was his girl, I never quote, unquote, ‘claimed him.’ I never said we were an item and neither has he, so there you have it. We’re good friends. The whole, ‘Oh he’s denying and she’s denying,’ no claiming. Come on, son!”

Your thoughts?

Yesterday we posted pics of T.I. and Tiny partying it up at Cameo nightclub in Miami, FL with their friends Saturday night (Jul 31) following their wedding earlier in the day.

The whole wedding party, including folks like Rihanna, Jamie Foxx, Usher, Jermaine Dupri and more hopped on a bus following the reception and headed to the club to celebrate Tip and Tiny’s union. Also, note how Nelly and Ashanti walked into the club hand-in-hand. Looks like they’re back together!

Check out the video footage below:

The 2010 BET Awards went down Sunday night (Jun 27) live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and the red carpet was full of black star power as celebrities like Ciara, T.I. (who brought along his entire family), Keri Hilson, Nick Cannon, John Legend, Diddy, Carmelo & Lala, Nicki Minaj, Brandy, the Black Eyed Peas and more arrived in style at the 10th annual show.

Check out 40+ pictures from the BET Awards’ red carpet below and when you continue reading…

Lots of celebrity women (excluding Howard Stern & Donald Trump) came out to catch the “Sex and the City 2″ movie premiere, presented by Mercedes-Benz and Maybach, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City Monday night (May 24). Some of the celebs at the premiere were Ashanti, Vanessa Williams, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gabourey Sidibe, and Wendy Williams. SATC2 is due to hit theaters tomorrow (Thu May 27).

Donald Trump and his wife Melanie, along with Howard Stern and his wife Beth Ostrosky were also spotted at the premiere. Check out 10+ pictures of the folks mentioned and more at the “Sex and the City 2″ premiere below…

Rapper Juelz Santana turned 28 last Thursday (Feb 18) and celebrated with a big birthday party at M2 Ultra Lounge in New York City Monday night (Feb 22). Some of Juelz’s celebrity friends, including Lil Kim, Ashanti, Snoop Dogg and more, partied it up with DJ Clue on the 1′s and 2′s.

The party was briefly interrupted when a club goer jumped the divider into the VIP area and got beat up as Juelz and party guests looked on. No one really knows what exactly started the fight, but the guy in the Rev. Run hat (you’ll see in the video LOL) supposedly had a lot to do with it. Rapper Maino was spotted amongst the mob but didn’t throw any licks.

Pictures and video are waiting for you below and after the cut…

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE / FILM MAGIC

Ashanti took to the stage at the grand opening of new French restaurant Delphine at the W Hotel in Hollywood Thursday night (Feb 11). Over 1,000 guests, including Ashanti’s mother Tina Douglas, watched the R&B singer perform a medley of some of her hits for the restaurant’s grand opening. Check out a few pics below…

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE

We recently told you guys about The Game reuniting with Dr. Dre and Aftermath/Interscope, and we mentioned that it could possibly lead to 50 Cent leaving the whole Aftermath/Shady camp due to his beef with The Game. Well we are now getting word that Dr. Dre is also working with another artist whom 50 Cent publicly dissed and she goes by the name of Ashanti!

Yep… Dr. Dre is working with The Game and Ashanti and we are getting word that 50 Cent isn’t too pleased with this, and may be considering leaving Dr. Dre’s empire.

No surprise there. We expected 50 to eventually turn on Dre. It’s just in his nature to diss anyone for free press.

The star-studded 52nd Annual Grammy Awards went down last night (Sun. Jan 31) in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. And the red carpet was swarming with celebrities, including Beyonce, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Usher, Mya, Drake (who arrived with his mother), Akon (rocking a Lady Gaga t-shirt), Britney Spears (who reportedly made a last-minute decision to attend), Jennifer Hudson and tons more.

Continue reading for 50+ pictures of celebs walking the red carpet before making their way into the Staples Center for the biggest night in music…

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE

Ashanti sure is looking good these days! It’s hard to believe Nelly let all of that go. She and Ja Rule reunited on stage at the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors Wednesday night (Sep 23), which saw performances from Wale, Kid Rock, Method Man & Redman, Eminem and more. The ceremony honored the pioneers of Def Jam along with the people, past and present, who helped create the label and build it into what it is today. Hosted by comedian Tracy Morgan, the show is set to make its television debut only on VH1 on Tuesday, October 13th at 9 pm.

It’s only right that the first Def Jam artist to be honored was the label’s foundation and face for so many years, LL Cool J. The Roots started it off with “Rock the Bells.” Black Thought ripped the first verse of the record, then gave way for a special guest: Eminem. Last year, Slim Shady publicly expressed his love for LL during a phone prank on DJ Tony Touch’s Shade 45 radio show. Spitting the second verse of “Rock the Bells” on Wednesday night, Em sounded almost exactly like the legend who inspired him. “Now I’m worldwide known/ Whether you like it or not/ My one-man band is Cut Creator…/ When he’s on the fader/ What’s my DJ’s name?” “Cut Creator!” The crowd yelled. Later, Kid Rock paid tribute to LL with “I’m Bad.” The Kid also DJed during the show, as did Ed Lover.

The second performance was from one of Def Jam’s signature groups, Public Enemy. Chuck D was immediately electrifying with the opening words for “Rebel Without a Pause”: “Yes, the rhythm, the rebel.” Chuck still has one of the most recognizable and commanding voices in all of music, not just rap. Flavor Flav came out wearing a white tuxedo jacket, matching top hat and a black bow tie. PE arguably had the performance of the night with help from the Roots, S1W and Boots Riley. The Long Island-bred rap chiefs were just born for the stage. The entire crowd was on their feet cheering. After their performance, Flav was seen talking to Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan in the audience.

Another bricklaying squad for the house that Russell and Rick built was, undoubtedly, the Beastie Boys. KRS-One, Wale and the Gym Class Heroes did a rocking rendition of “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.” Travis McCoy, who wore a black T-shirt with the names “DJ AM” and “Roc Raida” in the shape of the Run-DMC logo, took on the first verse. The Blastmaster, who is a former HHH honoree himself, took verse two and ended by saying, “Adam, get well soon,” referring to Adam Yauch, who is currently battling cancer. Wale finished off the song and later paid tribute to Kanye West, wearing a backpack and rapping “Touch the Sky.”

When Onyx performed “Slam” it felt like the group had stepped out of a time capsule: They looked almost exactly the same and still had that insane energy that made them famous. During his verse, Sticky Fingaz climbed on top of a large speaker. Rather than climb down when he finished, Stick climbed into the balcony. Other performers included Rick Ross, Fabolous, Foxy Brown, Redman, Method Man, Mary J. Blige, EPMD, Ghostface Killah, Chrissette Michele, Warren G, Trey Songz, the reunion of Ashanti and Ja Rule, Ludacris and DMX — many of whom teamed up with the Roots for a show-closing medley of Def Jam hits.

Offstage, Ja Rule and DMX had their own reunion. The two came up together as close friends and later turned to bitter enemies, even dissing each other on records. As X was walking out, Ja was returning to his seat, and the pair saw each other, hugged and talked for a few moments.

SOURCE

Rapper DMX walked the Red Carpet of the 2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors Wednesday night (Sep 23) at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. His appearance at this year’s show marked his first public appearance/performance in at least three years. And we all know all of the drama he’s been getting himself into in the meantime.

Also on the red carpet were Wale, Ashanti, Fabolous, Ludacris, Eve, Trey Songz and more. The show, hosted by Tracy Morgan, airs October 13th at 9 pm on VH1. Continue reading for the rest of the pics from the Red Carpet.

LisaRaye did her best MJ impersonation on the red carpet of Norwood Young’s birthday party/Michael Jackson tribute at Yong’s Hancock Park home Saturday (Aug 29) in Los Angeles. Mario and Sean Garrett performed at the 2009 J&R Music Fest Friday (Aug 28) at City Hall Park in New York City. And Ice-T and his wife Coco hosted a party at Club Dream in Miami Saturday (Aug 29).

We also have recent pictures of Kourtney, Kim and Robert Kardashian, Letoya Luckett, Ashanti and more! Continue reading to check them all out and click each picture for more information.

After five years of dating, Ashanti and Nelly have broken up, reports New York Daily News. Apparently, Ashanti wanted them to tie the knot and Nelly just wasn’t ready to commit right now.

An insider claims the two split because Ashanti was ready to settle down, while her beau wanted to sow his wild oats. Sure enough, the “Hot in Herre” rapper has been squiring video vixen Jessica Rabbit around Las Vegas and Miami. A rep for both declined to comment.

We’re going to go out on a limb here and say that Ashanti’s mom Tina had something to do with this…

R&B singer Ashanti has teamed up with the Boys and Girls Club of America to launch their new advocacy campaign, titled “Be Great.” The Grammy award winning musician and Boys & Girls Club alum unveiled a new billboard in Times Square Tuesday (Aug 11), featuring her childhood picture and an inspiring two word message: “Be Amazing.”

“Growing up in the Club gave me the opportunity to explore many interests and talents, including dancing and singing, that have profoundly influenced my life,” said Ashanti. “The adult staff at the Club in Glen Cove challenged us to excel, and instilled positive values that still influence me as an adult. It’s an honor to join our alumni ambassadors in talking about the impact Boys & Girls Clubs have on young people, because I’m one of them.”

Ashanti will collaborate with other club alumni, including Denzel Washington, Muhammad Ali, Bill Cosby, Cuba Gooding Jr., Michael Jordan, Queen Latifah, Shaquille O’Neal and Kerry Washington, just to name a few, to urge the country’s political and business leaders to make America’s youth a priority. The group of the celebrity alumni will also attempt to encourage every citizen in the country to the make a difference by supporting organizations like the Boys & Girls Club so that every child has a safe, supervised and structured environment after school.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Singer Estelle and actress/model Eva Marcille posed for a pic together on the red carpet of the Casio G-Shock “Shock the World 2009″ event at Cipriani Wall Street Wednesday (Aug 5) in New York City. Other celebs who hit up Casio G-Shock’s celebration of 26 years in business were Ashanti, Russell Simmons, Adrienne Bailon and more.

Continue reading for the rest of the pics!

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / FILM MAGIC / WENN

Lovebirds Nelly and Ashanti played on opposite teams Sunday evening (Jul 12) in St. Louis, Missouri as they both took part in the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game at Busch Stadium. Nelly’s team, the Nationals scored two home runs courtesy of the St. Louis native, who interestingly enough was set up for a really nice baseball career before he took his record deal.

Other celebrities who participated in the game include rapper Chingy, actor Billy Bob Thornton, former Backstreet Boys member Brian Litrell, Olympic gold medalist (gymnastics) Shawn Johnson and baseball legend Ozzie Smith. Continue reading for all of the pics!

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Here are some more recent pictures of celebs hitting up various events throughout the past couple of days.

Bow Wow walked the red carpet of the Los Angeles premiere of the sixth season of HBO’s “Entourage,” Maxwell performed on CBS’ “The Early Show” and Ashanti attended the NYC premiere of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”

Continue reading to see photos of Adrienne Bailon, Kevin Liles and more!

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE

With the help of Century 21, a family from Dalton, GA scored a trip to New York’s Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Terminal to meet singer Ashanti, who is the spokesman for Century 21′s “Path to Your Dreams Sweepstakes.”

Kimberly Green, an emergency room nurse, entered the contest in hopes that her family would win the $221,000 grand prize, which will go towards the purchase and closing costs of a brand new home. Ashanti sang the song “Home” from the hit Broadway musical, The Wiz, at the presentation of the grand prize in NYC.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE

Actor/comedian Bill Bellamy and his wife Kristen Baker, along with their children Bailey and Baron, hit up the red carpet of the 3rd annual Kidstock Music and Art Festival at Greystone Mansion Sunday (May 31) in Beverly Hills.

Musician Ziggy Marley also attended the Kidstock Music and Art Festival Sunday (May 31) in Beverly Hills.

Legendary musician Stevie Wonder, pictured above with actor Michael J. Fox, attended and performed at the Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research Summer Lawn Party held at a private residence Saturday (May 30) evening in Topanga, California.

Rapper LL Cool J aka Todd Smith and his wife Simone attended the 2009 Vueve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic on Governors Island Saturday (May 30) afternoon in New York City.

Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth and actor Wesley Snipes posed for a pic together at the book presentation of “African Legends Past and Future” at The Javits Center Saturday (May 30) in New York.

American Idol frontman Randy Jackson and his son Jordan walked the red carpet of the premiere of Universal Pictures’ new movie “Land of the Lost” at Grauman’s Chinese Theater Saturday (May 30) afternoon in Hollywood.

Actress Rosario Dawson attended Global Green USA’s 13th Annual Millenium Awards at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel Saturday (May 30) in Santa Monica, CA.

Ashanti and Nigel the Dog posed for pics together at the “There’s No Place Like Home” dog adoption at New York City Center Saturday (May 30) in New York City. The singer/songwriter and her new canine friend hosted the event.

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE // GETTY IMAGES

R&B singer Ashanti gave a special sneak peak performance as Dorothy from “The Wiz” as a part of the “Encores! Summer Stars Series” at New York City Center Tuesday in NYC. Ashanti will take on the role, made famous by Diana Ross, this summer at The New York City Center.

“We don’t start rehearsals until next Monday, so I’m at home rehearsing in my room,” she told MTV News at a press conference for “The Wiz,” where she sang the song “Home” from the show. “But it feels great to be out here and to sing ‘Home’ for the very first time in front of a crowd. It makes it realistic, and it kind of hits home, ironically.”

“I think so many people relate to that song on so many different levels. Obviously, for me, being gone and traveling so much, you miss home, and you get a sense of ‘I miss it,’ so when I’m there, I take advantage,” she said. “Then again, so many people are able to relate to it.”

The production will run from June 12th through July 5th at the New York City Center.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Singer Ashanti and Oscar trophy holder Halle Berry attended the Jenesse Silver Rose Gala and Auction, which was held Sunday night at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Ashanti’s mom Tina Douglas also was in attendance and posed for a pic on the red carpet with her daughter. Continue reading for the rest of the photos.

Actress Wendy Raquel Robinson (from CW’s The Game) and and Chef G. Garvin hit up the event too.

Comedian Wayne Brady was also at the event and just had to have a photo with two of the most beautiful women on the red carpet.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

Here’s the Plies‘ latest music video featuring Ashanti! Want It, Need it is from Plies’ latest album, Da REAList, which is in stores now. We hear the rapper, who’s already released 4 albums in the past 2 years, is working on his 5th studio album. What is he trying to do, set some sort of record?

Def Jam HNIC Antonio “L.A.” Reid, along with Nivea brand, hosted an exclusive Grammy Afterparty at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse on February 8, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California following the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. The celebrity guestlist included: Keyshia Cole, Kanye West, Young Jeezy, Christina Milian and more. Continue reading to see who all hit up the House of Hype Island Def Jam Grammy Afterparty!

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE / GETTY IMAGES

Beyonce and Jay-Z together, without a doubt, is the definition of “black love.” For our generation at least! They’ve been together for over 5 years, and have close to $170 million in the bank (combined), making them Hollywood’s richest couple! Much of their relationship is kept private, but their lives as celebrities, coupled with their fame and huge success as artists and entrepreneurs, makes it hard not to want to know more about them! We put them at the top of our list this time last year, but the only difference between then and now is that they are married. The two decided to tie the knot in a “private” ceremony in April 2008. And if you were around and living on planet earth, you definitely heard about it! After People.com announced that the two had taken out a marriage license in New York, the events that happened the weekend of April 4th 2008 were inevitable. After several black SUVs with heavily tinted windows were seen entering Jay-Z’s Manhattan apartment, in addition to the dozens of vans bringing in wedding decorations, we all knew what was going on.

Every paparazzo in the world set up shop outside of the apartment and snapped photos of Solange Knowles (Beyonce’s sister), Tina & Mathew Knowles (Beyonce’s parents), Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland, Irv Gotti, and more entering the apartment building’s ground-level garage. The list went on and on, but after seeing all of these people entering one place, we knew Beyonce and Jay-Z were DEFINITELY getting married. People.com actually confirmed it the next morning, and shortly after, we spotted the two wearing their wedding bands. These two getting married was definitely the talk of the blogosphere for the months to follow. And even though “Jayonce” never really confirmed their wedding, in several interviews that followed (Oprah, The Tyra Banks show, Essence Magazine, etc.) they were referred to as husband and wife, and neither contested it. But these two are the same people who never confirmed their initial relationship, so we’re definitely used to it!

Who else made the cut as GOT‘s hottest couples of 2008? Continue reading to see!

Next to Beyonce and Jay-Z, Chris Brown and Rihanna are definitely a power couple in the black blogosphere! In what may have started out as an innocent case of “puppy love” – or a publicity stunt, whatever you’d like to call it – these two have definitely grown together as a symbol of “teenage love,” as noted in Chris Brown’s song “Young Love.” Whether they’re spotted handling each other’s acne issues, spending time together on the set of a music video, arriving at at an airport, or even jet-skiing in Barbados, these two are guaranteed to garner tons of attention from the paparazzi. And once their photos hit the blogs, tons of pageviews and comments promptly follow.

Pregnancy rumors, break-up rumors and anything else you can think of surround this next couple – Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri. Right now, they’re both denying that they’re pregnant and have broken up, but only time will tell what’s really going on. Throughout the year 2008, these two were spotted at fashion shows in Paris, and you could catch them hanging out together on JD’s Youtube channel in his “Living the Life” series while Janet toured North America. Are they expecting a baby? Have they really broken up? We’ll just have to see what 2009 brings for one of our favorite couples of 2008!

CONTINUE READING TO PAGE 2 FOR MORE!

As the headline states, rapper Nelly is ready to propose to longtime singer girlfriend Ashanti, but there’s one problem. You see, most men have the future “father-in-law” to worry about, but the situation is totally different for Nelly. Ashanti’s mom, Tina Douglas, is apparenty c**k blocking and doesn’t want her daughter to get married. At least not right now…

“Tina sticks her nose in everything because she’s also Ashanti’s manager,” a source tells Star Magazine. “She’s always pushing Ashanti to make more money, to always look great. It stresses her out, and Nelly doesn’t like that.”

The rapper, 34, has tried to encourage Ashanti, 28, to become more independent, but “Tina has such a strong personality that she’s kind of afraid of her.” Still, if the singer doesn’t put her mom in her place soon, she won’t be getting that rock she’s been hoping for.

“Before he makes her his wife,” adds the source, “Nelly wants to know that Ashanti can make decisions on her own.”

[ SOURCE ]

Most women would kill for this type of up front commitment. Too bad Mama Douglas doesn’t want her daughter to be happy. SMH.

NEW YORK CITY // MONDAY, DECEMBER 8TH 2008 » Singer Ashanti paid a visit to Planet Hollywood in Times Square in New York City  to give gifts to under priveleged children from the Edwin Gould Services. Continue reading for more photos.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

With the assistance of Jose Cuervo Platino and Bud Select, rapper Nelly hosted the 3rd Annual Black & White Ball in St. Louis Monday night. Murphy Lee, Ashanti, and Jermaine Dupri were a few of the celebs included on the guest list. Continue reading for more photos form the shindig!

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE

NE-YO WORKING WITH MARILYN MANSON » So R&B singer/songwriter Ne-Yo is supposedly working with Marilyn Manson. And he’s not just writing a song for the goth rocker. They’re supposed to actually be doing a duet. Strange, right?

“I’ve wanted to work with him for ages and his people reached out to me when they heard,” Ne-Yo told the Daily Star. “People might think it’s a strange collaboration, I don’t. I have no idea what it’s gonna sound like and I have no idea what I can do for him, but I’m damn excited to figure it out and I know I have the capacity to do it.”

Can’t wait to hear this one…

ASHANTI TO RELEASE ” THE VAULT” » R&B singer Ashanti is attempting to make noise in the industry once again with the release of an album tentatively titled, “The Vault.”

Twelve unreleased Ashanti songs from seven years ago will see daylight next month thanks to AJM Records, the label that signed her before it inked a joint venture with her current label, Murder Inc. “The Vault” due Oct. 14, contains songs penned by Ashanti in 2001, before AJM joined forces with Murder Inc/Def Jam in 2002. Producers on the set include 15-year-old wunderkind Miguel “Migs” Baeza, Nocko (Mary J. Blige, Rick Ross), Steven White, Kenny Flav and AJM in-house beat-maker Kidd Kold (DMX, Foxy Brown). Migs helmed first single “Let’s Do Something Crazy,” featuring Flo Rida, while Kidd Kold created second single “Imagine.” Kold also produced seven other tracks on the album.

- Eur Web

If it didn’t work the first time, why try again a second time? If I were driving my car, and I ran a stop sign and was hit because I ran the stop sign, do you think my dumb ass is gonna try it again? Nope!

CHRISTINA MILIAN SIGNS DEAL WITH MYSPACE RECORDS » Another female R&B singer is trying to get a second chance with the industry. Christina Milian, who was released from Def Jam back in 2006, has signed with MySpace Records for an upcoming musical project.

Milian, 26, is working on her “comeback” and told the folks over at Billboard about her new record deal. “I’ve been out of the game for one and a half years, and I think I’m long overdue for a comeback, so I’m treating this album like it’s my last chance to make an impression,” she said. “I’m competing with myself and being very detailed. Before, I had a label telling me what direction to go in. Now, it’s my choice, so I’m being very particular about it and I’m really excited.’

The album features production from Cool and Dre, Danja and T-Pain; while Kanye West is the sole guest artist. Her first single ‘Us against the World’ which Milian calls a ‘cinematic power ballad” will be released on October 6 via Myspace.

- The Boom Box

The 5th Anniversary of Fashion Rocks! went down Friday night and the stars definitely came out and shined. Many celebrities came out to prove they can dress the best and the most…risky. Either way they still rocked the latest. Stars like Chris Brown, Rihanna, Ciara, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Brandy, Ashanti, Tyra Banks, and more all came out to show their love for fashion. Check out the best to the worst after the cut.

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE

HOLLYWOOD // WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6TH 2008 » Ashanti appeared and performed last night at the Heineken Red Star Soul Concert at Boulevard 3 in Hollywood. The event also saw appearances from Meagan Good, Jon B (where the hell has he been?!), Elise Neal, Saaphyri (of Flavor of Love / Charm School fame), and Marcus Polk (of Moesha fame). Some other folks showed up, but you guys aren’t “deep” enough to know who the hell they are. Hell, I don’t even know who the hell they are! But I’m not that “deep” either, so I guess that’d explain it lol. More flicks of the folks WE KNOW when you continue reading…

(PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE)

Lil Wayne is featured on the cover of the September 2008 issue of Blender Magazine. The Carter III, the latest album from the popular rapper is currenlty sitting in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 with over 2 million albums sold, in just under a few months!

My new favorite famous black family, The Obamas are featured on the September 2008 issue of Essence Magazine. I have faith that the American people will put this family into the White House, not just because they’re black and would make history, but because they damn well deserve it!

Singer Ashanti is currently featured on the latest issue of Page Six Magazine. Her latest album, The Declaration, is in stores now.

Cassie “I don’t f*ck for tracks so stop saying I do” Ventura is featured on the September 2008 issue of Complex Magazine. The “singer” will be releasing a new album soon. Check out the sexy ass-out shot from the photoshoot here.

R&B singer Fantasia is featured on the latest issue of Sister 2 Sister magazine.

New artist Keri Hilson is featured on the latest issue of Trace Magazine. Be on the lookout for her debut album, In A Perfect World, which will be released very soon!