BET.COM INTERVIEW WITH ASHANTI

Once the princess of the Murder Inc. music empire, singer/songwriter Ashanti took a well-deserved break from the spotlight this year. After Murder Inc., (now known as The Inc.) head Irv Gotti beat money laundering charges in 2005, most of their acts remained dormant while the label regrouped. While it may seem that the only appearances Ashanti made in that time were on boyfriend Nelly’s arm, she says she was up to a lot during her time away. BET.com caught up with Ashanti recently to get the scoop.
BET: You’ve been out of the spotlight for a little while. What have you been up to?
ASHANTI:I’ve been working on a little bit of everything. The album is coming; it’s called Incredible. Other than that, I’m in the new film “Resident Evil,” coming out in spring of 2007. [I have] a book coming the middle of next year and a line of bags. I’m brewing up a little bit of everything.
BET:What was the motivation behind working on “Pac’s Life?”
ASHANTI:It was actually destiny. I was out in L.A. recording my album with the same producer who did the record, and we had a good rapport. Later, he came in and played it, and I just knew I had to be on it. Everyone thought it was a good idea, so we re-did the song and I got on it, and it came out hot. I’m very honored to be a part of this project.
BET:What are some of your favorite Tupac songs, and how do they appeal to you?
ASHANTI:Pac did so many records that I love. There’s “California Love,” “Dear Mama,” and I liked “I Get Around,” even though I don’t get around, I liked the record [laughs]. It’s such a long list of songs. Tupac is so legendary in his art that you can’t deny him.
BET:You started the trend of being the around-the-way girl without being street or overtly sexual. Given the industry these days, did you ever think twice about that?
ASHANTI:I think that it’s imperative to stay true to yourself. I am who I am as an artist and at home in my pajamas. As far as what I bring to the table with the songs that I’ve done; I’m not out there naked or with baggy pants on. I’m just me.
BET: What are your thoughts on how sex is constantly used to sell music?
ASHANTI: Honestly, I think there’s a lane for everyone. Everybody has their own opinion; you either love it, hate it or don’t even care. But everyone is free to express themselves. People shouldn’t be limited.
BET:What do you think of the fact that so many singers have come out with a similar style to yours? Is it flattering or irritating?
ASHANTI:I think it’s something to feel flattered about. I feel like the females in the industry now are doing it big and I’m proud. There’s so much that females can bring to the table. We all know that this is a male-dominated industry, so power to all the females.

Please Ashanti does not have any swagger jackers... and why didn't they ask her about Nelly the way they use to ask Bee about Jay....and what about her recent weight gain... this interview sucked