The hip-hop landscape may be dominated by members of the Young Money label at the moment, but there was a time not too long ago when the scene was dominated by Murder, Inc., the label headed by Irv Gotti that introduced the universe to the likes of rapper Ja Rule, producer 7 Aurelius and singer Ashanti, who dropped her self-titled debut album on this day in 2002. Ashanti’s special blend of hip-hop-flavored R&B saw her sharp, versatile voice wrapped around the soulful, hypnotic beats that Murder, Inc. producers Aurelius, Gotti and Chink Santana seemed to churn out in their sleep.

Fans first heard Ashanti’s cooing voice backing up rappers and singing hooks on hits like Ja Rule and Jennifer Lopez’s “I’m Real,” Fat Joe’s “Whut’s Luv?” and Rule’s “Always on Time.” But she really made it big when her debut solo single “Foolish” flew to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for 10 weeks. When the album finally dropped, it sold over a half million copies in its opening week, which made it the best first week from a female debut of all time (a record that was recently broken by Susan Boyle, of all people). Ashanti eventually sold over three million copies and won the singer a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album.

Ashanti released three more albums for Murder, Inc. (now just known as The Inc.) before departing in 2009. She seems to have settled into a healthy acting career, starring in a number of films, TV shows and stage productions. Even if she never comes back to music, her body of work will stand the test of time — especially signature tracks like the single “Happy.” - MTV.com

Also, today, Ashanti’s younger sister Shia turns the big 2-1. Everyone, make sure you wish her a happy birthday on Twitter @PDEESOFNY!!!

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MYFOXNY - R&B singer Ashanti is lighting up the stage as Dorothy in the Broadway production, ‘The Wiz.’

Her relationship with Michael Jackson has made the last few days exceptionally difficult for the singer. The two were good friends.

Ashanti performed Jackson’s ‘Rock With You’ at all her concerts.

Watch the video (below) for Good Day NY’s Rosanna Scotto’s interview with Ashanti.

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Today marks SIX years since the release of Ashanti’s sophomore album “Chapter II” which debuted at #1 and won various awards and nominations. Chapter II brought us two #2 hits: “Rock Wit U (Awww Baby) & “Rain On Me” and earned Ashanti three more Grammy nominations (8 in total, 1 win). I love to listen to this album in the summer, it never gets old. Aside from the singles, my favorite tracks are “Breakup to Makeup”, “Carry On”, “Then Ya Gone” & “Living My Life”!!!

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Today marks the FIRST year anniversary since the release of Ashanti’s fourth studio album “The Declaration” which brought us the #1 hit “The Way That I Love You”. It’s amazing how fast time goes by, seems like it was just yesterday that I was meeting Ashanti left and right at concerts and events. This album was definitely slept on and if you don’t own a copy, you are truly missing out! AD.us’ favs: “The Way That I Love You”, “You’re Gonna Miss”, “So Over You”, “Struggle”, “Things You Make Me Do” & “Mother”. Bring on album number five!

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Today, Ashanti’s younger sister Shia, turns 20 years old. I would like to wish Shia a very happy birthday and many more to come. May your wildest dreams come true!

Also, SEVEN years ago, today, “Ashanti” was released. April 2nd, 2002 was the day the story we all call “Ashanti” official began. Since then, Ashanti has accomplished many things in her career. She has become a writer, an actress, a philanthropist, producer, writer, dancer, amongst many other things. She holds the record for biggest first week sales by a debut female artist, having sold over 500,000+ albums in one week. She is also the first female artist, and only second to The Beatles, to have THREE Top 10 Hits in the same week. That same week, while “Always On Time”, “What’s Luv” and “Foolish” were all in the Billboard Top 10, a song Ashanti wrote and sang background for, Jennifer Lopez’ “Ain’t It Funny” was also in the Top 10. “Ashanti” won many awards, including a Grammy, 8 Billboard Music Awards, 2 American Music Awards, the Aretha Franklin Award for Entertainer Of The Year and many more! The Album has sold 7 million copies world wide and produced several hits such as “Foolish”, “Happy” and “Baby”. I can go on and on about all the great things this album accomplished, and with that said, Happy 7th anniversary “Ashanti”!

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“The Vault” is now also available in Japan starting today February 18th, 2009. Like the Germany version, it will also include the song “Summertime” which was not included in the USA version of the album. To order online, click HERE.

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“The Vault” was released in Germany this week on January 30, 2009. It includes the brand new song “Summertime” which was not included in the USA version of the album. To order online, click HERE.

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According to HMV Japan, physical copies of “The Vault” will also be released in Japan on February 4, 2009. It will available with a new cover, the tracklist has not yet been revealed. For more information, click HERE.

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According to Amazon.com, physical copies of “The Vault” will be released in Germany on January 30, 2009. It will include two bonus tracks, one which we already heard via iTunes (Gotta Get Out) and another titled “Summertime”. To pre-order, click HERE.

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Today marks four years since the release of Ashanti’s third studio album “Concrete Rose”. Since then, thanks to the worldwide hit “Only U”, the album has gone platinum. Congratulations Ashanti, can’t wait for album number five!

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