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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HAPPY BIRTHDAY ASHANTI!!!

May God bring you joy, health and lots of success for many more years to come! Your fans love you!!!

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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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Here are some rare photos of Ashanti on her 27th and 28th birthday parties. I personally never seen these before. Each thumbnail below redirects to a different location. Enjoy.

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This video was just uploaded on YouTube by whatuneedtv, Ashanti can be seen at the very end.

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“Two of music’s hottest hit makers finally come clean about their romance! Hear Nelly sound off on his girl Ashanti.” Click here to view the video.

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Happy birthday to Ashanti’s make-up artist JJ (Make-up’s Jacob) and her good good friend Nelly. Also, congratulations OBAMA. History was made today!

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I’m a little late with this, but I had to post it. Initially, I was going to when I first read it - but it slipped by. Ashanti’s younger sister, Shia - left Ashanti this cute birthday message via MySpace.

“to my one and only sister-bestfriend.. I love you, I love you, I love you! Happy Birthday boo boo! Lol i left ur card home..”

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Here are 5 more photos, in high quality, of Ashanti’s 28th Birthday party at Area Nightclub on October 13, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.

[Arrivals, High Quality x004]

[Inside, High Quality x001]

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BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 13: Ashanti arrives at Detail, Ashanti and Keyshia Cole’s Birthday Celebration at Area on October 13, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.

[Birthday Party x004]

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