 J&R: You’re a Grammy award winning musician who needs no introduction to our readers. Tell us about your past. How did you get involved in music and did you always aspire to be a singer?
Ashanti: Growing up listening to loud music at home with family and at family barbeques, my family just loves good food and good music. No, I never aspired to be a singer, it just happened accidentally.
J&R: Who were some of your musical influences?
Ashanti: Blue Magic, Heat Wave, Mary Jane Girls, Mary J. Blige.
J&R: Apart from your illustrious music career, you’re also an accomplished actress. Did you plan on going into acting after establishing a music career?
Ashanti: Yes, definitely, I wanted to try acting! I did a few High School plays and always wanted to try it and see if I enjoyed it.
J&R: Your latest album, ‘The Declaration’ is the first studio album where you got different producers outside of The Inc. family. What led you to make that decision?
Ashanti: It had been 4 yrs. Since my last album and I wanted to grow and try things differently. I had a blast working with so many different producers.
J&R: What can we expect from you in the future? Are you currently working on any upcoming projects?
Ashanti: I am currently working on some film projects and of course more music. I have plans to do a tour very soon.
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Ashanti will be part of the Musicfest lineup performing on Saturday August 23rd in City Hall Park, located directly across the street from J&R Music World on Park Row. The show starts at 1pm, and it is completely FREE!
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Posted by Jon Aléksandr on September 3rd, 2008 with 
• Access Granted 1
• Access Granted 2
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• "Summertime"
• "The World"
