Encores! Summer Stars THE WIZ
City Center Mainstage
View Programs/Casting
Jun 12 - Jul 5, 2009
$25, $40, $60, $85, $110
Book by WILLIAM F. BROWN
Music and Lyrics by CHARLIE SMALLS
Based on the story: "THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ" by L. FRANK BAUM
Grammy Award-winning Recording Artist
ASHANTI is Dorothy
Film & Television Star
ORLANDO JONES is the Wiz
Tony Award winner for The Color Purple
LACHANZE is Glinda
Music Direction by Tony Award winner
(Best Orchestrations In The Heights)
ALEX LACAMOIRE
Tony Award-winning Choreographer
for In The Heights
ANDY BLANKENBUEHLER
The Director of the Tony Award-winning
Musical In The Heights
THOMAS KAIL
The Wiz, the 1974 rock and soul musical based on the beloved L. Frank Baum story about Dorothy and her adventures in Oz, won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Choreography. The Encores! Summers Stars production of The Wiz will be directed by Thomas Kail and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler, the duo who brought the Tony Award-winning In the Heights to Broadway last season.
First show starts Friday June 12th 2009 - July 5th 2009
Make sure you don't miss it! Purchase Tickets Now!
Come June 12, Ashanti will be easing on down the road as Dorothy during a three-week stint in "The Wiz" at the New York City Center. And until she begins rehearsals next week, the Grammy-winning singer is just spending time at home, working on the role made famous by Diana Ross.
"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."
Although she still has a few weeks until she makes her debut as Dorothy, Ashanti is excited that night after night, she'll get the chance to sing "Home."
"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 cast includes Orlando Jones ("Mad TV") as the Wiz and LaChanze (Broadway's "The Color Purple") as Glinda. Ashanti can't wait to start working with them.
"Just jelling with the rest of the cast when we do our read and the script is hilarious. I didn't think it was going to be that funny, but it's really, really great," she said. "So just to hear the real voices and put the faces to the characters is going to be great."
Ashanti is no stranger to the Land of Oz. She previously made trips there as Dorothy in the Muppets version of "The Wizard of Oz" and as the Wicked Witch of the West for a charity production of "Wicked.""I don't know [why I keep visiting Oz]," she said. "They look at me like I'm Dorothy. That's going to be my new nickname!" - Mtv,com
Irv Gotti says he and Ashanti, the Princess of the Inc., will soon be parting company. He said they haven't been on speaking terms for some time, and the label head/reality-TV star says there's nothing he can do but end their musical and business affiliation.
"The relationship has run its course," Gotti explained earlier this week while visiting the MTV offices. "The chemistry of what's needed — we're in two totally different places. You're talking to somebody that took her and shaped and molded her and put her out there for the world, and it blew up. We [hold the record] for the [fastest] selling debut by a female R&B artist — 503 [thousand]. We did it! My views and philosophies and her views and philosophies are not meeting up."
Ashanti's last LP, The Declaration — her first in four years — came out in June of last year on the Inc. and was created with virtually no input from Gotti. The album was her first in-studio project not to go platinum. Gotti says it's because the singer deviated from their winning formula and tag-team effort.
"I personally believe for her to be successful, it took the energy ... when you seen her, it was 30 n---as around her, and she's the princess so nice and pretty walking through," he said. "The music was great, but it was the energy that was created. It wasn't just her standing there and singing a song.
"We don't really speak or talk or anything like that," he continued. "It's sad in a way. But in another, it's like it's all good."
Well, maybe not that good. Gotti said it is best for them to part ways.
"I don't think she can win. She needs some guidance with that," Gotti added. "But she's not thinking like that. Really, I couldn't tell you what she's thinking. So that relationship has run its course and honestly, I'm gonna just drop her."
At press time, a rep for Ashanti had not granted MTV News' requests for comment.
Hot97s 'School's Out Concert' At The Hammerstein Ballroom In NYC
Here are some pictures of Ashanti at Last Nights, Hot 97 School's Out Concert At The Hammerstein Ballroom In New York City! June 29th 2008. Check out photos over at WhatsPoppin.net!
Check out video of Ashanti performing "Foolish" and "Happy" during the Concert Below! Credit goes to Jennao0702! And check out video of Ashanti in rehearsals performing "Good Good"!
Ashanti Presenting at The 16th Annual 2008 ESPY Awards
Presenters at the 16th annual 2008 ESPY Awards, to be handed out in July, range from Lance Armstrong to Zac Efron to Jet Li.
Hosted by Justin Timberlake, the annual ceremony deals out awards to athletes using fan-based voting.
The complete list of presenters is as follows: Lance Armstrong, Jason Bateman, David Beckham, Kristen Bell, Sophia Bush, Ashanti, Zac Efron, Brendan Fraser, Samuel L. Jackson, Jet Li, Steve Nash, David Ortiz, Candace Parker, Danica Patrick, Annika Sorenstam, Kate Walsh and Luke Wilson.
ESPN said more presenters may be announced in the coming weeks.
The show will be taped July 16 at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles and televised on ESPN at 9 p.m. on July 20.
Heineken Announces All-Star Lineup for the Return of Heineken Red Star Soul
Heineken Announces All-Star Lineup for the Return of Heineken Red Star Soul Featuring Ashanti, Keyshia Cole and Raheem DeVaughn
Grammy-Nominated Artists Musiq Soulchild, Chrisette Michelle and Dwele Also Scheduled to Perform During Heineken Red Star Soul
Heineken Independent Achiever Award Selection Committee members (from left to right) Bryan-Michael Cox, Sylvia Rhone, Jason Orr, Kedar Massenburg and Kenny Burns deliberated at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills on June 23, 2008. The nine Heineken Independent Achiever Award winners will be announced when the Heineken Red Star Soul concert tour kicks off in August.
WHITE PLAINS, NY--(Marketwire - June 24, 2008) - Heineken USA announced today the star-studded artist lineup for the Heineken Red Star Soul concert series, scheduled to kick-off August 6 at BOULEVARD3 in Los Angeles with performances by Ashanti and Goapele. Following the launch, Heineken Red Star Soul will continue throughout the fall and feature Grammy-nominees Raheem DeVaughn, Chrisette Michelle and Dwele as well as Lyfe Jennings, Bilal and Musiq Soulchild.
"Heineken Red Star Soul was created to celebrate soul music, shine a spotlight on emerging artists and showcase prolific performers in soul and R&B music," said Shane Hoyne, Heineken Senior Brand Director, Heineken USA. "We're excited to welcome soul music superstars like Keyshia Cole and Musiq Soulchild to the Heineken Red Star Soul stage and look forward to also bringing new and promising artists to our consumers."
Following the Los Angeles launch, Heineken Red Star Soul will bring memorable music events and concerts to select cities nationwide. Scheduled locations, dates and artist lineup (subject to change).
Ashanti & Nelly hit up TAG Records official launch party on Monday, June 23, 2008. Guests at the party included Nelly, Ashanti, Nas, Kelis, Slim Thug, and many more. Check out Ashanti's little shout out in the video below.
Bet.com: We all know how demanding the media can be, mainly photographers. So when Nelly and Ashanti showed up for some photo opps in the media room, several of the photographers had a couple of demands for the head St. Lunatic. Check out what the fuss was about in the video right here.
Check out these two video clips of Ashanti on the red carpet during the 2008 BET Awards.. Ashanti red carpet interview with ETonline.com & Eonline.com!
Unfortunately ASHANTI didn't take home her award for Video Of The Year. But Ashanti did take the stage to Present an award with LL Cool J, and even came back out to personaly introduce Nelly's performance! They 'were' suppose to perform "Body On Me" together, but they decided not to after all. Either way, we got to see Ashanti and she looked beautiful! Check out more photos from the show and press room below!
Don't Miss the 2008 BET Awards airing Live TONIGHT, June 24th at 8/7c! Ashanti is Nominated for Video Of The Year for "The Way That I Love You"! Good Luck Shan! Tune in Tonight!
Ashanti & Nelly at The BET Awards 2008 Pre-Party Dinner! (June 23, 2008)
Ashanti and Nelly walked the red carpet together at the BET Awards, Pre-Party Dinner Last night in Los Angeles. Pretty in Pink, she's so beautiful! =) Can't wait to see her tonight!
Ashanti at An Event for Debra L. Lee, (June 23, 2008)
Ashanti was out in LA last night, and attended a special event, An Evening With Debra L. Lee, June 23rd 2008. Check out photos of Ashanti who also took the stage for a performance! =)
Video of Ashanti and Nelly spoted at Kress the same night.
Ashanti featured performance on Yahoo! Pepsi Smash!
Ashanti is featured performer on Yahoo! Pepsi Smash! Just a few weeks ago Ashanti performed a set of, "The Way That I Love You", "Girlfriend", "So Over You" plus an exclusive interview! just for Pepsi Smash, so check out her performances below!
Nelly and Ashanti shot the video for "Body On Me" at The Red Rock Resort in in Las Vegas on Thursday, June 19th 2008. Check out a lil clip someone managed to record with their camera. First video together.. how cute. :) Lol
ClayCane: Though not a track on The Declaration, her first studio album in four years, Ashanti’s “Diva” is turning out the Internet. The campy runway track (which dramatically opens with Ashanti declaring, “Don’t come for me between two and three because I’m in the beauty shop—bitch!”) shouts out her favorite queens, including RuPaul, Elton John and even Perez Hilton, making it possibly the first song a prominent R&B artist has recorded strictly for the children. So we asked the 27-year-old diva to sound off on her gay circle, hip-hop homophobia and her biggest rival, Miss Beyoncé.
ClayCane: In terms of music, where have you been these last four years? Ashanti: All over the place. I had the opportunity to film John Tucker Must Die and Resident Evil: Extinction, and after the last movie I said, “Let me step in the studio and get those creative juices rolling again!” Music has changed so much and it’s still changing. Every few months it’s a new sound, or something else is being injected into music. You definitely have to keep up with the pace. I’ve grown so much, I’ve learned so much, and with this project [The Declaration] I’ve done everything by myself. I executive produced it—behind the scenes, in front of the scenes. Creatively, it’s definitely something really different.
ClayCane: I knew you had a gay following when I saw Ashanti and Beyoncé drag queens battling it out at clubs. When did you know? Ashanti: Emil Wilbekin—he used to be the editor at Vibe—was one of the first to really believe in me. He put me on the cover of the magazine—before the album came out, before the frenzy of 500,000 albums sold—and I did a performance at this gay club. It was off the chain! I had so much fun; it was just so much love.
ClayCane: Do you have gay people in your inner circle? Ashanti: Yeah! The industry is run by the gay hairstylists, gay makeup artists and gay stylists. You have to have somebody gay in your crew if you’re going be successful.
ClayCane: A dear friend of yours, Ja Rule, famously said in September 2007 that “gay people are fucking up America.” Why do you think there’s so much homophobia in hip-hop? Ashanti: [Laughs] I don’t know, boo-boo! That’s kind of foreign for me to comment on. I don’t know if guys are intimidated or not comfortable... I love gay guys! [Laughs] I guess you just have to be comfortable in your own skin.
ClayCane: If you could be a man for a day, what’s the first thing you would do? Ashanti: I don’t wanna say it! [Laughs]
ClayCane: That’s the same thing Janet Jackson told me. You can say it—let it out! Ashanti: If I was a man for a day... I would throw out all the tampons in the house! [Laughs] Don’t have to worry about the cramps, no hair and makeup!
ClayCane: Who’s your celebrity girl-crush? Ashanti: What?! [Laughs] I’m strictly!
ClayCane: How do you feel about the Beyoncé versus Ashanti comparisons? Ashanti: I think it’s just natural; people are always going to do it—it’s part of the game. You have two females who are successful and doing what they love. There is definitely going to be comparisons. I think that we’re just very different artists, we have very different music. There is always room for good music.
ClayCane: If an Ashanti drag queen had to battle a Beyoncé drag queen, what advice would you give the Ashanti drag queen? Ashanti: Do only you—and swing your hair really hard!
Ashanti was on Hot97s Angie Martinez Show, a few weeks ago to promote, The Declaration. I was never able to rip the audio, but Watch the video interview just below. :)
Ashanti, Princess of Hip-Hop Soul,
Comes Home to Glen Cove
Ashanti, known to the music world as the Princess of Hip-Hop Soul came home to Glen Cove on Friday, June 6, where she is better known as a native, a Glen Cove High School alumna, a former member of the Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club, Tina and Kenkaide Douglas' elder daughter, Kenashia's sister, Cheryl Goodine's niece, and granddaughter of the late James Davis, a staunch advocate and proponent of the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Simply put, Ashanti is a Glen Cove blueblood.
Following an appearance on Good Morning America, Ashanti made her way by seaplane for her hometown appearance at the Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club to make a donation of $75,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with $25,000 earmarked for the Glen Cove club.
Many club members were on hand to meet with the star, but the event was not a typical scene of screeching fans all vying for attention. Instead, the singer/songwriter was greeted with sweet young voices all calling out, "Hi, Ashanti!" and waving, just like they would to any other old friend. That's who Ashanti is at the GCB&G Club. She greeted her fans, commented on how some had grown, hugged and kissed others and remarked that it was "good to be home."
Accepting the donation was another luminary of the club, Naquasia Pinchback, who was recently named State Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and is going on to regional competition this summer. It was a tremendous credit to the Glen Cove club to have two successful, intelligent, lovely role models on the makeshift stage, while wide-eyed young boys and girls watched and listened. After thanking the singer for her gift, Naquasia told Ashanti how important she believes it is for "young women and men of color to have such an extraordinary person to look up to."
Debbie Brisbane, acting executive director of the club and president of the board of trustees, welcomed Ashanti home and told her that "we are happy to know that we are always in your heart and want you to know that you are always in ours." AntonNews.com
I've added outtakes from Ashanti's photo shoot with Smallz & Raskind, last month durng her taping for AOL Sessions. Ashanti looks so Good! View more in the gallery. Big thanks to Dominick!
Before it's too Late. I'd like to say Happy Father's Day Ken-Kaide!! Hope you had a good one! =) And too our Dad and ALL of the Dads out there! Happy Fathers Day!
[[Video]] Ashanti Singing The National Anthem Tonight at Game 5 of the NBA Finals
Here's Ashanti singing the National Anthem at Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics at the Staples Center. Sunday, June 15th 2008. Ashanti did an AMAZING job!! She sounded beautiful! :) Watch below.
Ashanti Singing The National Anthem Tonight at Game 5 of the NBA Finals
Don't miss Ashanti performing the National Anthem, Tonight June 15th, prior to Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics at the Staples Center. The performance will be televised live on ABC in the U.S. and to a worldwide audience in more than 200 countries and territories beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET.
If you got that "Good Good" & Y'know it LENO Show Em' Where It's At!
Ashanti performed her New Single "Good Good" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, June 13th 2008! Ashanti killed it! One of my favorites! Check out that Good Good performance below!
Reminder: Ashanti to Perform National Anthem Before Game 5
LOS ANGELES, June 13, 2008 - Grammy Award-winning singer Ashanti will perform the National Anthem before a global audience on Sunday, June 15, prior to Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics at the Staples Center.
All National Anthem performances during the best-of-seven series will be televised live on ABC in the U.S. and to a worldwide audience in more than 200 countries and territories beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Ashanti's fourth studio album The Declaration, in stores now, features the hit single “The Way That I Love You” which became Ashanti's 14th top ten hit on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop chart, making her the only female artist to achieve this feat within the last decade. - NBA.COM
Ashanti & Cartier Donate to The Glencove Boys & Girls Club of America
Check out these recent photos of Ashanti with Cartier at the Glen Cove Boys and Girls Club in Glen Cove New York, Last Friday, June 6th 2008. Ashanti was greeted with young fans and honored by Mayor Ralph V. Suozzi for all her work and accomplishments.
I've updated the gallery with some older and newer photo sessions! Check out the two latest photo shoots below. Ashanti shot the first set with Smallz & Raskind last week during her AOL Sessions taping and the other is a photoshoot she did with Jim Cooper on Thursday, May 29, 2008. Check out the full sets in the gallery below!
I've uploaded Ashanti's interview from Chelsea Lately today! (June 12th 2008) I LOVE this interview! It didn't seem so scripted and they didn't ask the same old questions.. Refreshing! Ohh and Ashanti looked SOO GOOD..GOOD in it!! Damn! & She looked like she was having fun again =] Check the video out below! =) Leave your comments on what you think.
Ashanti on "Chelsea Lately" (June 12th 2008) Interview [6:56 MIN | 59.3 MB]
I had to post this cute little video Ashanti made after her performance at The Knitting Factory last week! You can tell she was a little worn out.. but She's so cute! You gotta love her! <3
After putting out 3 platinum selling albums and being a guest vocal on many smash hit records, Ashanti is back with her fourth studio album, Declaration. Ashanti took the time to call into Devo Brown and speak about her first album in 4 years, how she got started, her personal life, and so much more! The album is pretty good and will put her on the map! - DevoBrown.ca Download the interview Right here!
E!'s late-night half-hour sensation Chelsea Lately features quick-witted commentary and a refreshing pop-culture perspective from comedian, TV personality and author Chelsea Handler. Tonight Chelsea welcomes singer/actress Ashanti. Tune in tonight to catch Ashanti on Chelsea Lately airing on the E! Network at 11:30 pm Est.
Ashanti Performing during SaberCats Halftime Show, Saturday June 14th!
Attention San Jose SaberCats fans! Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday, June 14th, when the SaberCats host the Tampa Bay Storm at HP Pavilion. Game time is 7:30 p.m. (PT) and the first 5,000 fans will receive a full set of SaberCats trading cards compliments of Netgear. In addition, Grammy award winning performer ASHANTI will be performing live at halftime. Fresh off the release of her fourth album, “The Declaration”, Ashanti will bring her distinctive style to the ‘Cats Lair live on Saturday the 14th for an exclusive halftime show. Tickets may be purchased at any Ticketmaster location, online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 408-998-TIXS or in person at the HP Pavilion box office during regular box office hours. Be sure to check the SaberCats website in the coming days for more details. More information at SanJoseSabercats.com
MTV's 'Spankin' New Music Week' Interview & Performance!
Here's Ashanti's appearance from today on MTV's TRL Spankin' New Music Week June 12th 2008! Ashanti talked about ideclareme.com and The Declaration & took the stage to perform, "The Way That I Love You", she did a amazing job! She sound great! Sounds like her voice is coming back! ;)
Ashanti Hosting "I Wanna Thank My Mama" BET Nomination Special
When you make it to the top, who do you want to thank? Your mama of course! Don’t miss this year’s BET Awards Nomination Special, “I Wanna Thank My Mama.” Tune in, Wednesday, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), for the network premiere!
In preparation for the upcoming Awards, BET previews the categories and nominees in its hit nomination special, “I Wanna Thank My Mama.” This BET Awards ’08 Nomination Special will take a look back at the year in music with help from some of your favorite entertainment insiders (and several nominees) with commentary about each category.
Get ready for cable television’s No. 1 awards show, and don’t miss the nomination Special, “I Wanna Thank My Mamma.” Tune in Wednesday, June 11, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT), for the network premiere. Catch the encore, Thursday, June 12, at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT) and Saturday, June 14, at 3 p.m. (ET/PT).
Premieres:
“I Wanna Thank My Mama,” Wednesday, June, 11, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT)
Encores:
“I Wanna Thank My Mama,” Thursday, June 12, at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT)
“I Wanna Thank My Mama,” Saturday, June 14, at 3 p.m. (ET/PT)
BET makes history again as the biggest stars in music, sports and entertainment represent for a night of fabulous performances and unforgettable surprises on June 24, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Don’t miss a minute! - Bet.com
"Body On Me" is one of Nelly's next singles! The single was added to iTunes Yesterday and it's already #37 on Itunes! Buy your copy of the single at iTunes NOW! & start requesting & promoting at all your local radio stations!
"Good Good" is Ashanti's 2nd Single off "The Declaration"! Start downloading & Requesting!
"The Declaration" also hold the #2 Spot on Itunes Top R&B/Soul Albums! "The Way That I Love You" is at #9 Top R&B Songs!
"The Declaration" Debuts at No. 6 on Billboard Hot 100!
Ashanti lands at No. 6 with "The Declaration" (Universal Motown), shifting 86,000. Her last studio effort, 2005's "Concrete Rose," started at No. 7 with 254,000 during Christmas week 2004. - Billboard
We just got started with promotion! So Make sure you go out and Pick Up ANOTHER Copy or two or three of "The Declaration" Today!! Also get your copy online! =) Spread the word & Keep requesting!
TheBoomBox.com: Though most might not realize it, Grammy Award-winning songstress Ashanti is much more than just a pretty voice. The "Princess of R&B" is also a songwriter, producer, actress, and fashion designer. Ashanti recently opened up to AOL Music about her many roles in the creation of her latest album, her recent four year hiatus, and what it's like being "one of the guys." The singer also talks about her rumored relationship with Nelly. "I mean, have we been on dates? Of course! We went to the movies. We went to Anguilla! [More laughter] He's a good dude," Ashanti admits. Watch Ashanti perform live on AOL Sessions!
I found a video clip from Ashanti's appearance from Tuesday's Total Request Live! Thanks to MrDiallo! Check out the video below! Ashanti will be back to perform for MTV's Spankin' New Music Week! Thursday, June 12th!
Ashanti on "Live With Regis & Kelly" Performance & Cooking Segment!
Here's video from Ashanti's appearance on Live With Regis & Kelly! Ashanti took the stage to perform her hit single, "The Way That I Love You" and even took part of their Cooking segment, Grilling with the Stars where Ashanti got it poppin with her "Good Good" Salmon Teriyaki. Click here to watch Video of Ashanti talking about her "Good Good" Salmon Teriyaki & Visit Regis & Kelly for the recipe and Don't forget to rate her recipe and check out her new album!
Fans are invited to join and celebrate Ashanti’s partnership with Cartier at the Glen Cove Boys and Girls Club, 113 Glen Cove Avenue, Glen Cove NY 11542 at 4pm Friday June 6th. - Ashanti This Is Me
"The Declaration" Album Release Party in Manhattan, New York (June 4th 2008)
Ashanti celebrated the Album Release of "The Declaration" with a huge Listening party in Manhattan Last Night, June 4th, 2008. The event was presented by The Bombay Sapphire & Vibe Magazine at The W Hotel in New York! Thanks to WhatsPoppin.net for this set of photos!
Ashanti will tape her appearance on Live with Regis & Kelly tomorrow. The talented R&B singer ASHANTI performs a track off of her new album, "The Declaration" available now.
A Sidekick No More, Ashanti Tries Some New Poses for the Spotlight
Ashanti has never needed to be great, and so she never has been. Or is it that Ashanti has never been thought to be great, so no one has ever asked much of her?
A native of Long Island, she first made her name as a doe-eyed sidekick, softening up tough rappers like Ja Rule and Fat Joe with feather-light choruses. Her guileless presence helped vouch for these bruisers as they looked for younger, and more female, audiences. Ashanti was little more than an accessory, and although she has sold several million albums by herself, she remains a cipher; even her biggest stand-alone hits didn’t feel fully her own.
Four years have passed since the release of her last album, and her show Monday night at the Knitting Factory — in front of a small but devoted crowd (tickets were given away as part of an Internet promotion) with a roughly one-to-one ratio of people to cameras — felt like a first step toward building a better Ashanti, or at least a whole one.
Notably, she performed none of her early collaborations and breezed through her best-known songs — “Foolish,”“Happy,”“Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)” — in a quick medley. Instead she sketched an outline for a new history of herself.
Her fourth album, “The Declaration” (The Inc./Universal Motown), has just been released, and it is her best. It is also her first without the producer Irv Gotti, who guided her career and to whom she has been romantically linked, and succeeds by solving the problem of Ashanti’s anonymity with buoyant, softly robotic and sometimes startling production from LT Hutton and Channel 7 (formerly 7 Aurelius), among others. This lightness suits her, and it has little to do with how neatly she can fit in someone else’s shadow.
“The Declaration” also does not ask much of Ashanti vocally, so this show was something like a secret revealed. (Where once she was inconsequential, now she is underestimated.) When, midset, she fired off a few Mary J. Blige lines — from Ms. Blige’s appearance on Jay-Z’s “Can’t Knock the Hustle” — they were surprisingly forceful, especially since, on record, Ashanti has far more in common with soul sensualists of the 1980s and early ’90s like Chanté Moore and Cherrelle than with cathartic belters like Ms. Blige.
The tiny stage was crammed with five band members and as many as four dancers, enough distraction — especially the aggressive choreography on “Things You Make Me Do” and “The Way That I Love You” — to draw attention away from Ashanti’s singing. But she did not need it. Though she skipped two of the album’s most powerful songs, “Shine” and the title track, her version of “Girlfriend” was subtle and warm, and “Good Good” was cheekier than anything she’s done to date. At the end of her last song, “The Way That I Love You,” she held the final note for a few seconds after the music stopped, just because she could, and maybe because no one expected her to.
Ashanti signs copies of "The Declaration" at The Virgin Megastore in Times Square
Ashanti signed copies and performed for fans who went out to purchase "The Declaration" at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square. June 3rd 2008. So sexy in white! =)
Ashanti performing "Good Good" Live at Virgin Megastore. Credit goes to dciz1!
Ashanti's Handprint Ceremony at Planet Hollywood (June 3rd 2008)
Ashanti was at Planet Hollywood today for a special Handprint Ceremony in honor of her new album "The Declaration". She looks Soo beautiful!! =) More photos in the gallery.
Encores! Summer Stars
