In a heartfelt and deeply personal conversation, Ashanti returns to The Angie Martinez IRL Podcast as the show’s first recurring guest. The R&B icon opens up about the past two years of transformation, from rekindling her relationship with Nelly to stepping into motherhood and marriage.
Finding Love Again: Ashanti & Nelly’s Full-Circle Moment
Ashanti reflects on her surprising reunion with Nelly, revealing that it all started with a simple text exchange after their Verzuz battle. What began as a casual reconnection quickly turned into something deeper, proving that time and growth can change everything. “It didn’t even feel like seven years had passed,” she shares, emphasizing that improved communication and emotional maturity were key to rebuilding their bond.
What followed was a whirlwind of love—culminating in a Valentine’s Day date in Vegas, a deepened commitment, marriage, and the arrival of their son, affectionately called KK. Ashanti admits she once vowed never to “spin the block” with an ex, but now believes that “what’s meant to be will be.”
Marriage, Motherhood & A New Perspective on Life
Transitioning from long-term partners to husband and wife, Ashanti describes marriage as requiring an even greater level of respect and honor. She also opens up about the overwhelming instinct to protect her son, explaining how motherhood has reshaped her priorities and daily life.
Despite juggling a career and a growing family, Ashanti remains committed to her music, revealing plans for a UK tour while still breastfeeding. She and Nelly are also set to star in a new reality show, an idea spearheaded by Nelly to showcase their evolving family dynamic.
A New Era in Film & Music
Beyond her personal life, Ashanti is pushing boundaries in her career. She talks about her latest film No Dress, where she plays a homeless, drug-addicted veteran. The project aims to shed light on homelessness and challenge perceptions about who it can impact. On the music side, she teases a new record, You Up, set for release in April.
Processing Loss & Holding Onto Positivity
The conversation takes an emotional turn as Ashanti discusses the passing of Irv Gotti, acknowledging the complicated nature of their history. While their relationship ended on a sour note, she chooses to focus on their creative legacy and prays for peace.
Looking Ahead
During the IRL segment, Ashanti rates her happiness as “a thousand” on a scale of one to ten, crediting her newfound balance in love, family, and career. She shares her manifestation ritual—writing down goals, placing them in a Bible, and trusting the process.
Looking five years ahead, she envisions a bigger family, expanding her business ventures, and stepping into children’s entertainment. As she continues to evolve, Ashanti’s journey proves that love, growth, and faith can shape the most beautiful chapters of life.
