Album Review: Ashanti – The Declaration
This week, Ashanti releases her new album, The Declaration, after a 4 year hiatus. The follow-up album to her last effort, Concrete Rose has been a long time coming. After a couple of failed buzz singles (the Nelly-featured “Switch,” and the “Last Night”-esque “Hey Baby (After the Club)”) and a lot of push backs, Ashanti is finally ready to come back.
Ashanti sprang back onto the scene with the official first single, “♫ The Way That I Love You,” which I thought was a great way to reintroduce herself to the public. It got a lot of great feedback across blogs, great radio play, and when the video dropped, it blazed countdowns. It seemed as though Ashanti finally found a single that was being embraced pretty positively. On The Declaration it seems as though Ashanti took a step out from the Inc. family and tapped a couple different producers to experiment with her sound a bit. And I won’t lie, even with the excessive amount of times Ashanti used to use the word “baby” in her songs, I’ve always had respect for her writing ability – especially after her debut album.
There are a couple different sounds that Ashanti plays with on the new album. There are some very R&B-heavy ballads and midtempo jams, but then it seems as though she decided to play with the popular dance-inspired tracks that have been dropping as of late. Ashanti recruits Rodney “Darkchild” Jenkins, Jermaine Dupri, Akon, Babyface and LT Hutton, who has the most credits on the album. She also collaborates with boyfriend Nelly, Akon and Robin Thicke.
Although the album boasts a few nice tracks, stand out tracks include the first single, “The Way That I Love You,” the smooth “Things You Make Me Do,” a duet with the master of blue-eyed soul, Robin Thicke, as well as the single-worthy, radio-friendly Jermaine Dupri-produced “Good Good,” and a personal favorite, “Girlfriend.” I think that Ashanti may want to rethink “Body On Me” for the next single, though.
If you’re digging what you’ve heard on The Declaration, make sure you cop it today in stores or on iTunes!
You guys i think Angle’s computer is broken or something thats probably the reason why CL’s been slacking a bit lately, y’all just need to have pateience.
Oh and i agree with everything # 289 aka HA said, there truthful words but the bey stans dont like reading them.
*Angel*
whats up with the comparing female r&b singers? its not that serious, the way i see it, Bey, Ashanti, Alicia, Mary, Mariah, etc all have something to bring to the table. But, in defense of Ashanti, The Declaration sounds 100 times better than that crap of an album B’Day!!! that cd was disappointing and horrible. not to mention that she had to hire someone (Ne-Yo) to write her hot song and ONLY decent song on B’Day. ashanti is original being that she writes all of her stuff. and get me bodied- HORRIBLE!!!! nobody woulda been digging that if it was somebody else. she aint living up to all that hype!! Strike 1 on Beyonce. Next strike, Bey is ashamed of being black, she said she was jealous of Latinas!!! wtf?? u serious? Never have u heard Ashanti, better yet, any female r&b artist say that. Major strike!!! she lost all my respect then. One more strike- Bey DID NOT set the standards for dress…..for all it matter, she is living in the shadow of Tina Turner and she been played out yrs ago! just face it, Bey is NOT that hot, dont get me wrong, she has style and swag, but ppl need to stop kissing her ass.
Still jamming to The album…Yo Struggle is that jam…its so many chill songs on the album and I feel they made the album flow…Girlfriend is also another bangin’ track mad seductive. To be honest I can listen to the full album without skippin’ any thing. She’s back and people gettin’ scare lmfao after all she’s been through she managed to overcome that and THAT’S why she will survive.
The wait is over, The declaration has finally arrived. Loved the album, completely a new material from Ashanti. Love it.
#243 hit the nail in the head. I couldn’t have said it any different. That latina statement of her’s is three strikes alone. The sad part is I respected her so much up until that point and until B’Day dropped. A Dissappointment!
Ashanti and Robin Thicke with “Things you make me do
In this song you can clearly hear here that her vocals are better than ever Compliments to Channel 7 for this great produce work
Ashanti’s voice in this song is so sexy………..
ASHANTI the PRINCESS of HIP HOP & R&B is BACK
CONGATULETIONS ON YOUR NEW ALBUM PRINCESS
Ashanti and Robin Thicke with Things you make me do this one is a great singel material In this song you can hear her vocals are better and very sexy another one is good good this song is hot seriosly all the songs on her album are hot they all can be singel material
If you are not Ashanti herself, then she should really be paying you. LMAO at you typing paragraphs under different names and spending more time talking about Beyonce than Ashanti. LMAO
Beyonce=hottest chick in the game indeed. This post proves it. Bday sold 7 mill which is more than Ashanti’s past 2 albums combined. Bey has 10 grammy’s, is lead singer of the best selling female group of all time, and the richest, most popular, and successful black female artist. Just check her stats Beyonce is the number 1 black female artist and has been for years. Who is Ashanti? Nobody is checking for her B been destroyed her career starting at the 03 BET Awards.
Funny how Ashanti stans forget that Ashanti fucked Irv, Ja, and all of Murder Inc to get to the top. That right there is why she fell off and why Beyonce has never fallen off and has been nonstop successful for 11 years. 130 mill records sold and still counting just ask the AMA’s. Beyonce is a future legend and Ashanti sure as hell is not so Ashanti stans need to get over it and stop typing under different names hating on Bey. So pathetic.
And Nothing but Love aka #1 Rihanna clit licker. The word “stan” should never be used by you, because you are the Queen of stans when it comes to no talent Rihanna. The only crazy one is you and you are the dumbest hypocrite I’ve ever seen. GTFOH
ROTFLMAO AT NUMBER 1 AND THESE COMMENTS.
THIS IS REAL TALK RIGHT HERE.
BEYONCE>>>>>>>ASHANTI.
THAT IS A FACT.
REALISTIC ASHANTI FANS CANT EVEN DENY THAT.
COMPARE ASHANTI’S CAREER TO BEYONCE’S.
COME ON ITS NO COMPETITION.
BEYONCE BEEN KILLING THE GAME SINCE 1997.
SHE DONE MADE HISTORY BOTH IN DC AND AS A SOLO ARTIST.
DONT GET ME WRONG ASHANTI IS COOL BUT SHE CANT BE COMPARED TO BEY.
ASHANTI IS MORE ON CIARA AND RIHANNA LEVEL.
BEYONCE ALICIA MARY AND MARIAH ARE THE QUEENS OF THE GAME.
I know Ashanti stans are not on here talking about strikes against somebody when Ashanti is as unoriginal and untalented as it gets. You want to talk about strikes here are some strikes.
Strike 1: Ashanti slept with Irv which means she fucked for tracks. Irv even confirmed it.
Strike 2: Ashanti only got famous because of a BIGGIE sample. Pluse she is a horrible singer and even worse dancer. Does anybody remember that wack “Happy” video? lmao
Strike 3: She cant act either and Nelly is the only thing keeping her relevent. I also dont consider saying “baby” and “bananas” over and over again, being good songwriting skills.
Ashanti stans are the last ones on Earth who should be hating on any other female artist. Name one thing Ashanti has done that is worth remembering? Dont worry I WONT wait.SMH
I even have more respect for Rihanna than Ashanti. At least Rihanna tried to be different after her first 2 albums flopped. Ashanti should take notes.
# 250
You’re an idiot i guess you never hear about Alicia keys of Mary j bilge
they are the most sucsefull famale artist in r&b
now back to ashanti
Ashanti is most famous for her eponymous Grammy Award-winning debut album Ashanti which featured the hit song “Foolish”, and sold over 503,000 copies in its first week of release in the U.S. in April 2002. In the same week, she became the first female performer to simultaneously hold the top two places on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with “Foolish”, and “What’s Luv” (with Fat Joe). She broke records again by having three Top Ten songs Foolish, What’s Luv, and Always on Time, with Ja Rule, on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in the same week, being the first female to accomplish this feat and being second only to The Beatles.[1] Ashanti also wrote and sang background on the song “Ain’t It Funny” (Murder Remix) sung by Jennifer Lopez which was also in the top 10 charts at the same time as “Foolish”, “Always on Time” (with Ja Rule), and “What’s Luv” (with Fat Joe).[2] In 2002, she was acclaimed as the “Princess of Hip Hop and R&B” the album Ashanti had sold more than 7 million albums in the U.S., and more than 15 million records worldwide.[4
#250. Sorry but Beyonce is the most successful artist in rnb. Well its kinda close between her and Mariah Carey. They both have sold more records than Alicia and Mary. It’s true.
As for Ashanti she is not my fave but I wish her luck. Not really feeling her music but at least she has improved.
I meant #253.
O yes i forgot Mariah Cary yes she is one of the most successful too but beyonce is not even close
Actually Beyonce is up there. Destiny’s Child is best selling female group of all time. When you add those sales and hers as a solo artist she is up there. I understand if you might not be a Beyonce fan but Beyonce is without a doubt one of the best selling black female artists ever. Her and Mariah Carey are the top 2 I think.
I’M SORRY BUT THAT’S THE MOST STUPIT TING I HAVE EVER RAED
The one thing I can say about Ashanti is no matter what her singing or acting abilitites, she is always in good spirits she seeems like someone who has a good spirit, and I can respect that over any talent she may be blessed with. I don’t hate on anyone who is doing the positive thing and following their dreams, GO GIRL. Oh and GO OBAMA!!!!!
How can you mention Mariah and Beyonce in the same sentence? Mariah has sold over 150million albums worldwide and counting. Bey has sold about 11 million as a solo artist! Huge difference!!! Bey stans need to shut it
Anyhoo, listened to Ashanti’s album, its okay but I wouldn’t spend £10 on it. I suggest downloading the songs you like on ITUNES, but the album overall is just okay imo.
#260 you said that beyonce has sold 11 million solo ashanti has sold over 23 million and ashanti album is more than okay its great her album is better than both of beyonce album and if beyonce was out riht now she would kill her just like she dit in 2002
to all the fake ass haters who said ashanti album is garbage her album is better than both beyonce album so to all the ashanti haters kiss my ass
#258 I thought you were a reasonable person but I guess you are just a Beyonce hater. It may be stupid to you but it is a fact.
#260 you are obviously a Mariah stan but the truth is the truth. Beyonce has sold way more than that. Beyonce has sold over 130 million records altogether with DC and solo. That’s why the AMA’s honored her as the first female artist of excellence. Plus she has more grammy’s than Mariah. I like Mariah too but there is no denying that Beyonce is up there in sales and the youngest to do it.
#261-262 you are a very immature Ashanti stan. Please learn the difference between FACTS and OPINIONS. Plenty of people disagree with you and think Beyonce’s albums are better than Ashanti’s. Ashanti has never destroyed Beyonce on anything. It’s a FACT that Beyonce is a better singer and more successful so you are obviously in denial.
I respect all the artists named, but Beyonce must be doing something right to have stans of other female artists mad. Say what you want but it’s a fact that Beyonce has been non-stop successful for over a decade now. Give props when props are due.
@ JUST MY OPINION
DONT EVEN BOTHER EVEN THOUGH YOU TELLING NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. LIKE I SAID EARLIER ASHANTI IS COOL BUT BEYONCE IS INCOMPARABLE. ASHANTI HASNT HAD EVEN A 1/4 OF BEYONCE’S SUCCESS.
I DONT KNOW WHY ASHANTI STANS KEEP BRINGING UP NUMBERS FROM YEARS AGO.LOL
THIS IS NOT 2002.
o my the haters are mad becose they know ashanti the Pirincess is back run more fast hater no matter if you do it fast or slow you can’t stop her anyway
I find it funny how the B-Stans show up to Ashanti’s page to talk more trash. Ashanti must be doing something right cause she got these B-stans shook. I’m looking forward to Amerie, Toni Braxton and Whitney Houston albums. I got Ashanti’s yesterday and I’m happy with it.
To those who are saying that beyonce sold more records, what about janet jackson and whitney houston? And, record sales doesn’t mean anything in regards to talent because britney spears has sold more records than beyonce. So, i guess britney spears is more talented because she sold more records, right? Some of the greatest artists were not not mainstream. Nina Simone is an great example. Oh!, some of ya’ll probably do not know who Nina Simone is. And, if you do, good for you. And for those who don’t, i feel sorry for you because there is good music in the world, not this watered down crap we listen to today. As for Ashanti, i think this is her strongest album; however, i think she has room to grow. I like the song she has done with Robin Thicke.
#250
GET A LIFE!!!!!!!
You just mad cos everyone is calling out the bey stans and your ONE OF THEM so dont get mad, i aint no Rihanna stan so i dont know where ur getting that from….and i can tell you for a couple of reasons why i aint no Rhianna stan
1) I dont defend her 24/7
2) I dont like everything she puts out e.g. Umbrella
3) I dont exaggerate everything she does
4) I dont even own her last DAMN album
I only defend her when the bey stans pick on her just like what they do with every other female artist whos name isn’t beyonce, just like what your doing now with Ashanti.
SO FALL BACK!!!!!!! SMH…..
WTF???Who in tha hell let ashanti wear that wig in front of a camera???Clearly her stylist can not be trusted!!!
This picture reminds me or more pictures and music reviews at http://www.urbanthoughtcollective.com
Yall know them Murda Inc artists took a hit when they feds was about to lock Irv’s ass up so yall need to get off them economic stimulus welfare checks and drop a coupla dollars on them Murda Inc artists. Yall know how their careers was stalled behind that sh-t so I will be purcashing Shanti and Lloyd’s CDs just to be helping them out. I think Lloyd is so underrated with his cute little self and I am loving his new single. Since I just received my guvment welfare check I can afford to drop 20 bucks helping a brotha and sista out. Shanti could have left some of them Barbara Streisand wigs alone. Lloyd comes by his long wavy hair naturally so he don’t have to worry about buying no thousand dollar lacefronts. Yall get off them checks and help yo peeps out by supporting them and helping them get back on their feet.
I love all the murda inc artist much success to all of them they deserve it becous they have been true a lot of drama and working hart
#268 you are still a pathetic rihanna stan. So everybody who dont like rihanna, ashanti, and so on are beyonce stans? GTFOH Your ass is retarded.
#266 you are an ashanti stan so it’s kinda hypocritical to call other people stans, dont ya think?SMH
I swear this site is full of retarded stans who are hypocrites that hate on other artists, but get mad when their favorite artist is ridiculed.
Beyonce is in her own category and Ashanti is doing her thang. Neither one of them is worried about the other. Just their retarded stans are the only ones creating drama.
Ashanti got her own style. Everybody has their different way of singing. You guys need to stop comparing this one to the other. It’s honestly kinda old now. Anyway speaking of the album, Ashanti shines on tracks like “Body on me”, “Good Good”, the Darkchild produced “So Over You (should be a single), and the current single “The Way That I Love You”. Overall, it’s a quality album!
shyt i don’t even bootleg i dowload for free. i had the album monday morning. and ain’t paid shyt.
lol
that being said the cd is amazing and fuck all you people saying she is trying to be beyonce
that beyonce bitch went the same way everyone else has you know 10 years ago her ass was in braids and cutoffs as well. at least ahantis legs dont look liek redwood trees with talons grippng the edge of her shoes.
big hair and legs were not copyrighted nor created by beyonce so SHUT THE FUCK UP.
love the album.
and 250, beyonce fucked all of texas to get where SHE is.
while you are reciting all her grammys, put that abortion on her list of accomplishments as well.
#273
Just shut up now cos your just embrassing yourself, and thats probably the reason why you keep changing your screen name, smh……pathetic. Your the one who needs to GTFOH, you got everybody calling you out….so i think you definatley deserve the Beyonce stan of the year award.
JUST A LIL UPDATE FOR ASHANTI FANS..ON THE RICKY SMILEY SHOW THIS MORNING, THEY STATED THAT IN A RECENT INTERVIEW ASHANTI SAYS THIS WILL MORE THAN LIKELY BE HER LAST ALBUM AND THAT SHE WILL BE TRYING TO MOVE ON TO OTHER VENTURES. NOT SAYING THIS IS A FACT, BUT HEY, THEY USUALLY TELL THE TRUTH ON THAT SHOW, SO WE’LL SEE’
BASK IN ASHANTI AMBIANCE AS LONG AS U CAN PEOPLE…SHE MAY BE CALLING IT QUITS
look i been on ashanti side since foolish came out man fuck all youll hattin ass hoes ashanti and beyonce are so different stop comparing them ashanti is a pretty gurl with an ethnic look and her voice soft and beyonce is a extreamly pretty black gurl and has a stong voice>>>>>>seee the differnce and ashanti is her own individual and has personality thatmany famous people lack she is doin her so fuck off
Her CD is better than BDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Real talk!
Shit Nelly Furtado’s Cd was better than BDAY! LOL
Why is it everytime someone mentions Ashanti.. Someone always brings up Beyonce’. This whole topic is about Ashanti’s new album..Lets comment about that instead of arguing over what artist is better. Stop acting like dumb’asses and kids and try to act like adults for once…Ashanti’s album is good and i bought it and I cant stop playing it..
Good Good
The Things You Make Me Do
In These Streets
Struggle
Are all top notch songs on the album!
Good Job ‘Shanti!!
people… please stop talking shit about Ashanti! seriously… Have respect for artist now a days… She can sing, she probably does not dance much but wtf she’s not ciara or janet… dancing was never part of the beginning of her career, she bursted out being as a singer, right? ok then… and stop comparing her to Beyonce, who i like but shes already tired and annoying… shes the one who needs a 4 yr break! ugh! wtf is so great about beyonce anyway, i dk why people are on her shit like that… she has an amazing voice but that’s about it. GET OVER HER ALREADY, PLEASE! She never had any street cred until JayZ started featuring in her songs. Before that it was stupid bootylicious and im a survivor… Cheezy ass songs! Ashanti with as many times as she feels like using the damn word baby, can write way better songs than B or most of these chicks out there. I you would cop her albums instead of being a hater then you’d know!And if Ashanti was always stealing beats, well wtf Beyonce has stolen lines from Prince, TLC, and has even re-recoreded songs like “wishing on a star” so everybody… get a grip…
ASHANTI! YOU ROCK!
GREAT ALBUM!!
oh and one more thing to all you beyonce destiny’s child lovers! they may have the top selling female group throne but thats only cause miss lisa lopes passed away… if not TLC would still have that throne because THEY were true artists who actually sung about shit that was worth listening to. And not only that but not one destinys child album has sold over 14 million in the us only like crazysexycool did! and it sold 23 million worldwide… that was in 1994 by now it must be more!!
TLC YOU ARE MISSED!
ASHANTI YOU ARE WELCOMED!
I MUST SAY WHEN I HEARD THE NEW SINGLE”THE WAY THAT I LOVE” I THOUGHT SHE WAS GOING TO BRING IT SINCE SHE BEEN GONE FOR 4 YEARS. BUT I BOUGHT THAT SHIT I AM DISAPPOINTED AND I WANT DAM REFUND IT SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!! MY 10 YEAR OLD NIECE SOUNDS BETTER. THE HAIR IS TOO BEYONCEISH SHE NEEDS TO RETIRE SHE CAN’T ACT EITHER. PLEASE WITH ALL THAT MONEY SHE HAS MADE PLEASE DO EVERYONE A FAVOR AND GET YOU SOME VOCAL LESSONS AND ACTING LESSSONS. THE ALBUM IS BULLSHIT.
Ya ‘ll Haters need 2 go Kick Rocks Fuck Beyonce Fake ass this is Ashanti’s Year Her Album is way Better Than the Wack Ass BDay Album ! Ashanti Is Back Im So Excited This is Definitely Her Best Album! So Haters Do Me A Favor Suck my Dick ! We Love U Ashanti !
da album is hot!!!!!!!!!!
“I can’t please everyone and I know everybody has their own opinion. If you don’t like me, that’s cool. I’ll just rock with the few million that do.” -Ashanti
her new new album was not so great, thought it would be alot betta.
even thoe i am a big fan i thought this was a step down from her last album “CONCRETE ROSE”.
Hey guys im new here im from South Africa but in LA now.. Im a fan of Beyonce but Ashantis new album rocks she did a good job some of u just listen 2 her voice but if u listen to da words u wil love her music cuz those songs and words meam sumthing.. I mean i also sing hoping 2 get signed and yall beta buy my cd cuz its gona be a hit and a banger holla.. Ppl that r jealous stop hating and get a life please man stop put Beyonce in Ashantis shoes man Withney Houston as a great voice so who in da world can touch her