Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas, known professionally as Ashanti, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress from Glen Cove, New York, United States. In the realms of R&B, hip-hop, and soul music, she gained fame in the early 2000s with a self-titled debut album that yielded hit singles such as "Foolish", "Happy", and "Baby". This album earned her multiple awards, including a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album. Ashanti's collaborations with artists like Ja Rule on hits such as "Always on Time" bolstered her prominence in the music scene. Over her career, she has released several albums, including "Chapter II" and "The Declaration", and has ventured into acting, appearing in films and television. Ashanti remains a significant figure in the music industry, celebrated for her melodious voice and contribution to contemporary R&B music.