Many people were surprised when Ashanti’s self-titled debut entered the charts at the number one spot, and even more are surprised that it’s still near the top. Ashanti’s success, however, shouldn’t be shocking at all. Her guest vocals on various hit rap songs, particularly the ubiquitous Ja Rule joint “Always On Time,” provided great MTV and radio exposure, and her first single, “Foolish,” uses a well-known staple from Notorious B.I.G.’s “One More Chance.” The album’s reduced price, plus Ashanti’s come-hither stare on its cover, certainly hasn’t hurt sales, either.

Expert marketing strategy aside, Ashanti is a pleasant disc of songs that mix hip-hop and R&B. “Happy,” the second single, has a bouncy, summer vibe that compliments its lyrics: “So glad you fell in love with me / my love is so good that I wouldn’t be without you baby.” On “Sacred,” which Ashanti co-wrote, low-key instrumentation emphasizes another, more soulful aspect of her voice.

While the album shows Ashanti as a promising new talent, it does have its low points. The inclusion of “Unfoolish,” which mixes “Foolish” with rapping sampled from Notorious B.I.G., seems like an attempt to capitalize on the late rapper’s legacy – though many may argue the same with “Foolish” proper. Furthermore, the skits, including “Narrative Call,” “Fight,” and “Shi Shi,” are unnecessary additions to an album that already has 14 full-length songs. These foibles asides, however, the record offers enough good tracks to help this promising star maintain her status.
Ashanti

Ashanti

(Murder Inc / Def-Jam)

reviewed by Gabrielle Grubka