Ashanti Talks Her Time Off From Music and New Label
Since the release of her last album, The Declaration, in 2008, the former Murder Inc. songstress appeared in films, Broadway shows, and made headlines for her questioned relationship with Nelly. Now with a new label, new music on the way, and new knowledge about the music industry, Ashanti spoke with Access Hollywood Live about her journey and gaining control of her career.
The Falling Out With Murder Inc:
“The label I was with kinda fell under an indictment and that actually put a hold on everything. It was like a black cloud that I had to kinda come out of and we had to do a lot of damage control. I felt like I wanted to distance myself from that."
Working Outside Of Music:
“I did Broadway, I did some films, I did John Tucker Must Die, I did Resident Evil. I just had to regroup and say we’re gonna have a fresh start and I’m gonna try to put my business hat on and try to look for a different angle to approach the music. The industry was changing dramatically in those past three years.”
Learning The Game and Becoming a Better Businesswoma
“Being with the major [label] taught me that I needed a way bigger percentage than what they were giving me. It’s about the profit sharing now and everything is digital and I’m cutting my own deal with iTunes. It’s about learning the behind the scenes to become a better businesswoma