For the longest period of time, Ashanti was one of the most underrated R&B songstresses to grace hip hop. Despite toting a Grammy and eight Billboard Awards, with many more accolades under her crown, the “Happy” singer has continuously had to stand up for herself against an industry that has attempted to quiet her impact.
That was until the most recent years when Ashanti’s name started buzzing on social media for all the right reasons. Two decades into her career, she has been honored with the 2,718th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The April 7th event was co-hosted by guest speakers Ja Rule and Tichina Arnold, along with the Hollywood Chamber Chair of the Board, Lupita Sanchez-Cornejo.
Her mother, Tina Douglas, was also in attendance to celebrate the accomplishment. In hand, Tina carried a replica of a Walk of Fame plaque that she had purchased 20 years ago at a gift shop in Hollywood. She had the plaque branded with Ashanti’s name and told her one day she would get a real star on the famous sidewalk. Tina’s words manifested.
Ashanti has established a golden career that consisted of six studio albums, a series of television shows and films, such as Coach Carter and Army Wives, and two books, Foolish/Unfoolish: Reflections on Love and an untitled upcoming release. One cool lesser known fact about Ashanti is that she was a background actor in the 1992 Spike Lee film Malcolm X, starring Denzel Washington and Angela Bassett. She played a Harlem student.
“Ashanti is an award-winning singer, author, actress and executive producer. She has proven her talent in many different Hollywood industries and is an example for young girls who want to be in the ‘biz’” Ana Martinez, Hollywood Walk of Fame Producer said in a statement.
It’s been a lit time for the Walk of Fame. Before Ashanti received her star, Morris Chestnut’s 30-year career was acknowledged with a star. Next on the roster is DJ Khaled, who will receive the 2,719 star on April 11.
