New music fromAshantiandNellyhas arrived.
The Grammy-winning couple appears alongside Juicy J on Jermaine Dupri’s new single"This Lil' Game We Play,“released Friday.
Speaking to PEOPLE at the Adore Me fashion show during New York Fashion Week Fall 2024 on Wednesday, Ashanti opened up about recording the collaboration with Nelly in the studio — and the comfy clothes she wore.
Ashanti and Nelly in Miami on Feb. 2, 2024.Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN
Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN
“It’s always fun. It was a ball. We actually had a good time recording in the studio together,” Ashanti, 43, tells PEOPLE of the new song, which marks her first musical link-up with Nelly, 49, since 2008’s “Body on Me” featuring Akon.
“A lot of artists don’t get to record together, but we were actually in the studio together at the same time, which was cool,” says the R&B star, “and I had on pajamas.”
It’s been more than a year since Ashanti dropped her previous single “Falling for You,” but she wants to assure fans more music is coming — and she’s already planning her next release.
Ashanti and Nelly perform in Miami on Feb. 2, 2024.Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for E11EVEN
“I also have another single. I shot the video in Bermuda. It came out so amazing,” she says. “I can’t wait for that one to come, and it might be the end of this month if everything goes how I want it to go. So, you might get two joints in one month.”
She’s also planning to reissue her 2002 debut self-titled album with rerecorded versions of each track as a late celebration of the project’s 20th anniversary. It’s been in the works for a few years now, but fans will get to hear it soon.
“We’re just trying to find the right timing to let it out and make sure everything is perfect as it can be,” explains Ashanti, teasing that it’ll likely be released in physical editions with a “combination” of existing and brand-new artwork. It’ll be a collector’s package, “but classic,” she details.
Ashanti in New York City on Feb. 7, 2024.Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion
Mark Gunter/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion
“With me, it’s always been about real life and writing about experiences, and I think that’s why people connect to me so much,” she explains. “We all essentially go through the same things, maybe on a different level, but we all go through the same s—.”
After models walked the runway at the Adore Me fashion show, Ashanti surprised the crowd with a performance of hits including “Always on Time,” “Only U,” “What’s Luv?” and more. For the musician, teaming up with the size-inclusive lingerie brand was important.
Ashanti performs in New York City on Feb. 7, 2024.Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion
Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion
“It’s all about just women empowerment, encouraging women of all shapes, sizes, colors, from all backgrounds, to just inspire and encourage each other and to be powerful,” she says.
This weekend, Ashanti will attend Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas — and she remained tight-lipped on whether or not fans could see her pop up alongsideUsherduring his halftime show performance afterjoining him at his Las Vegas residencylast year.
“You’ve got to watch the Super Bowl,” she says. “I’m sure his performance is going to be amazing.”
source: people.com
