Today is the return day for Ashanti, who once was the biggest female R&B artist in the world. Nathan S from djbooth.net writes: She was the reigning princess, and people across America simultaneously turned up their radios just to listen to her whisper “baby, baby, baby” over and over again. And then, something mysterious happened. Despite two previous platinum albums, sales of her 2004 release Concrete Rose were disappointing at best. Maybe it was Irv Gotti’s legal troubles, maybe it was the quickly shifting landscape of the recording industry, whatever the reason, Ashanti has undeniably disappeared from the spotlight over the last four years. As unthinkable as this would have been in 2001, I just asked my 12-year-old niece who Ashanti was, and she responded “who?””
It is true as time went by I even forgotten Ashanti exists. I forgot how I loved to listen to her unique voice in my car while driving to classes. But you know Nathan is right that Ashanti is still cool and hasn’t changed. She has pretty much been the same and he is right about us changing and not her.
Rolling Stone:
On her fourth album, she’s still doing the diva-by-numbers thing, alternating between angry-at-her-man anthems and lovey pleasantry. The shuffling “Body on Me,” featuring Nelly and Akon, and the shiny electro-pop “So Over You” are a step up from her Ja Rule duets of old. 2 out of 5″
Associated Press:
The disc doesn‘t manage to break any new ground, with Ashanti singing mainly over unremarkable contemporary R&B tracks about her own good loving and cheating boyfriends.”
MSNBC:
Ashanti continues to celebrate her femininity on tracks like the sensual, Robin Thicke-assisted “Things You Make Me Do” and the bass-heavy ”Girlfriend.”
Us Weekly:
While her fourth CD of self-penned R&B tracks contains a few hip beats (such as the piano-driven first single, “The Way That I Love You”), the sound feels out of date. 2 1/2 out of 4″
Ashanti has also been trying herself in acting career which is the latest trend among celebrities whether they go music-to-movies or vice versa. Diva has already starred in Resident Evil, John Tucker Must Die and Coach Carter. But all of her roles were tiny and unimportant. Ashanti says:
I’m always reading scripts. I’m even looking to get into some behind-the-scenes work. Maybe do some co-producing. It’s all about taking chances. You can’t be afraid to try something different.”
Hopefully her album Declaration will give her a boost and she would declare herself as one of the leading vocals in the US.
When you get pushed into a certain position and your back’s against the wall, you’re either gonna sink or you’re gonna swim. I choose not to sink.”
Said singer leaning forward on the conference room table at Universal Motown’s Manhattan headquarters.
Starting today her album is available in stores. See the video of the song from Ashanti’s new album Declaration.
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Real True Band "Lies unKnown"
Forget about tuning in to another band that sounds like the last ten you’ve just heard. “Lies unKnown” is a real true to life Detroit Rock & Roll Band. Originating from the surrounding suburbs, they have united together to bring you some of the best music the Motor City has to offer. Through their live performance at nightclubs, concert theaters and all age events, “Lies unKnown” is gaining recognition while connecting with an audience of all genres. The album tracks are available for download on iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, emusic, LALA and other digital platforms. The full length album can be purchased from the following websites: http://www.myspace.com/LiesunKnown and http://www.darkgreene.com/.
Home is definitely center stage for the front man, singer/songwriter/guitarist “Justin Alexander”. As the driving force behind the band, he pours out his soul in each song of his performance. His ability to capture and address the attention of the listener is reminiscent of many legendary artists of the past. He was born in the city of Detroit on August 16, 1988. His parents were performing musicians, so, Justin started cutting his teeth on Rock & Roll from day one. But, by the age of five his parents separated, Justin’s heartaches, hard times and life experiences would become his writing template. Heartache seems to run like water in the streets and the pain expressed in his songs are of a broken home and an attempt to recapture what was lost. “Justin’s” lyrics tell of a path that one has to live to be able to write about.
Bassist “Sara Cole” is probably one of the hottest things that you will ever see with four strings and a skirt! But don’t get fooled by the visual appeal, “Sara” is half of the rock solid driving foundation for “Lies unKnown”. Passion, Emotion and Precision (PEP) are the only words that define “Sara’”, she is prepared and ready for what ever the moment brings, and she definitely delivers the element of surprise to her audience. As a lead guitarist “Jamie Allen” sets the stage with action, enthusiasm and fire. His approach on stage becomes contagious for anyone watching him perform. “Jamie’s” chops are a compliment to the music of “Lies unKnown”. Flavorsome melodic guitar riffs and superb backing vocals are the principal rudiments to any great live act. These undeniable qualities bring his performances to a new echelon.
“Joe (Joe Pizzazz) Piazza” drummer for “Lies unKnown” has the potential to steal every girl’s heart. Lighting up a stage seems to be effortless as he displays his charismatic persona that magically lures ones imagination. But, the business of performing live differentiates him from any other; he is all about giving an instinctive hard hitting performance. And, the fans have the satisfaction of experiencing the magic, when he hits it.
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