Ashanti is the definition of a star—a powerhouse who has captivated audiences on stage, on screen, and on music countdowns, leaving an indelible mark on music and culture. A Grammy winner with multiple nominations, she has solidified her place in R&B history, and BET has been there every step of the way. From dominating the 106 & Park countdown to Foolish earning a spot in the 106 & Park Hall of Fame for its record-breaking run, Ashanti’s presence on BET has been nothing short of legendary. Her grace, style, and trendsetting fashion continue to inspire, cementing her status as both a music icon and a cultural tastemaker.

In 2021, BET honored Ashanti with the Lady of Soul Award at the Soul Train Awards, recognizing her contributions to music, her influence, and her longevity. Beyond her music career, she has expanded her legacy into film, starring in fan-favorite movies like Coach Carter, John Tucker Must Die, and Resident Evil: Extinction, proving her versatility as an entertainer.

Now, Ashanti is stepping into one of her most transformative roles yet in the upcoming film No Address, where she plays Violet, a woman experiencing homelessness. The film sheds light on the many circumstances that can lead to homelessness and highlights the strength of community in times of struggle. Inspired by true events, it is a powerful exploration of hope, humanity, and resilience—a story that needs to be told. Known for bringing depth and authenticity to her roles, Ashanti ensures No Address will be a must-watch.

Reflecting on her early days with BET, Ashanti jokes, “The first time I performed on BET—y’all might need to roll those tapes.” She reminisces about her 106 & Park dominance, saying, “I think I was the first woman to retire a video on 106.” One of her most cherished memories with the network was receiving the Lady of Soul Award. “That was a big, big, big deal for me.”

Discussing her role in No Address, she opens up about the emotional depth required to portray Violet. “Diving into the character and portraying someone with cancer was incredibly touching,” she shares. “We’ve all lost someone or know someone who has battled cancer. I’ve lost plenty of family members to it. It was hard to tap into that mindset—the struggle, the fight, and the strength to survive. But Violet is a survivor, and that’s a beautiful thing.”

Despite her growing success in film and television, music remains Ashanti’s first love. Looking back at her catalog, she points out an underrated gem: “‘Living My Life’ really stands out to me. It wasn’t a single, but I think a lot of people would relate to it. It talks about pain, struggles, and staying true to yourself.”

Beyond her career, Ashanti is embracing love, growth, and parenthood alongside Nelly. “He’s just a natural protector. I can do anything, go anywhere with him, and feel 1000% safe without thinking twice. He’s selfless, family-oriented, and a provider,” she says. “He’s always been that protector, even way back, but now it’s on another level. I appreciate it so much—it’s one of the things I love about him.”

While fans have followed their rekindled romance, there’s still plenty they don’t know about their dynamic. “We’re opposites in a lot of ways,” Ashanti laughs. “He likes the room freezing cold, and baby, I need it at 80 degrees! When he leaves, I turn the heat up.”

Through every chapter of her evolution—as an artist, actress, and now mother—Ashanti remains grounded in the wisdom passed down to her. “One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is to let a man be a man. Let him lead and protect,” she says. However, her mother’s guidance has been the most impactful. “My mom always told me to trust my gut. That instinct is there for a reason. Sometimes, you just have to be still and listen.”

As the music industry shifts, Ashanti stays true to her sound while evolving with the times. “It’s important to honor your fan base but still grow. I have a record called ‘Call You Up’ that I love—we shot the video in Bermuda, and I can’t wait for y’all to hear it. It should be out in April because I’m going on tour then.”

And there’s even more in store. “We’ve got something super special in the works—I’m doing a documentary,” she reveals. “It’s years of footage. My mom has everything—every scene, every moment.”

Beyond music and film, Ashanti is letting cameras into her personal life like never before with an upcoming reality show alongside Nelly. “This is something I never saw myself doing, but it’s a great opportunity. It lets people see us just being us—celebrating love, positivity, family, and togetherness. That’s something that can get lost in this industry, but it’s so important. You have to be relatable—you don’t want to be out of the stratosphere.”

Catch No Address in theaters now.