YRS Jerzy’s Wednesday Throwback: Ashanti – “Baby” (starring Nia Long)

By YRS Jerzy
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Feel old yet? It’s been fifteen years since Ashanti released her self-titled debut album with Murder Inc. At the time, Ashanti was the most-successful new artist in history, as her first-ever single reached number one on Billboard Hot 100.

To be fair, Ashanti had help, as she was on Murder Inc. when Ja Rule was owning the game. Leading up to her solo debut came her work writing with and singing background for Jennifer Lopez. This was followed by “Always on Time” and “What’s Luv?” from Fat Joe.

Ironically, when Ashanti released “Baby” as the third single from her debut album, it was her worst-performing single. Seeing how all of her singles were top five, this single peaked at number fifteen. While Ashanti’s later music would see her grip loosen, this song, “Baby” remains a timeless classic, as does the music video which stars Nia Long, currently of “Empire.”

Watch “Baby” by Ashanti below:

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