Ashanti shines at the 2025 BET Awards: A nostalgic triumph marred by Ja Rule’s absence [VIDEO]

Ashanti Delivers A BET Awards Performance That Fans Called “Legendary”

The 2025 BET Awards kicked off with a wave of nostalgia as Ashanti took center stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, delivering a performance that reminded fans why she remains an R&B icon. Clad in thigh-high black boots and exuding confidence, the Grammy-winning artist performed a medley of her timeless hits, including “Happy,” “Rock Wit U (Aww Baby),” and “Foolish.”

Her poised vocals, dynamic choreography, and vibrant stage presence set an electrifying tone for the evening, earning her thunderous applause. However, the absence of her longtime collaborator Ja Rule left some fans longing for the duo’s signature chemistry, sparking widespread discussion across social media platforms like X.

Ashanti’s Performance: A Celebration of R&B Legacy

Ashanti’s opening act at the 2025 BET Awards was a masterclass in blending nostalgia with modern flair. The stage, bathed in purple and blue hues, featured a large screen displaying visuals that complemented her performance. Backup dancers, dressed in coordinated outfits, moved in sync with Ashanti’s choreography, creating an energetic atmosphere that captivated the audience. The inclusion of the “106 & Park” logo on the set design added a throwback vibe, evoking memories of the early 2000s when Ashanti dominated the charts.

Her setlist was a carefully curated journey through her discography. “Foolish,” with its heartfelt lyrics like “See, my days are cold without you / but I’m hurting while I’m with you,” resonated with fans who grew up singing along to the 2002 hit. “Rock Wit U (Aww Baby)” brought a sultry energy, while “Happy” infused the performance with upbeat vibes. Ashanti’s vocal delivery was a standout, with many praising her ability to hit the same notes that made her a household name over two decades ago. As @RNB_RADAR, noted in a post early this morning, “Ashanti did her big 1!”—a sentiment echoed by fans who appreciated her enduring talent.

The performance wasn’t just about music; it was a celebration of Ashanti’s legacy. Since her debut in 2002, she has been a trailblazer in R&B, blending soulful melodies with hip-hop influences. Her ability to command the stage at the BET Awards underscored her staying power in an industry that often moves on quickly. For newer fans, the performance served as an introduction to her catalog, while longtime supporters relished the chance to revisit their favorite era of R&B.

Public Reactions: Praise and Critique Collide

The response to Ashanti’s performance was as varied as her discography. On X, fans and critics alike shared their thoughts, creating a lively dialogue about her return to the BET Awards stage. Positive reactions highlighted her vocal strength and stage presence. One user commented, “The vocals are STILL there unlike others,” emphasizing Ashanti’s ability to deliver a polished performance. Another fan praised her humility, noting, “She’s so humble, I would have performed JLo’s songs,” referencing Ashanti’s contributions to Jennifer Lopez’s hits like “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny,” which also featured Ja Rule.

However, not all feedback was glowing. Some viewers found the performance underwhelming, with one X post stating, “All her performances are mediocre !!!!!!” Others questioned whether Ashanti could still hit the high notes that defined her early career, with a user asking, “That’s cool and all, but can she even still hit those notes?” These critiques, while in the minority, reflect the high expectations fans have for an artist of Ashanti’s caliber, especially at an event as prestigious as the BET Awards.

The mixed reactions underscore a broader truth about live performances: they’re subjective. What resonates with one viewer might fall flat for another. For Ashanti, the positive feedback far outweighed the criticism, with many celebrating her ability to evoke nostalgia while remaining relevant. Her performance sparked conversations about the evolution of R&B and the challenges of meeting diverse audience expectations in this day and age.

Ja Rule’s Absence: The Elephant in the Room

Perhaps the most talked-about aspect of Ashanti’s performance was the absence of Ja Rule, her frequent collaborator and a key figure in her early success. The duo’s hits, including “Always On Time” and “Mesmerize,” defined an era of hip-hop and R&B crossovers. Fans took to X to express their disappointment, with posts like “So yall really didn’t have Ja Rule come out with Ashanti? #BETAwards” from

@StayLitDre and “They know they should’ve had Ja Rule come out with Ashanti! #BETAwards2025” from

@ms_showers1990. Others, like

@grandecstxsy, specifically mentioned expecting “Always On Time,” a track that remains a staple in both artists’ catalogs.

Ja Rule’s absence was particularly notable given the nostalgic tone of Ashanti’s performance. The “106 & Park” branding and early 2000s aesthetic seemed tailor-made for a joint appearance, making his no-show all the more conspicuous. While no official reason was given for Ja Rule’s absence, speculation on X ranged from scheduling conflicts to creative decisions by the BET Awards producers. Some fans even wondered if the choice was intentional to spotlight Ashanti as a solo artist, allowing her to shine without sharing the stage.

This wasn’t the first time Ja Rule and Ashanti’s collaborations have sparked discussion. Their partnership, which also included work with Jennifer Lopez, has been a topic of interest for years, especially given the behind-the-scenes dynamics of their contributions to Lopez’s hits. Ashanti’s decision to focus on her solo material at the BET Awards may have been a statement of her individual artistry, but for many fans, the absence of Ja Rule felt like a missed opportunity to recreate the magic of their joint performances.

The Bigger Picture: Ashanti’s Enduring Impact

Ashanti’s performance at the 2025 BET Awards was more than a moment—it was a testament to her resilience and influence. At a time when R&B is experiencing a renaissance, with artists like SZA and H.E.R. carrying the torch, Ashanti’s ability to hold her own is significant. Her performance reminded audiences of the groundwork she laid in the early 2000s, paving the way for the genre’s current evolution.

The BET Awards, known for celebrating Black excellence, provided the perfect platform for Ashanti to reaffirm her place in music history. The event’s focus on cultural impact aligned with her set, which honored her contributions while showcasing her relevance. The nostalgic elements, from the stage design to the song choices, resonated with an audience eager to revisit a pivotal era in music.

Social media, particularly X, amplified the conversation around Ashanti’s performance. The platform’s real-time nature allowed fans to share their reactions instantly, creating a digital archive of the night’s highs and lows. Posts like the one from RNB RADAR, which included a video clip of the performance, gave fans who missed the live broadcast a chance to experience it. The video’s vibrant visuals and Ashanti’s commanding presence underscored why she remains a beloved figure.