Latest news with #RainonMe
Refinery29
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Refinery29
Ashanti Talks Docuseries With Nelly: 'We Got All Of Our Big Arguments Out In 2012'
We are in an era of nostalgia, and as a millennial who mainlined every movie and TV show we are now revisiting, I am not mad at it. And thanks to the current early 2000s renaissance, at this year's American Black Film Festival (ABFF), I had the opportunity to do something teen Kathleen wouldn't have even dared to dream: I interviewed Ashanti on stage in front of a room full of people who were just as in awe of her as I was. Ashanti was everything to 2000s pop and R&B — and to me. She wasn't just a voice on the radio or a hot girl on MTV (I grew up in Canada so it was MuchMusic for us), she was the moment. For millennial Black girls like me, she was soft and powerful at the same time, a woman who could sing about heartbreak one minute and independence the next, all while rocking rhinestones, low-rise jeans, and that signature baby hair with unapologetic confidence. She held her own next to Ja Rule and Fat Joe, yet her solo tracks like ' Foolish ' and ' Rain on Me ' gave us the soundtrack to first crushes, late-night MSN messenger confessions (real ones remember!), and our earliest lessons in love. While other artists chased trends, Ashanti was the sound. Her melodies, harmonies, and pen game helped define that sweet spot between hip-hop grit and R&B vulnerability. She didn't just belong to the charts; she belonged to us. So it's safe to say that getting to interview her and get a sneak peak of her reality docuseries with her husband, another 2000s icon, Nelly, was a dream come true. The duo — who broke up and got back together and now are married with a baby — have come together for the ultimate collaboration: their new docuseries, Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together (which hits Peacock today, Thursday, June 26). ' I never saw myself doing a docuseries, reality TV or anything like that... But my husband [Nelly] was like, 'look, this is what I think we should do.' ashanti at abff ' The panel, titled ' The Remix: Ashanti's New Chapter of Love, Life & Legacy ', started with the teaser trailer for the show and showcased why Ashanti and Nelly decided to do a reality series now. "I never saw myself doing a docuseries, reality TV or anything like that," Ashanti told the packed crowd in Miami. "I had been asked for years to do it, to have the cameras [follow] my sisters, stuff with my family, stuff by myself and I was like, 'nah I'm good, thank you.' But my husband was like, 'look, this is what I think we should do.'" Ashanti laughed along with the audience. The conversation unpacked Ashanti's expanded role in the docuseries — as star, producer, mother, and creative force. Alongside NBCU programming executive Brittinee Royes and the show's executive producer and showrunner, Oji Singletary, Ashanti spoke about how this chapter aligns with her ongoing career evolution. She's a mom now and while she's still singing, acting, and Peacock's eight‐episode docuseries offers an intimate portrayal of Nelly and Ashanti's renewed romance. After reuniting at a 2021 Verzuz event, the couple quietly married in December 2023 and welcomed their son KK in mid‑2024. From the first episode, I couldn't help but smile seeing them together again. There's a comfort in watching two artists you grew up with find each other again, this time with more maturity and less ego. They're grown. They're flawed. And watching them navigate that — in a long-distance marriage, with a baby, and careers still unfolding — felt real in a way you don't often expect from a celebrity docuseries. And when I asked Ashanti if she was worried about showing the reality of their relationship to the world, she didn't flinch. She said she wasn't because they don't fight in the same way after their reconciliation. "Yeah, it's crazy. I think we got all of our big arguments out in, like, 2012," Ashanti said to laughter. "Those were the big, big ones and I think we kind of fizzled that out." One argument that is teased in the series is the couple's disagreement over Nelly's choice to perform at Donald Trump's inauguration ball. The series doesn't dance around the controversy, which saw Nelly face backlash for seemingly aligning himself with Trump (he defended the choice by saying it was "not political" back in January). Ashanti shouldn't have to answer for her husband's actions, but by nature of being married, his actions do reflect on her as well. The series shows Ashanti confronting Nelly about the decision and doesn't shy away from the conflict. As much as I disagree with Nelly's choice (and let's make it clear that I absolutely do), I liked that the show was candid about it, and that it showed Ashanti holding her own and standing up for herself and her reputation. Aside from that storyline, the series combines a blend of candid interviews, real‑life and tour footage, and personal anecdotes, resulting in a surprisingly candid showcase of Ashanti and Nelly's chemistry. My personal favorite moment is something extremely mundane: the couple go shopping for mattresses. Nelly can't wrap his head around the exorbitant prices and Ashanti is just giggling along as she tries to convince her man that a million-dollar price tag on a mattress is normal. "We wanted it to feel real," Ashanti said. "We want people to see the funny sides and the things that people don't see on Instagram." In moments like these, couple is portrayed as warm and genuine, with their goofy dynamic and their commitment to each other coming through loud and clear. During the panel, both Royes and Singletary chimed in about the specialness of that simple moment and shared what else in the series sets it apart from other reality TV. "It's Ashanti's first motherhood experience and then cameras are here, boom, we're shooting," Singletary said. "I'm super proud of her, I'm super proud of Nelly and I think everyone is going to appreciate it." "For me as a woman, as a wife, as a mother, I'm like there are nuances to this story that the people need to see," Royes said. "And I was so grateful that [Ashanti] was open to being honest and being vulnerable about [juggling motherhood and career]. You guys will see in the first episode and I related because I remember going back to work after having a baby. And you really struggle." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Unbothered (@r29unbothered) Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together shows the superstar's struggle with balancing her career and new baby, but it also sets a clear boundary: Ashanti's son, KK, is never shown in full in the series. His face is blurred out. On the decision to not show KK's face, Ashanti said, "There was no hesitation. I knew I was not going to show my son... I'm kind of a mama bear already, very protective. I didn't want to show my son to world yet. I haven't even posted him on Instagram or anything like that. Those moments are very sacred to me. We'll make the decision on when he's ready to pop out and show out," She said laughing. By the end of our conversation, I felt oddly emotional. And as for the series, We Belong Together isn't a love story trying to convince us everything's perfect. It's about starting over, about timing finally aligning, and about healing in the public eye. We've watched Ashanti go from mixtapes to motherhood, and right now, we're watching a new beginning. If you go to the series for nostalgia, you'll get it. If you go for authenticity, it's got that too. And during our panel at ABFF, Ashanti, Singletary and Royes reminded everyone that sometimes the greatest remix isn't a new beat — it's a whole new perspective.
Scotsman
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Glastonbury Festival 2025: From Joe Wicks to crowds, here are the best pictures from Worthy Farm
A musician who is playing at Glastonbury Festival has described how 'emotional' it was to arrive at the music event following a more than 650-mile bike ride that started in Scotland. Jack Cullen, who lives in north-west London, embarked on the cycling trip from Edinburgh to the famous festival with his childhood friend George 'GK' Kershaw, 33, on May 30. He said: 'It feels amazing and somewhat emotional in a way. I think these things are always, you forget what you're doing during it, and then you realise 'oh, we've just been doing this for the last month, and now we're here'. 'And it's kind of as simple as that. So it feels, overall, it just feels really, really, really good.' Mr Cullen, 30, said the pair have faced 'horrendous wind and rain' in the past month, but joked that his Birkenstocks had held up. Along the route, which took him through areas including the Lake District, Manchester and Liverpool, he performed in quirky venues, including a sauna, and also held an intimate gig for one of his most loyal fans. He said: 'We went over to Liverpool, played a little gig, to one fan in particular actually, who always comes to my shows, drives down from Liverpool to London. So I cycled four hours to go meet him and play him some of the new tunes face to face. So that was a really, really special one.' Mr Cullen is scheduled to perform at Glastonbury Festival on June 29 at 2.50pm on the Wishing Well stage. Among the festival's other highlights is a giant boombox-shaped toilet, co-designed by Sir Rod Stewart. WaterAid's Boombox Bog houses a toilet that sits behind the tape deck of a giant blue boombox decorated with leopard print, a pattern often worn by Sir Rod. The veteran rockstar, 80, will perform in front of thousands of music fans on Sunday when he plays the coveted tea-time legends slot on the Pyramid Stage, which sits nearby to the toilet. The Maggie May singer said: 'I've spent my life singing to packed arenas and festival crowds, but nothing hits a high note quite like clean water and a decent loo. 'They might not be sexy, but they're life-changing. 'That's why I've teamed up with WaterAid to bring our funky Boombox Bog to Glastonbury Festival and shine a light on the importance of these everyday essentials that millions still live without. 'Together, we're creating change that's gonna last forever.' Here, The Scotsman selects some of the best images so far from this year's Glastonbury Festival. 1 . Revellers arrive at the Glastonbury Festival during a rain shower Rain on Me | PA Photo Sales 2 . An aerial view of the Glastonbury Festival site has thousands of festival goers descend on Pilton, Somerset Aerial view | Tom Wren / SWNS Photo Sales 3 . People work out during a fitness exercise session as Joe Wicks performs on the Gateway stage In out in out shake it all about | PA Photo Sales 4 . People get their hair done in a double decker bus salon during the Glastonbury Festival Haircut 100 | PA Photo Sales Related topics: EdinburghLondonLiverpool
Black America Web
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Irv Gotti's Brother Says Ashanti Should Be More Grateful To The Late Mogul, Social Media Offers Up Harsh Receipts
Source: Johnny Nunez / Getty Irving Lorenzo, aka Irv Gotti, the head of the hitmaking hip-hop label Murder Inc., passed away in February at the age of 57 from complications of diabetes. The music mogul helped make acts like Ja Rule and Ashanti stars of the '90s with hits like 'Always on Time' and 'Rain on Me,' respectively. However, Gotti's personal relationship with Ashanti ultimately soured the artist on him and the label. She's now married to Nelly and they have a son, Kareem Kinkade, who will be 2 in July. In 2022, Ashanti told Vulture that she and Irv never dated. 'Let's clear this up,' Ashanti said on Angie Martinez's IRL podcast back in October of that year. 'We dealt with each other, but was Irv my boyfriend? Was I his girlfriend? Never. Irv had several girlfriends, so I'm a little confused by the label and the description.' Ashanti also said that Irv was 'hurt' when she started dating Nelly and that she denies that they ever even had sex. She said that when Irv's feelings for her weren't reciprocated, he wouldn't allow her to record for his label, and that she believes he was behind death threats leveled at her and her staff. 'I genuinely, in my heart, believe that Irv wishes death on me. A million percent,' she told Martinez. It must have been a little challenging for Ashanti to acknowledge Irv after his passing, but she did so gracefully via her Instagram page. She posted a photo of the Murder Inc. roster with Irv, saying, 'I can't believe things ended like this….and it makes me so sad… She continued, 'We weren't on the best of terms the past few years, but as I've always said, through our ups and downs, I will forever be grateful for everything that you've done for me. We made history, and that will remain infinite.. I've always respected your musical genius and ability to push me to be my best.. All the greatness and positive things that came, far outweigh the dark and negative times. I have always prayed for you to find peace. Sending love and prayers to the entire family. Rest well. Rest in Peace Irv .' However, Chris doesn't seem to think Ashanti said enough. On the Keep it 100 podcast, he said he believes the two were in a romantic relationship and that Ashanti should give her former label head more respect. He did say he thinks that his brother was out of order when it came to Ashanti, but that the label Irv created was instrumental in her success. He says that Irv only talked about Ashanti because he was always asked about their relationship. 'She should understand that, too,' he said. 'If you're in the limelight, they ask the question. It wasn't little, it was big. For her to act like it ain't Murder Inc. that made her is f— bull—-. Or that Irv made her, it's crazy. She had three deals before him. Like, something with y'all chemistry worked out. Respect it. That's all. I'm not saying you have to talk about… Respect the magic that was made. That's all I said.' See social media's reaction to the interview below. Irv Gotti's Brother Says Ashanti Should Be More Grateful To The Late Mogul, Social Media Offers Up Harsh Receipts was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Los Angeles Times
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Irv Gotti, Def Jam hip-hop exec and Murder Inc. co-founder, dies at 54
Irv Gotti, the Def Jam record executive behind the Murder Inc. label, has died. He was 54. In a statement posted to Gotti's Instagram, his family wrote that 'It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving 'Irv Gotti' Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025. Surrounded by family and friends, he departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched. Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike. His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many, and his contributions will continue to influence future generations.' The statement did not include a cause of death, but Gotti had suffered several strokes and diabetes-related issues in recent years. Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. on June 26, 1970, was a key figure in the sound of '90s and 2000s hip-hop, when brash lyricism and outsized personalities blended seamlessly with pop hooks and R&B tenderness. Gotti came to prominence as an A&R rep at Def Jam, where he helped sign and cultivate era-defining acts like Jay-Z , DMX and Ja Rule. After founding his own label imprint, Murder Inc., in 1998, his trademark sound — pairing gruff rap vocals with gentler R&B choruses — yielded crossover hits like a pair of remixes of 'I'm Real' and 'Ain't It Funny' from Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule; Ja Rule and Ashanti's 'Always on Time,' and Ashanti's own 'Rain on Me,' 'Foolish' and 'Mesmerize.' In a statement posted to social media, Def Jam said that 'His contributions at Def Jam, as both an A&R executive and in partnership with Murder Inc. helped pave the way for the next generation of artists and producers, a force that reshape the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B. His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture birthed countless hits, defining an era of music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.' Gotti's own production work included the song 'Can I Live' off Jay Z's 1996 debut 'Reasonable Doubt' and tracks by Kanye West, Fat Joe, Memphis Bleek and Christina Milian. His genre interests extended beyond hip-hop: In 2007, he released 'Heroes and Thieves' from singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton, after changing his label name to the Inc. His career as a mogul was in doubt after an FBI investigation in the mid-2000s, one that culminated in a raid of Murder Inc.'s offices. The FBI was investigating alleged ties to drug kingpin Kenneth 'Supreme' McGriff. Gotti was acquitted, and he ultimately moved into TV production with 'Tales,' a BET hip-hop anthology series, Gotti is survived by his children Angie, Sonny and Jonathan Wilson; his Murder Inc. co-founder and brother Chris Lorenzo; mother Nee Nee Lorenzo and sisters Tina and Angie.
Express Tribune
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Irv Gotti, renowned music producer and founder of Murder Inc. Records, passes away at 54
Irv Gotti, the renowned record executive, music producer, and entrepreneur best known for founding Murder Inc. Records, has died at the age of 54, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., played a major role in shaping hip-hop and R&B in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was instrumental in the success of artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, helping craft a signature blend of hip-hop beats and melodic hooks that dominated the charts from 2001 to 2004. His production work contributed to several multi-platinum hits, including "I'm Real" and "Ain't It Funny" with Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule, as well as "Always on Time", "Foolish", "Rain on Me", and "Mesmerize" with Ashanti. Before launching Murder Inc. in 1998, Gotti worked as an A&R executive at Def Jam, where he was responsible for bringing DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule to the label. Under his early moniker DJ Irv, he produced "Can I Live" from Jay-Z's 1996 album Reasonable Doubt. His production credits also include projects with Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Fat Joe, and Christina Milian. Additionally, Gotti ventured into television, creating BET's Tales, an anthology series combining hip-hop and storytelling. Despite his success, Gotti faced setbacks in the mid-2000s due to an FBI investigation into alleged ties with drug kingpin Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff. Though acquitted, the legal battle hurt Murder Inc.'s reputation. Gotti is survived by his three children—Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson—his mother Nee Nee Lorenzo, sisters Tina and Angie, and his brother Chris Lorenzo, with whom he co-founded Murder Inc. Following the news, tributes from the music industry quickly surfaced online including Kanye West. However, rapper 50 Cent took a controversial approach, posting a photo on Instagram of himself smoking beside a grave headstone with the caption: "I'm smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him LOL."
