Songwriter/singer Ashanti was the winner of the 2003 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album, Ashanti. She wrote all twelve tracks on her signature album, which was produced by Murder Inc. Records.

Born Ashanti Douglas on October 13, 1980, in Glen Cove, NY, Ashanti gave up a track scholarship to Hampton University to pursue her singing career. She was discovered at a talent show in 1994, and started singing with musicians like Ja Rule, Big Pun and Fat Joe. Three of her singles, "Foolish," "Always On Time," and "What's ...full biography