In the middle of rerecording her chart-topping, triple-platinum-selling debut album with her independent label, touring, and promoting her new holiday film, A New Diva’s Christmas Carol, Ashanti sat down with me to take a look back at her inspiring career, obstacles she’s faced along the way, and reflect on how she wants to be remembered. But [as far as recording the songs themselves] it definitely has not been hard. The memories come back like, “Oh my gosh, I can’t believe it. It feels so surreal to be recutting these records!” It’s a different vibe. It’s a different understanding now, you know, just going in as a new artist, you never know what’s gonna happen. It’s a really cool feeling. The one thing I will say, though, is I have to remember not to do my show ad-libs on the records. I’m like, “Wait, that’s what I do in the show, I have to keep it to the original.” I think a lot of people are going to be able to relate to the message about evolving and being in a dark place. Sometimes you may need help being guided in the right direction toward positive energy, you know? So, it was a really, really cool experience. And again, I think because of how us as people are dealing with mental issues now due to the pandemic, a lot of people are going to be able to relate to this. And it’s around the holidays, so I think it’s perfect! Being able to transcend and move people, and do a good job at doing it [makes me feels successful], as well as having people love you for your talent and what you were able to create for them. I’m super humbled and super grateful. I also feel like I’m gonna keep going, you know? So, I think people will just remember me as a female artist that worked extremely hard.
