TRENDING

After four years behind-the-scenes, Ashanti is back with a new album titled The Declaration, hitting stores June 3rd. Between all the promotions and special performances, GL managed to catch up with the singer. She filled us in on everything she’s been up to and where her plans for the future. She even gave us some inside fashion and beauty tips. No doubt about it, Ashanti is back.

GL: Are there any really great summertime tracks on the album?
Ashanti: I think the album is very diverse. It’s been four years since my last album. This is definitely a growth and there’s definitely some summer favorites on it.

What is your favorite part about putting together an album?
By far, going into the studio, listening to beats, picking a beat, and creating with the producer. Then, for me, when I write something and I love it, that’s the best part.

Where do you draw your inspiration?
Real life experiences and things that I’ve gone through. Things my friends and family have gone through. I think that’s what really makes people relate to my records, because they can say, “Oh my God, I’m dealing with this right now. I’m not the only one.”

How has your life changed since you were first getting into the business and doing your first album?
Incredibly. I learned so much about the behind-the-scenes and the music industry, the politics and, you know, the cut-throat, dog-eat-dog environment that it’s in. It definitely makes you a stronger person. It’s a time you grow, you learn, and you mature.

Has someone every given you any advice that really stuck with you?
My parents did a really good job with instilling laws and values as far as being persistent and believing in what I’m doing and being positive and being genuine. It’s always really important to stay sincere and to be happy. You don’t want to be doing something forever and be miserable.

How would you describe your fashion style?
I consider it sexy and classy. You definitely have to be confident and have a nice swagger with whatever it is you have on.

Is there anything from your closet that you just cannot live without?
I’m a shoe girl and a bag girl. It’s ironic because my feet hurt after a while, but I love the way the shoes look.
 
So what advice do you have for someone who is trying to find their own style?
I would say try to pull it from within. It’s all about how you feel, what looks right on you. Everyone’s different and have to do what’s comfortable. It’s sexy when you’re confident. When you’re confident, it shows through whatever you have on. If you have on a sweatshirt and sneakers you can still be sexy.

Do you have any great beauty tips?
You get a very bright look when you use white eyeliner as opposed to black. You put it on your really  inner eye, not the eyelid, but the inner. And the trick is to go all the way to the corner of your cornea. Bring it all the way out to the crease of your eye and then bring it all the way in. That accentuates your eye and makes it look very bright.

What are some movies, tv shows, and music that is on your must list?
Music? Well obviously my album. Just kidding. I wanted to see Ironman. And I’ve got to see Sex In The City. I watch a lot of America’s Top Model.

What are your plans for the summer and then beyond?
I am planning on touring. I have a couple of films that I’m working on and we’re trying to see where that’s going. It has been four years so I’m just looking forward to working a lot.

BLOG ABOUT IT: The Declaration is out this week. Are you going to check it out?

6/2/2008 1:22:00 PM