Ashanti Says Nelly “Inspired” Songs for Upcoming “Braveheart” Album

Courtesy of Ashanti’s InstagramAshanti held an album listening session for her upcoming Braveheart album at Jungle City Studios — owned by Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz — on Wednesday night. Afterward, the singer spoke about her struggle to remain relevant and about walking away from seven record deals.  She also revealed that her break-up with Nelly inspired some of the material for her first album in six years.

“Did Nelly inspire some records?  Absolutely,” she said during an interview with TheYBF.com. “It’s just about being real, being honest and being brave.  Writing about what I really felt and what I really went through.  Yeah, he was part of it.”

When asked about their current relationship status, Shani says, “He’s doing him and I’m doing me, it’s about Braveheart.   If you want to find out what’s going on with me and him, get the album on iTunes.  Right now.”

Her long-awaited project will be released on her independent label, Written Entertainment, on March 4.