Ashanti: new singer reigns as music's princess of hip-hop soul

Jet, July 1, 2002

Also, she said she is very cheap and won't be out there spending money all over the place. "I really am cheap! I'm going to hold on to my money."

The only thing she plans to do is to buy a home for her family and an apartment for herself.

She has already been getting tons of scripts beseeching her to take on Hollywood. But Ashanti is holding off on any Hollywood queries. "Let me stay here a while before changing lanes," she said. "Later on, I might get into movies."

So, for now she is taking deep breath to take in all the success showered on her and making sure she stays totally grounded. "I am very thankful and count my blessings every day." And her close-knit family helps her appreciate her blessing but also keep it all in perspective.