Ashanti Gets Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame: 'It's Surreal'

Ashanti has gone a long way after being discovered as a teenager and signing with Murder Inc. Records in 2002. The 41-year-old established a career as an R&B singer, winning several awards, including a Grammy, and expanded her profile in the entertainment industry by appearing in several popular films.

While the singer has sold millions of records and made millions of dollars throughout her career, her most recent accomplishment as a Hollywood Walk of Fame awardee has her feeling stunned and delighted and is a fitting addition to her list of accolades.

On Thursday, Ashanti became the latest music veteran to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her name was inscribed under the historical landmark's recording category, acting as a more permanent reminder of her contribution to the music business.

The 41-year-old looked stunning in an all-white suit, complete with a matching necklace and earrings, and was all smiles as she posed for photos with her star. "It's surreal," Ashanti later gushed in a brief interview at the ceremony. "I'm shocked, stunned, and over the top grateful. This is a staple in my career, and the fact that it will be here forever is a big deal."

"I'm not a super emotional person, so the fact that I cried a little bit today is a little weird for me," the "Mesmerize" singer added. "I'm so humbled and overjoyed to have friends, family, and genuine people here supporting me that I love."

Ashanti attended the unveiling with her family and various friends and colleagues, including Tichina Arnold and Ja Rule. During the ceremony, the multi-hyphenate performer thanked her mother and manager Tina Douglas for always believing in her.

"The fact that my mom spoke this into existence is surreal," Ashanti said. "She really had that feeling as a mother to say, 'My child is gonna get this.' She manifested it, and I'm forever grateful."

Ana Martinez, Hollywood Walk of Fame Producer, also described why Ashanti is deserving of her latest accolade. She said: " [Ashanti] She has proven her talent in many different Hollywood industries and is an example for young girls who want to be in the 'biz."

Ashanti already acknowledged in an Instagram post last week how thrilled she felt to have landed the 2,718th star on the acclaimed Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Recording. As expected, supporters were overjoyed at the news, with thousands of people congratulating her on her achievement.

One follower said, "You been on there is they just physically putting in down now you a star well deserved."

Another fan said," You deserve it, Ashanti! You're a big part of mine and my sister's childhood; I remember always listening to your CDs. I still blast your music; they don't make music the same anymore. Much love"

While fans congratulated her, many also inquired about the re-recording of her first album, which she had promised was on the way since she had obtained the album's masters.

When the music project was released nearly two decades ago, it hit the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 and other R&B/Hip-Hop charts and achieved a milestone as the highest-selling debut album to come from a female artist in its first week. The album contained hit singles like "Foolish," "Baby," and "Happy," which helped the project win a Grammy for best contemporary R&B album in 2003.

As of now, Ashanti has not said when she intends to release the re-recorded album. However, the artist has teamed with Web3 tech startup EQ Exchange to bring the album's NFT line to life.