Ashanti has a tendency to break the internet, mainly because of her mouth-watering Instagram photos. The singer takes this bewitching power to PAPER for their latest Break the Internet issue.
In her feature-length story, the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter dishes on a bevy of topics, including the pros and cons of the online world. “I feel like social media is a gift and a curse, honestly,” Ashanti expresses.
“It’s a way to reach millions of people in an instant when you want to upload music, or a photo or a statement that you want to make, and you have people that are your core friends that follow [you] and feed you great energy. But, again, it could also be a lie that’s put out there and then millions of people are believing it, and it’s like, ‘What are you talking about?’ Then you’re forced to think about whether to address it or not.”
Above all else, Ashanti touched on the direction of her new music. For her next release, which is slated to arrive later this month or early 2019, the singer believes it is time to dig deeper as an artist. “I feel like there are a lot of vulnerable topics that I haven’t spoken about before that I’m talking about now,” she says. “I think people will be like, ‘What did she say?’ which is a really cool thing.”
Without sharing revealing names of collaborators or guest features, she’s pleased with the early turnout of the untitled EP.
Her goal on the new project is to fill “a real void for true, soul-touching R&B.” And according to Ashanti, she already believes she’s “accomplishing [that] with this record.”
Read the full PAPER interview here. Also, check out more images from her stunning photoshoot below.
