Ever heard of the saying, “lightning sometimes strikes twice”?
It’s no different in music. Just ask Ashanti, whose 2002 hit single “Baby” from her eponymous Grammy-winning debut album is getting a second wind, thanks to Da Baby and his new song “Nasty.”
Featuring the R&B princess herself and Megan Thee Stallion, the nostalgic cut possesses all the overly explicit lyrical content that one can imagine to indulge in with their equally freaky companion.
In between the X-rated verses from Da Baby and Megan, Ashanti’s sexy voice rides the interpolation of her naughty track. She adds a few insistent lines like “she’s not f*cking you better than I can” to match the hardcore energy of both hip-hop stars.
Ashanti even poses a possible threesome between the trio towards the end of the London On Da Track-produced track.
But it’s no surprise that Ashanti enjoys inhabiting the intimate confines of the word baby. Her slight obsession with the four-letter word has always been present in the title and lyric cliches of many songs from her five studio albums over the years.
If you say the word “baby” as much as Ashanti, check out these eight other songs to get it all out of your system.
“Sweet Baby” from the album Chapter II (2003)
You can’t escape Ashanti’s alluring voice on this seductively stylish instrumentation, crafted by Irv Gotti and Chink Santana. She utilizes this sexy number to bestow her man with a cute nickname that involves her word of choice.
“Over” from the album Ashanti (2002)
A storm known as heartbreak causes severe destruction to Ashanti’s emotional state in this gloomy tune. While she reflects on her now-foiled relationship, she still struggles with the thought of it all being finished for good.
“Rock wit U (Awww Baby)” from the album Chapter II (2003)
Ashanti has quite a way of making one fall in love with a song. For this melodic R&B moment, the singer’s light-hearted cadence floats over a summertime backbeat, as she aims to work up a hot sweat with someone special.
“Hey Baby (After the Club)” from the album The Declaration (2008)
Who said you can’t find love in a club? Before Ashanti exits the V.I.P section, the singer locks eyes with a handsome guy that sends her in a trance. She mesmerizes about getting more acquainted with him behind a beat reminiscent of Diddy’s “Last Night” featuring Keyshia Cole.
“Count” from the album Braveheart (2014)
There’s nothing sexier than someone putting their money where their mouth is. Singing over a fluttering trippy beat, Ashanti expects an unnamed baller or her baby for the night to keep the cash flow coming. Make it rain.
“U” from the album Concrete Rose (2004)
Ashanti isn’t afraid to lay her romantic cards on the table, especially if the deal is right. This head-rocking jam hears the singer pleading with her baby about why she desires him in her life for a long-term commitment.
“Happy” from the album Ashanti (2002)
Ashanti is beaming in pure joy on this Gap Band-sampling collaboration with then-Murder Inc roadie Ja Rule. Elated that she’s found a man that’s heaven-sent, she wants the world to know how she feels on the inside.
“Mesmerize” from the album The Last Temptation (2002)
Ashanti and Ja Rule are a top tier duo. Their chemistry is undeniable on the Queens rapper’s flirtatious street jam. The storyline of this sunny record seamlessly captures the swarm of butterflies circling in the stomach of hopeful romantics.
