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Essence.com: Welcome back! It's been a minute since the summer had an Ashanti jam. So what can we expect from your new album The Declaration?
Ashanti: It's been about four years since the last album and with this project I did everything myself so I learned a lot. I think people are going to walk away and go, Wow, this is solid. It's also versatile because I put some songs on there that people would never expect me to do.
Essence.com: So with all these new experiences, are you a new and improved Ashanti or the same girl who sang 'Baby'?
Ashanti: Honestly, it's a little of both. Some of those same old habits I still have, but I've definitely grown and learned so much, musically, vocally and lyrically and you can hear that growth with this album.
Essence.com: The first single "The Way That I Love You," is the ultimate female anthem. You've even taken it to the next level with a virtual pay-back for the female scorned called Gotchagrams where users can send slasher messages to ex-boyfriends. We love it! Now, is this a message to any potential guys or trifling exes not to play with you emotions?
Ashanti: 100 percent! I want people to feel me the passion of getting your heart broken whether you're a guy or a female. We all get hurt at some point. This is something to put those type of dudes on blast like "Listen, don't be out there doing that."
Essence.com: Before there was an Ashanti Gotchagram, what was your choice of release therapy after a bad or failed relationship?
Ashanti: Well, I really don't promote violence. But sometimes you get pushed to that point and you get so frustrated you want to hit something or scream or whatever it is that you do to get through.
Essence.com: Now it has also been said maybe the song is autobiographical and addresses what transpired between you and Nelly. Any truth to that?
Ashanti: I'm talking about a whole bunch of guys, anyone who has ever broken a heart. I wrote that song last summer and the final product was something I thought everyone could relate to. As far as the rumors and it being all personal the answer is no.
Essence.com: So what else on this album has you excited?
Ashanti: I love the song I did with Robin Thicke called "Things You Make Me Do." It's such a sexy record.
Essence.com: Nice! Now speaking of Robin Thicke, are you open to interracial dating?
Ashanti: (Laughs) That is so funny. I had a Puerto Rican boyfriend in high school so as long as they are cute.
Essence.com: (Laughs) We hear you. And for women today, it's hard enough dating so I can only imagine how difficult it is when you're in the spotlight. What is your secret to a successful relationship that is constantly under public scrutiny such as you and Nelly were?
Ashanti: You know, me and Nelly are really good friends. He has an album coming out, I gotta album coming out. That's how it is.
Essence.com: Ok. So what has been one of the biggest lessons you've learned since entering the music industry that you didn't know beforehand?
Ashanti: You can't take anything personal. It's a business at the end of the day. You can't trust anyone. You have to differentiate. People look at you as a commodity as opposed to a person. It's a very cut-throat, dog-eat-dog industry.
Essence.com: When you first came out we could always expect a summer jam with you and Ja Rule. How is your relationship now?
Ashanti: I think Ja has been busy working on his album. I've definitely been busy finishing up and getting ready to put mine out. We all collectively have to get on the grind to get it back poppin'. It's been such a long time. I haven't really spoken to him lately but everyone is working and focused.
