In 2002, Ashanti and her knack for writing hit records helped the singer/songwriter alter Soundscan history when her self-titled debut album sold more copies in its first week of release than any first-time female solo artist in the chart's history outselling debuts by Beyoncé, Tweet, Alicia Keys and Lauren Hill. Simultaneously, Ashanti also secured the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and the R&B/Hip Hop Singles & Tracks chart in Spring 2002 with the hit single Foolish. Also in 2002, the then 21-year-old rocked the Billboard charts by having her first three chart entries all land in the top 10 of The Billboard Hot 100 at the same time. (Ashanti is the first female to accomplish this feat and only second to the Beatles to do so.) Her string of top ten singles include, Rock Wit U (Aww Baby), Foolish, Happy, Mesmerized featuring Ja Rule, What's Love with rapper Fat Joe and Always on Time with Ja Rule. Also, Ashanti is co-writer of the Jennifer Lopez featuring Ja Rule hit single Ain't it Funny (remix), which also reached the Top 10. |
