After four years, Ashanti is back on the scene with a new project, “The Declaration.” According to The New York Times,it is not only her best effort to date but it may help propel her out of the shadows into the spotlight. Really? Now, that isn’t anything wrong with her music. In fact, I like “The Way That I Love You.” But there nothing that really makes her stand out as an artist. She doesn’t have the gritty back story of Keyshia Cole, or the star-making dream team that has carefully crafted Beyonce’s amazing trajectory, nor does she have the muscial chops of an Alicia Keys.  (Look being linked to producers and rappers doesn’t count in the long run).

Right now Ashanti is just another cute girl singing a catchy tune.  I don’t see her as the headliner, you know the one we are willing pay more than $100 to see. Sure she can be part of the show, but she alone is not going to drive thousands to a concert. After all this time, she is still closer to an opening act than a star. Her recent concert at The Knitting Factory wasn’t packed— even if those in attendance won tickets through an online promotion you’d think there would be more of a crowd. And right now this new CD is rumored to have sold only a paltry 80,000 in its first week of release.

Although the reviewer likened Ashanti’s voice to singers like Chanté Moore and Cherelle, I really put her in Amerie’s category. Nice but not awe-inspiring. I am sure that Ashanti has even noticed that although her stuff sells, she’s not really an It Girl like say, Rihanna. I’ve heard a rumor that Ashanti may be contemplating hanging up her mike and will be heading off to Hollywood instead. That won’t be easy either, let’s look at how many films Gabrielle Union, Regina King, Sanaa Lathan and Kerry Washington get in any given year. They’re still hustling so Ashanti with her short resume may have struggle ahead of her. (I do realize she’s younger so she wouldn’t be competing against them anyway). But even with the odds against her, It may be worth a shot. I didn’t think she was half bad in the mediocre John Tucker Must Die (she was way better than Solange Knowles turn in one of those Bring In On sequels). I hope she finds her spotlight somewhere.