Ashanti's Top Ten Greatest Songs

Born October 13, 1980, in Glen Cove, New York, Ashanti has won eight Billboard Music Awards, four Soul Train Music Awards including the Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year Award in 2002, two American Music Awards, and one Grammy Award. Her 2002 self-titled debut solo album sold 503,000 copies in its first week, a record for a new female artist. The album has sold over six million copies worldwide.

After beginning her career as a child actress in Spike Lee's film Malcolm X, Ashanti broke into the music business when she was discovered by Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs. He signed her to a development deal with Bad Boy Records after she sang songs by Mary J. Blige at an audition attended by The Notorious B.I.G.

Ashanti has recorded several hits with Ja Rule, and her list of collaborators also includes R. Kelly, T.I., Rick Ross, Jeremih, and Fabolous. She's composed most of her hits, and she also wrote and sang background on Jennifer Lopez's number one "Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix)." She has appeared in eight movies, including Resident Evil: Extinction in 2007, and she also starred in the 2013 TV series, Army Wives.

Here is a list of "Ashanti's Top Ten Greatest Hits."

of 10

2002 - "Foolish"

In 2002, "Foolish" by Ashanti won a Billboard Music Award for R&B/Hip-Hop Single of the Year and a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single, Female. It hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts and remained number one on the Hot 100 for ten weeks. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and received three Soul Train Lady of Soul nominations: Best R&B/Soul Single, R&B/Soul Song of the Year and Best R&B/Soul Music Video. "Foolish" was also up for three MTV Video Music Awards: Best Female Video, Best R&B Video, and Best New Artist In a Video.

of 10

2001 - "Always On Time" With Ja Rule

Ashanti and Ja Rule. Tony Barson/WireImage

"Always On Time" by Ja Rule featuring Ashanti was nominated in 2001 for a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, and a BET Award for Viewer's Choice. It was also up for an MTV Video Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Video.

The song hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts and made history. Ashanti joined The Beatles as the only artists to have three Top Ten songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart simultaneously. Her songs were "Foolish," "What's Luv," and "Always on Time."

of 10

2004 - "Wonderful" With Ja Rule and R. Kelly

Ashanti and Ja Rule. Kevin Kane/WireImage

In 2004, "Wonderful by Ja Rule featuring R. Kelly and Ashanti reached number three on the Billboard R&B chart and number five on the Hot 100. From Ja Rule's R.U.L.E. CD, the song was certified gold.

of 10

2003 - "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)"

Ashanti. Robert Mora/Getty Images

From Ashanti's 2003 album, Chapter II, "Rock wit U (Awww Baby)" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. The single peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number four on the R&B chart.

of 10

2002 - "What's Luv?" With Fat Joe

Ashanti and Fat Joe. Theo Wargo/WireImage

In 2002, "What's Luv?" by Fat Joe featuring Ashanti peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number three on the R&B chart. Ashanti became the first female performer to simultaneously hold the top two places on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart with "Foolish" and "What's Luv?" The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, and an MTV Video Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Video.

of 10

2004 - "Only You"

Ashanti. Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

From Ashanti's 2004 Concrete Rose CD, "Only You" was certified gold. The song reached number ten on the Billboard R&B chart and number thirteen on the Hot 100.

of 10

2003 - "Mesmerize" With Ja Rule

Ja Rule and Ashanti. SGranitz/WireImage

In 2002, "Mesmerize" by Ja Rule featuring Ashanti peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number five on the R&B chart. It was the second single from his 2002 The Last Temptation CD.

of 10

2002 - "Down 4 U"—Irv Gotti presents 'The Inc. featuring Ashanti and Ja Rule'

Ja Rule, Ashanti and Irv Gotti. Carley Margolis/FilmMagic

In 2002, "Down 4 U" by Irv Gotti featuring Ashanti, Ja Rule, Charli Baltimore and Vita reached number three on the Billboard R&B chart and number six on the Hot 100. The song was released from the compilation album, Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc.

of 10

2003 - "Rain on Me"

Ashanti. Matthew Peyton/Getty Images

In 2003, "Rain on Me" by Ashanti was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, and a Soul Train Music Award for Best R&B/Soul Single (Female). From her second album, Chapter II, the song peaked at number two on the Billboard R&B chart and number seven on the Hot 100.

of 10

2002 - "Happy"

Ashanti and Stevie Wonder. Kevin Winter/Getty Images

From Ashanti's 2002 self-titled debut solo CD, "Happy"

reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and number six on the R&B chart.