Ashanti and Nelly got married because Nelly “didn’t want her to be a baby mama”

“Let’s just knock this out because we’re gonna be doing so much, and everything’s moving so fast.”

Nelly is talking candidly about his relationship with Ashanti, especially when they first got back in touch. The St. Louis native revealed in an interview with Bootleg Kev of Real 92.3 LA that although he and the R&B singer hugged each other during the 2021 Verzuz between Fat Joe and Ja Rule, they did not click right away.

“I had someone with me when I traveled to Verzuz,” he thought. We didn’t even exchange words. I went over and grabbed a hug. Let’s get started. It was another eight to nine months or even a year before we spoke again. We didn’t speak to each other.

After the host made a joke about how the couple managed to “hide a wedding,” he went on to elaborate.

When we discovered she was expecting, I thought, “Yeah. We hadn’t discussed any of that yet,” he said tentatively, expressing his wish to avoid having an unwed child.

However, I said, ‘Hey, you know what? The 50-year-old clarified, “We’re going to be doing a lot, and everything is moving so fast, so let’s just knock this out.” “I also didn’t want her to have children.”

In 2023, the pair exchanged vows in a private ceremony. They started dating in 2003 and ended things in 2013, thus their romance started decades ago. Kareem Kenkaide Haynes, Ashanti’s son, was born in July 2024, and the “Foolish” singer is thrilled to expand their family.

Earlier this year, the 44-year-old said, “We’re going to add some more.” To balance everything out, a girl is definitely needed. Right now, there are more people in the home than myself. Therefore, a girl would be ideal.

Regarding parenthood, she went on to say, “I am feeling amazing, incredibly pleased, humbled.” My life has taken a radical turn for the better. You know, I’m full? I have a full cup.