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* [[Rico Love]]
* [[Rico Love]]
* Pierre Medor
* Pierre Medor
* [[Reefa]]
* Reefa
* 12Keyz
* 12Keyz
* Teetimus
* Teetimus
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==Background==
==Background==
On June 3, 2008, Ashanti released her fourth album ''[[The Declaration]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2008/01/24/ashanti-and-nelly-get-new-release-dates |title=Ashanti and Nelly Get New Release Dates |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2008-01-24 |access-date=2013-06-08}}</ref> which spawned the singles "[[The Way That I Love You]]", "[[Body on Me (Nelly song)|Body on Me]]" (with [[Akon]] & [[Nelly]]) and "[[Good Good]]". The first peaked within the top-forty on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], while "Body on Me" peaked at number forty-two; "Good Good" managed to reach the top-forty on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] chart. These singles became the lowest charting among Ashanti's career thus far.<ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=ashanti|chart=Hot 100}} |title=Ashanti - Chart history |work=Billboard |access-date=2013-06-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=ashanti|chart=R&B/Hip-Hop Songs}} |title=Ashanti - Chart history |work=Billboard |access-date=2013-06-08}}</ref> While ''The Declaration'' peaked at number six and sold 86,000 copies in its first week, ''[[Concrete Rose]]'' (2004) reached number seven with 254,000 copies sold.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045117/disturbed-scores-third-straight-no-1-album |title=Disturbed Scores Third Straight No. 1 Album |work=Billboard |access-date=2013-06-08}}</ref> ''The Declaration'' became her first album to not to be certified platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2009/05/08/irv-gotti-on-ashanti-im-gonna-drop-her/#more-17768 |title=Irv Gotti on Ashanti: 'I'm Gonna Drop Her' |publisher=Rap-Up.com |access-date=2013-06-08}}</ref> Just under a year later in May 2009 [[Irv Gotti]], the president of Ashanti's label [[The Inc. Records|Murder Inc.]], told [[MTV News]] that Ashanti's affiliation with the label was over. He said "The relationship has run its course. The chemistry of what's needed — we're in two totally different places. You're talking to somebody that took her and shaped and molded her and put her out there for the world, and it blew up. We [hold the record] for the [fastest] selling debut by a female R&B artist — 503 [thousand]. We did it! My views and philosophies and her views and philosophies are not meeting up."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1610905/20090507/ashanti.jhtml|title=Irv Gotti Says He's Dropping Ashanti From The Inc.|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=2009-05-07|work=[[MTV News]]|access-date=2009-05-08}}</ref>
On June 3, 2008, Ashanti released her fourth album ''[[The Declaration]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2008/01/24/ashanti-and-nelly-get-new-release-dates |title=Ashanti and Nelly Get New Release Dates |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2008-01-24 |access-date=2013-06-08 |archive-date=June 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611113129/http://www.rap-up.com/2008/01/24/ashanti-and-nelly-get-new-release-dates/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which spawned the singles "[[The Way That I Love You]]", "[[Body on Me (Nelly song)|Body on Me]]" (with [[Akon]] & [[Nelly]]) and "[[Good Good (Ashanti song)|Good Good]]". The first peaked within the top-forty on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], while "Body on Me" peaked at number forty-two; "Good Good" managed to reach the top-forty on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] chart. These singles became the lowest charting among Ashanti's career thus far.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/ashanti/chart-history/hot-100 |title=Ashanti - Chart history |magazine=Billboard |access-date=2013-06-08 |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406082859/https://www.billboard.com/artist/ashanti/chart-history/hot-100/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=ashanti|chart=R&B/Hip-Hop Songs}} |title=Ashanti - Chart history |magazine=Billboard |access-date=2013-06-08}}</ref> While ''The Declaration'' peaked at number six and sold 86,000 copies in its first week, ''[[Concrete Rose]]'' (2004) reached number seven with 254,000 copies sold.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045117/disturbed-scores-third-straight-no-1-album |title=Disturbed Scores Third Straight No. 1 Album |magazine=Billboard |access-date=2013-06-08 |archive-date=May 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140526002647/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045117/disturbed-scores-third-straight-no-1-album |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Declaration'' became her first album to not to be certified platinum by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2009/05/08/irv-gotti-on-ashanti-im-gonna-drop-her/#more-17768 |title=Irv Gotti on Ashanti: 'I'm Gonna Drop Her' |publisher=Rap-Up.com |access-date=2013-06-08 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109034757/http://www.rap-up.com/2009/05/08/irv-gotti-on-ashanti-im-gonna-drop-her/#more-17768 |url-status=live }}</ref> Just under a year later in May 2009 [[Irv Gotti]], the president of Ashanti's label [[The Inc. Records|Murder Inc.]], told [[MTV News]] that Ashanti's affiliation with the label was over. He said "The relationship has run its course. The chemistry of what's needed — we're in two totally different places. You're talking to somebody that took her and shaped and molded her and put her out there for the world, and it blew up. We [hold the record] for the [fastest] selling debut by a female R&B artist — 503 [thousand]. We did it! My views and philosophies and her views and philosophies are not meeting up."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1610905/20090507/ashanti.jhtml|title=Irv Gotti Says He's Dropping Ashanti From The Inc.|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=2009-05-07|work=[[MTV News]]|access-date=2009-05-08|archive-date=May 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509084304/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1610905/20090507/ashanti.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>


On December 15, 2011, "[[The Woman You Love]]" featuring American rapper [[Busta Rhymes]] was unveiled as the album's [[lead single]] and was released for [[Music download|digital download]] a day later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/12/14/new-music-ashanti-f-busta-rhymes-the-woman-you-love/#more-107351 |title=New Music: Ashanti f/ Busta Rhymes – 'The Woman You Love' |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2011-12-14 |access-date=2012-07-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/woman-you-love-feat.-busta/id490633093 |title=The Woman You Love (feat. Busta Rhymes) - Single by Ashanti |publisher=iTunes |date=2011-12-16 |access-date=2014-01-07}}</ref> Trent Fitzgerald of Popcrush wrote "This song is a great start for Ashanti" and expressed great interest in "what she is going to bring in 2012 now that she is an independent woman".<ref name="PopCrush">{{cite web|url=http://popcrush.com/ashanti-the-woman-you-love-busta-rhymes/|title=Ashanti, 'The Woman You Love' Feat. Busta Rhymes – Song Review|first=Trent|last=Fitzgerald|date=December 15, 2011 |work=Popcrush |access-date=2012-01-20}}</ref> The video premiered on [[Black Entertainment Television|BET's]] ''[[106 & Park]]'' on March 13, 2012, and peaked at number 5 on April 23, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://c0untd0wn.com/?p=2498 |title=106 & Park 04/23 &#124; BET's 106 & Park Countdown |publisher=C0untd0wn.com |date=2012-04-24 |access-date=2013-06-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110035642/http://c0untd0wn.com/?p=2498 |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> "The Woman You Love" debuted at number ninety-seven on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] chart for the week of January 7, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2012-01-07/r-b-hip-hop-songs|title=Top Hip-Hop and R&B Songs & Singles Charts |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=2012-01-20}}</ref> Three weeks later the song re-entered at number ninety-five for the week of January 28, 2012.<ref name="Jan.28">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2012-01-28/r-b-hip-hop-songs?order=gainer|title=Top Hip-Hop and R&B Songs & Singles Charts |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=2012-01-20}}</ref> An "R&B Mix" of the song, sans Busta Rhymes, was released on February 14, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/woman-you-love-r-b-mix-single/id502043553 |title=The Woman You Love (R&B Mix) - Single by Ashanti |publisher=iTunes |date=2012-02-14 |access-date=2014-01-07}}</ref> "The Woman You Love" peaked at number fifty-nine.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://teamashanti.com |title=A Tribute to the Ever Beautiful, Miss Ashanti |publisher=Teamashanti.Com |access-date=2012-07-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629003900/http://teamashanti.com/ |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> "The Woman You Love" was excluded from the final album track list.
On December 15, 2011, "[[The Woman You Love]]" featuring American rapper [[Busta Rhymes]] was unveiled as the album's [[lead single]] and was released for [[Music download|digital download]] a day later.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/12/14/new-music-ashanti-f-busta-rhymes-the-woman-you-love/#more-107351 |title=New Music: Ashanti f/ Busta Rhymes – 'The Woman You Love' |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2011-12-14 |access-date=2012-07-05 |archive-date=March 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302200331/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/12/14/new-music-ashanti-f-busta-rhymes-the-woman-you-love/#more-107351 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/woman-you-love-feat.-busta/id490633093 |title=The Woman You Love (feat. Busta Rhymes) - Single by Ashanti |publisher=iTunes |date=2011-12-16 |access-date=2014-01-07 |archive-date=January 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110031056/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/woman-you-love-feat.-busta/id490633093 |url-status=live }}</ref> Trent Fitzgerald of Popcrush wrote "This song is a great start for Ashanti" and expressed great interest in "what she is going to bring in 2012 now that she is an independent woman".<ref name="PopCrush">{{cite web|url=http://popcrush.com/ashanti-the-woman-you-love-busta-rhymes/|title=Ashanti, 'The Woman You Love' Feat. Busta Rhymes – Song Review|first=Trent|last=Fitzgerald|date=December 15, 2011|work=Popcrush|access-date=2012-01-20|archive-date=January 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114033604/http://popcrush.com/ashanti-the-woman-you-love-busta-rhymes/|url-status=live}}</ref> The video premiered on [[Black Entertainment Television|BET's]] ''[[106 & Park]]'' on March 13, 2012, and peaked at number 5 on April 23, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://c0untd0wn.com/?p=2498 |title=106 & Park 04/23 &#124; BET's 106 & Park Countdown |publisher=C0untd0wn.com |date=2012-04-24 |access-date=2013-06-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110035642/http://c0untd0wn.com/?p=2498 |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> "The Woman You Love" debuted at number ninety-seven on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs]] chart for the week of January 7, 2012.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2012-01-07/r-b-hip-hop-songs|title=Top Hip-Hop and R&B Songs & Singles Charts|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=2012-01-20|archive-date=March 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130317165853/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2012-01-07/r-b-hip-hop-songs|url-status=live}}</ref> Three weeks later the song re-entered at number ninety-five for the week of January 28, 2012.<ref name="Jan.28">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2012-01-28/r-b-hip-hop-songs?order=gainer|title=Top Hip-Hop and R&B Songs & Singles Charts|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=2012-01-20|archive-date=July 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140705030834/http://www.billboard.com/charts/2012-01-28/r-b-hip-hop-songs?order=gainer|url-status=live}}</ref> An "R&B Mix" of the song, sans Busta Rhymes, was released on February 14, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/woman-you-love-r-b-mix-single/id502043553 |title=The Woman You Love (R&B Mix) - Single by Ashanti |publisher=iTunes |date=2012-02-14 |access-date=2014-01-07 |archive-date=January 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110031048/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/woman-you-love-r-b-mix-single/id502043553 |url-status=live }}</ref> "The Woman You Love" peaked at number fifty-nine.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://teamashanti.com |title=A Tribute to the Ever Beautiful, Miss Ashanti |publisher=Teamashanti.Com |access-date=2012-07-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629003900/http://teamashanti.com/ |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> "The Woman You Love" was excluded from the final album track list.


==Production==
==Production==
In February 2010, Ashanti begun work in recording studios for a brand new album,<ref name="Rap-Up 12 Feb 2010">{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/02/12/ashanti-shines-bright-in-hollywood/ |title=Ashanti Shines Bright in Hollywood |publisher=Rap-Up.com |access-date=2013-06-08}}</ref> and in December the same year, Ashanti confirmed that fans could expect new music in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/12/07/ashanti-is-a-sight-to-see-at-tourist-premiere/#more-67534 |title=Ashanti Is a Sight to See at 'Tourist' Premiere |publisher=Rap-Up.com |access-date=2013-06-08}}</ref> In July 2011, a promo picture was released announcing that new music was on the way and a brand new single was due in August 2011.<ref name="Rap-Up 26 July 2011">{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/07/26/ashanti-heats-up-the-desert-in-new-promo-pic/ |title=Ashanti Heats Up the Desert in New Promo Pic |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2011-07-26 |access-date=2011-11-24}}</ref> On July 26, 2011, Ashanti announced that her fifth album would be the first to be independently released via her own newly established record label, [[Written Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/07/06/ashanti-shares-laughs-with-lil-wayne/ |title=Ashanti Shares Laughs with Lil Wayne |publisher=Rap-Up.com |access-date=2013-06-08}}</ref> Details of the label and distribution came out in December, when it was unveiled that Written Entertainment would be independently distributed worldwide through [[E1 Music|eOne Music]].<ref name="Rap-up 15 Dec 2011">{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/12/15/ashanti-announces-new-record-deal/#more-107412 |title=Ashanti Announces New Record Deal |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2011-12-15 |access-date=2013-06-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/posts/ashanti-announces-new-record-deal-and-upcoming-album |title=Ashanti Announces New Record Deal and Upcoming Album |publisher=Vibe |date=2011-12-15 |access-date=2012-07-05}}</ref> In a press release, the President of eOne Music, Alan Grunblatt said: "eOne is proud to have a partnership with Ashanti and her label Written Entertainment. Ashanti truly has the independent entrepreneurial attitude that eOne was built on, and we're thrilled to be working with her."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://theurbandaily.com/music/shamika-sanders/ashanti-announces-new-record-deal/ |title=Ashanti Announces New Record Deal |publisher=The Urban Daily |date=2011-12-15 |access-date=2012-07-05}}</ref> Ashanti added, "I'm so excited to have my own record label, Written Entertainment. With eOne as my distributor, I feel that their innovative and ambitious approach to the music industry, really gives my label a worldwide presence. They have the top radio people in the business and are hungry to win! The more I learned the business the more I knew this is what I wanted. Ownership is so important. As a business woman this was a great move for me!"<ref name="Rap-up 15 Dec 2011"/>
In February 2010, Ashanti begun work in recording studios for a brand new album,<ref name="Rap-Up 12 Feb 2010">{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/02/12/ashanti-shines-bright-in-hollywood/ |title=Ashanti Shines Bright in Hollywood |publisher=Rap-Up.com |access-date=2013-06-08 |archive-date=February 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222065652/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/02/12/ashanti-shines-bright-in-hollywood/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and in December the same year, Ashanti confirmed that fans could expect new music in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/12/07/ashanti-is-a-sight-to-see-at-tourist-premiere/#more-67534 |title=Ashanti Is a Sight to See at 'Tourist' Premiere |publisher=Rap-Up.com |access-date=2013-06-08 |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104033040/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/12/07/ashanti-is-a-sight-to-see-at-tourist-premiere/#more-67534 |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2011, a promo picture was released announcing that new music was on the way and a brand new single was due in August 2011.<ref name="Rap-Up 26 July 2011">{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/07/26/ashanti-heats-up-the-desert-in-new-promo-pic/ |title=Ashanti Heats Up the Desert in New Promo Pic |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2011-07-26 |access-date=2011-11-24 |archive-date=March 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302205459/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/07/26/ashanti-heats-up-the-desert-in-new-promo-pic/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 26, 2011, Ashanti announced that her fifth album would be the first to be independently released via her own newly established record label, [[Written Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/07/06/ashanti-shares-laughs-with-lil-wayne/ |title=Ashanti Shares Laughs with Lil Wayne |publisher=Rap-Up.com |access-date=2013-06-08 |archive-date=June 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130630053900/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/07/06/ashanti-shares-laughs-with-lil-wayne/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Details of the label and distribution came out in December, when it was unveiled that Written Entertainment would be independently distributed worldwide through [[E1 Music|eOne Music]].<ref name="Rap-up 15 Dec 2011">{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2011/12/15/ashanti-announces-new-record-deal/#more-107412 |title=Ashanti Announces New Record Deal |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2011-12-15 |access-date=2013-06-08 |archive-date=October 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021003107/http://www.rap-up.com/2011/12/15/ashanti-announces-new-record-deal/#more-107412 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vibe.com/posts/ashanti-announces-new-record-deal-and-upcoming-album |title=Ashanti Announces New Record Deal and Upcoming Album |publisher=Vibe |date=2011-12-15 |access-date=2012-07-05 |archive-date=January 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117035128/http://www.vibe.com/posts/ashanti-announces-new-record-deal-and-upcoming-album |url-status=live }}</ref> In a press release, the President of eOne Music, Alan Grunblatt said: "eOne is proud to have a partnership with Ashanti and her label Written Entertainment. Ashanti truly has the independent entrepreneurial attitude that eOne was built on, and we're thrilled to be working with her."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://theurbandaily.com/music/shamika-sanders/ashanti-announces-new-record-deal/ |title=Ashanti Announces New Record Deal |publisher=The Urban Daily |date=2011-12-15 |access-date=2012-07-05 |archive-date=March 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321015302/http://theurbandaily.com/music/shamika-sanders/ashanti-announces-new-record-deal/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Ashanti added, "I'm so excited to have my own record label, Written Entertainment. With eOne as my distributor, I feel that their innovative and ambitious approach to the music industry, really gives my label a worldwide presence. They have the top radio people in the business and are hungry to win! The more I learned the business the more I knew this is what I wanted. Ownership is so important. As a business woman this was a great move for me!"<ref name="Rap-up 15 Dec 2011"/>


During an interview on ''[[106 & Park]]'', Ashanti stated that there would be two collaborations on the album, one with a male vocalist and one with a female vocalist; Boombox later revealed that the male artist was R. Kelly and the female was Keyshia Cole.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/03/14/ashanti-talks-braveheart-owning-her-own-label-on-106-park/#more-116538 |title=Ashanti Talks 'Braveheart,' Owning Her Own Label on '106 & Park' |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2012-03-14 |access-date=2012-07-05}}</ref> Ashanti worked with R. Kelly ("That's What We Do"), Rico Love ("Perfect So Far"), and [[Keyshia Cole]] ("Woman to Woman").<ref name="rap-up2">{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/03/15/ashanti-dishes-on-album-title-keyshia-cole-duet-coach-carter-2/#more-116735 |title=Ashanti Dishes on Album Title, Keyshia Cole Duet, & 'Coach Carter 2' |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2012-03-15 |access-date=2012-07-05}}</ref> In total, Ashanti recorded sixty songs for the album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idolator.com/7507817/ashanti-braveheart-album-review |title=Ashanti's 'BraveHeart': Album Review |publisher=Idolator.com |access-date=2014-04-05}}</ref>
During an interview on ''[[106 & Park]]'', Ashanti stated that there would be two collaborations on the album, one with a male vocalist and one with a female vocalist; Boombox later revealed that the male artist was R. Kelly and the female was Keyshia Cole.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/03/14/ashanti-talks-braveheart-owning-her-own-label-on-106-park/#more-116538 |title=Ashanti Talks 'Braveheart,' Owning Her Own Label on '106 & Park' |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2012-03-14 |access-date=2012-07-05 |archive-date=May 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519081358/http://www.rap-up.com/2012/03/14/ashanti-talks-braveheart-owning-her-own-label-on-106-park/#more-116538 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ashanti worked with R. Kelly ("That's What We Do"), Rico Love ("Perfect So Far"), and [[Keyshia Cole]] ("Woman to Woman").<ref name="rap-up2">{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/03/15/ashanti-dishes-on-album-title-keyshia-cole-duet-coach-carter-2/#more-116735 |title=Ashanti Dishes on Album Title, Keyshia Cole Duet, & 'Coach Carter 2' |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2012-03-15 |access-date=2012-07-05 |archive-date=March 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317184059/http://www.rap-up.com/2012/03/15/ashanti-dishes-on-album-title-keyshia-cole-duet-coach-carter-2/#more-116735 |url-status=live }}</ref> In total, Ashanti recorded sixty songs for the album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idolator.com/7507817/ashanti-braveheart-album-review |title=Ashanti's 'BraveHeart': Album Review |publisher=Idolator.com |access-date=2014-04-05 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127225551/https://www.idolator.com/7507817/ashanti-braveheart-album-review |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Title and artwork==
==Title and artwork==
In an interview with Power 99 FM in [[Los Angeles]], Ashanti explained how the Oscar-winning film ''[[Braveheart]]'' inspired her album title. "The metaphor that I took was basically in the movie you have the Europeans, you have the soldiers from London and the U.K.," she said. "They have the big horses, they have the shields, the guns, the weapons... They're all armored up. And then you have the Scots. They're all raggedy, homemade weapons, and paint on their faces. It's not an even playing ground, so I feel like with the [major labels], they're bossed up. They have the big engine and all the artists signed to them and with the indies, it's depending. It's homemade, it's homegrown. It's a lesser engine. So the metaphor I was using was being brave and putting your blood and guts into it and fighting passionately to win."<ref name="rap-up3">{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/03/22/album-cover-ashanti-braveheart/ |title=Album Cover: Ashanti – 'BraveHeart' |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2012-03-22 |access-date=2012-07-05}}</ref> The album's artwork was released on March 22, 2012. The artwork was described as "The warrior princess strikes a bold pose on the dramatic cover art."<ref name="rap-up3"/> The image used is a screenshot from the music video for "[[The Woman You Love]]"; it was later revealed on April 13, 2013, that Ashanti flew out to [[Atlanta]] to shoot a brand new artwork with photographer Robert Ector.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://writtenbyashanti.com/2013/04/ashanti-shooting-new-album-artwork-with-robert-ector/ |title=Ashanti shooting new album artwork with Robert Ector this weekend! |publisher=Writtenbyashanti.com |access-date=2013-06-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108184506/http://writtenbyashanti.com/2013/04/ashanti-shooting-new-album-artwork-with-robert-ector/ |archive-date=January 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In January 2014, the singer unveiled the brand-new album artwork on her official [[Instagram]] account.<ref>{{cite web|last=Copsey|first=Robert|title=Ashanti unveils new album BraveHeart artwork, confirms release date|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a542307/ashanti-unveils-new-album-braveheart-artwork-confirms-release-date.html|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=January 8, 2014|access-date=January 8, 2014}}</ref>
In an interview with Power 99 FM in [[Los Angeles]], Ashanti explained how the Oscar-winning film ''[[Braveheart]]'' inspired her album title. "The metaphor that I took was basically in the movie you have the Europeans, you have the soldiers from London and the U.K.," she said. "They have the big horses, they have the shields, the guns, the weapons... They're all armored up. And then you have the Scots. They're all raggedy, homemade weapons, and paint on their faces. It's not an even playing ground, so I feel like with the [major labels], they're bossed up. They have the big engine and all the artists signed to them and with the indies, it's depending. It's homemade, it's homegrown. It's a lesser engine. So the metaphor I was using was being brave and putting your blood and guts into it and fighting passionately to win."<ref name="rap-up3">{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2012/03/22/album-cover-ashanti-braveheart/ |title=Album Cover: Ashanti – 'BraveHeart' |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2012-03-22 |access-date=2012-07-05 |archive-date=March 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325194420/http://www.rap-up.com/2012/03/22/album-cover-ashanti-braveheart/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album's artwork was released on March 22, 2012. The artwork was described as "The warrior princess strikes a bold pose on the dramatic cover art."<ref name="rap-up3"/> The image used is a screenshot from the music video for "[[The Woman You Love]]"; it was later revealed on April 13, 2013, that Ashanti flew out to [[Atlanta]] to shoot a brand new artwork with photographer Robert Ector.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://writtenbyashanti.com/2013/04/ashanti-shooting-new-album-artwork-with-robert-ector/ |title=Ashanti shooting new album artwork with Robert Ector this weekend! |publisher=Writtenbyashanti.com |access-date=2013-06-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108184506/http://writtenbyashanti.com/2013/04/ashanti-shooting-new-album-artwork-with-robert-ector/ |archive-date=January 8, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In January 2014, the singer unveiled the brand-new album artwork on her official [[Instagram]] account.<ref>{{cite web|last=Copsey|first=Robert|title=Ashanti unveils new album BraveHeart artwork, confirms release date|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a542307/ashanti-unveils-new-album-braveheart-artwork-confirms-release-date.html|work=[[Digital Spy]]|date=January 8, 2014|access-date=January 8, 2014|archive-date=January 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108185329/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a542307/ashanti-unveils-new-album-braveheart-artwork-confirms-release-date.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Composition==
==Composition==
Line 69: Line 69:


===Songs and lyrics===
===Songs and lyrics===
The album opens with a monologue introduction spoken by Ashanti in which she says; "A lot of people counted me out and that feeds my hunger and ignites my passion to continue my journey, I will continue to thrive, continue to prosper, I will continue to be brave. I am Braveheart."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2014/02/26/ashanti-braveheart-album-stream/#more-180527 |title=Ashanti 'Braveheart' Album Stream |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2014-02-26 |access-date=2014-03-04}}</ref> "She Can't" was produced by Mansur, which was described as a sexy mid-tempo number with a chaotic beat. "Never Should Have", also produced by Mansur, sees the singer cooing over a former lover she now regrets over a marching band-driven beat.<ref name="Boom">{{cite web |date=March 7, 2012 |author=Georgette Cline |url=http://www.theboombox.com/2012/03/07/ashanti-album-listening |title=Ashanti Album Listening: Title Is Film-Inspired, R. Kelly Collaborates, Songs Center on Love |publisher=The Boombox |access-date=2012-07-05}}</ref> Rico Love co-wrote the guitar-laden track "Perfect So Far".<ref name="Boom"/>
The album opens with a monologue introduction spoken by Ashanti in which she says; "A lot of people counted me out and that feeds my hunger and ignites my passion to continue my journey, I will continue to thrive, continue to prosper, I will continue to be brave. I am Braveheart."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2014/02/26/ashanti-braveheart-album-stream/#more-180527 |title=Ashanti 'Braveheart' Album Stream |publisher=Rap-Up.com |date=2014-02-26 |access-date=2014-03-04 |archive-date=March 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302163243/http://www.rap-up.com/2014/02/26/ashanti-braveheart-album-stream/#more-180527 |url-status=live }}</ref> "She Can't" was produced by Mansur, which was described as a sexy mid-tempo number with a chaotic beat. "Never Should Have", also produced by Mansur, sees the singer cooing over a former lover she now regrets over a marching band-driven beat.<ref name="Boom">{{cite web |date=March 7, 2012 |author=Georgette Cline |url=http://www.theboombox.com/2012/03/07/ashanti-album-listening |title=Ashanti Album Listening: Title Is Film-Inspired, R. Kelly Collaborates, Songs Center on Love |publisher=The Boombox |access-date=2012-07-05 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127225447/https://theboombox.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Rico Love co-wrote the guitar-laden track "Perfect So Far".<ref name="Boom"/>


== Promotion and release ==
== Promotion and release ==
Ashanti performed "The Woman You Love" live on ''[[Good Morning America]]'' on February 13, 2012,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ashantithisisme.com/ashanti/2012/02/02/ashanti-to-perform-on-good-morning-america-2/ |title=Ashanti To Perform On Good Morning America |publisher=Ashantithisisme.com |date=2012-02-02 |access-date=2012-07-05}}</ref> and also performed the song on April 17, 2012, as the musical guest on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bené Viera |url=http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-04-18/ashanti-turns-up-the-heat-with-new-look-in-jimmy-kimmel-performance/ |title=Ashanti Turns Up the Heat with New Look in Jimmy Kimmel Performance |publisher=Vh1.com |date=2012-04-18 |access-date=2014-03-04}}</ref> Over a year later, in June 2013, Ashanti took to the stage of ''Marie'' to perform "Never Should Have" live for the first time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/06/07/video-ashanti-performs-never-should-have-on-marie/ |title=Ashanti Performs 'Never Should Have' on 'Marie' |publisher=Rap-Up.com |access-date=2014-01-07}}</ref> "Never Should Have" along with snippets of "She Can't" and "I Got It" (featuring [[Future (rapper)|Future]]) all featured on DJ Ty Boogie's ''Str8 RnB pt. 6'' [[mixtape]], hosted by Ashanti.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.datpiff.com/DJTYBOOGIE1-Str8-Rnb-Pt6-Hosted-By-Ashanti-mixtape.506032.html |title=@DJTYBOOGIE1 - Str8 Rnb Pt6- Hosted By Ashanti Hosted by DJTYBOOGIE // Free Mixtape @ |publisher=Datpiff.com |access-date=2014-01-07}}</ref> On July 30, 2013, the date ''BraveHeart'' was supposed to be released, Ashanti confirmed that the album would now be released in September 2013. Via her [[Instagram]] account she posted a new promotional picture and said, "Hey y'all! So ''Braveheart'' is NOT coming out today we have clearances & legalities to take of... It costs to be the boss!!!".<ref>{{cite news|last=Leonard|first=Kato|title=Ashanti Delays 'Braveheart' Album|url=http://www.loudmusic247.com/article3-id.1147-ashanti-delays-braveheart-album|access-date=30 July 2013|newspaper=LoudMusic247|date=30 July 2013}}</ref> The album was then slated for release in early 2014, preceded by the single "I Got It" featuring rapper [[Rick Ross]].<ref name="Early 2014">{{cite web|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/new-music-ashanti-feat-rick-ross-i-got-it-0 |title=New Music: Ashanti Feat. Rick Ross 'I Got It' |publisher=Vibe |date=2013-11-26 |access-date=2014-01-07}}</ref> Originally set for a February 18 release,<ref name="Toronto Sun">{{cite news |last=Sterdan|first=Darryl|title=2014 music preview: Best of the rest|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2013/12/27/2014-music-preview-best-of-the-rest|work=[[Toronto Sun]] |date=December 28, 2013 |access-date=January 7, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Amazon.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/BraveHeart-Ashanti/dp/B007BS0ZTU/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1389107337&sr=1-2&keywords=Ashanti |title=BraveHeart |work=[[Amazon.com]] |access-date=January 7, 2014}}</ref> the album was released on March 4, 2014.<ref name="HuffPost Release">{{cite news |title=Ashanti's 'Braveheart' Album Gets New Artwork, Release Date|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/05/ashanti-braveheart-album-artwork-release-date_n_4729903.html|work=[[Huffington Post]] |date=February 5, 2014 |access-date=February 5, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Vibe release">{{cite web|title=Ashanti Unveils New 'BraveHeart' Cover, Release Date|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/ashanti-unveils-new-braveheart-cover-release-date|work=[[Vibe magazine]] |date=February 5, 2014 |access-date=February 5, 2014}}</ref>
Ashanti performed "The Woman You Love" live on ''[[Good Morning America]]'' on February 13, 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ashantithisisme.com/ashanti/2012/02/02/ashanti-to-perform-on-good-morning-america-2/ |title=Ashanti To Perform On Good Morning America |publisher=Ashantithisisme.com |date=2012-02-02 |access-date=2012-07-05 |archive-date=March 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120324070009/http://ashantithisisme.com/ashanti/2012/02/02/ashanti-to-perform-on-good-morning-america-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and also performed the song on April 17, 2012, as the musical guest on ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bené Viera |url=http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-04-18/ashanti-turns-up-the-heat-with-new-look-in-jimmy-kimmel-performance/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430053014/http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-04-18/ashanti-turns-up-the-heat-with-new-look-in-jimmy-kimmel-performance/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 30, 2012 |title=Ashanti Turns Up the Heat with New Look in Jimmy Kimmel Performance |publisher=Vh1.com |date=2012-04-18 |access-date=2014-03-04}}</ref> Over a year later, in June 2013, Ashanti took to the stage of ''Marie'' to perform "Never Should Have" live for the first time.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2013/06/07/video-ashanti-performs-never-should-have-on-marie/ |title=Ashanti Performs 'Never Should Have' on 'Marie' |publisher=Rap-Up.com |access-date=2014-01-07 |archive-date=October 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131024081217/http://www.rap-up.com/2013/06/07/video-ashanti-performs-never-should-have-on-marie/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "Never Should Have" along with snippets of "She Can't" and "I Got It" (featuring [[Future (rapper)|Future]]) all featured on DJ Ty Boogie's ''Str8 RnB pt. 6'' [[mixtape]], hosted by Ashanti.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.datpiff.com/DJTYBOOGIE1-Str8-Rnb-Pt6-Hosted-By-Ashanti-mixtape.506032.html |title=@DJTYBOOGIE1 - Str8 Rnb Pt6- Hosted By Ashanti Hosted by DJTYBOOGIE // Free Mixtape @ |publisher=Datpiff.com |access-date=2014-01-07 |archive-date=November 6, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106074950/http://www.datpiff.com/DJTYBOOGIE1-Str8-Rnb-Pt6-Hosted-By-Ashanti-mixtape.506032.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 30, 2013, the date ''BraveHeart'' was supposed to be released, Ashanti confirmed that the album would now be released in September 2013. Via her [[Instagram]] account she posted a new promotional picture and said, "Hey y'all! So ''Braveheart'' is NOT coming out today we have clearances & legalities to take of... It costs to be the boss!!!".<ref>{{cite news|last=Leonard|first=Kato|title=Ashanti Delays 'Braveheart' Album|url=http://www.loudmusic247.com/article3-id.1147-ashanti-delays-braveheart-album|access-date=30 July 2013|newspaper=LoudMusic247|date=30 July 2013|archive-date=August 6, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806124513/http://www.loudmusic247.com/article3-id.1147-ashanti-delays-braveheart-album|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was then slated for release in early 2014, preceded by the single "I Got It" featuring rapper [[Rick Ross]].<ref name="Early 2014">{{cite web |url=http://www.vibe.com/article/new-music-ashanti-feat-rick-ross-i-got-it-0 |title=New Music: Ashanti Feat. Rick Ross 'I Got It' |publisher=Vibe |date=2013-11-26 |access-date=2014-01-07 |archive-date=January 10, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110130158/http://www.vibe.com/article/new-music-ashanti-feat-rick-ross-i-got-it-0 |url-status=live }}</ref> Originally set for a February 18 release,<ref name="Toronto Sun">{{cite news|last=Sterdan|first=Darryl|title=2014 music preview: Best of the rest|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2013/12/27/2014-music-preview-best-of-the-rest|newspaper=[[Toronto Sun]]|date=December 28, 2013|access-date=January 7, 2014|archive-date=January 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107162254/http://www.torontosun.com/2013/12/27/2014-music-preview-best-of-the-rest|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Amazon.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/BraveHeart-Ashanti/dp/B007BS0ZTU/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1389107337&sr=1-2&keywords=Ashanti |title=BraveHeart |work=[[Amazon.com]] |access-date=January 7, 2014 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127225440/https://www.amazon.com/BraveHeart-Ashanti/dp/B007BS0ZTU/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1389107337&sr=1-2&keywords=Ashanti |url-status=live }}</ref> the album was released on March 4, 2014.<ref name="HuffPost Release">{{cite news|title=Ashanti's 'Braveheart' Album Gets New Artwork, Release Date|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/05/ashanti-braveheart-album-artwork-release-date_n_4729903.html|work=[[Huffington Post]]|date=February 5, 2014|access-date=February 5, 2014|archive-date=March 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301083546/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/05/ashanti-braveheart-album-artwork-release-date_n_4729903.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Vibe release">{{cite web|title=Ashanti Unveils New 'BraveHeart' Cover, Release Date|url=http://www.vibe.com/article/ashanti-unveils-new-braveheart-cover-release-date|work=[[Vibe magazine]]|date=February 5, 2014|access-date=February 5, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304141457/http://www.vibe.com/article/ashanti-unveils-new-braveheart-cover-release-date|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Singles ===
=== Singles ===
According to Ashanti's website, On March 25, 2013, a brand new song titled "Never Should Have" was released for digital download.<ref name="single 3">{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/never-should-have-single/id626240468 |title=Never Should Have - Single by Ashanti |publisher=Itunes |date=2013-03-25 |access-date=2013-06-06}}</ref> The official music video was filmed in March 2013 by director [[Sanji (director)|Sanji]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videostatic.com/production/2013/03/22/ashanti-never-should-have-sanji-dir |title=Ashanti "Never Should Have" (Sanji, dir.) |publisher=VideoStatic |date=2013-05-31 |access-date=2013-06-06}}</ref> The song impacted US Rhythmic and Urban radio on April 29, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=04/29/2013&Format=9 |title=®R&R :: Going For Adds™ :: Rhythmic |publisher=Gfa.radioandrecords.com |date=2013-04-29 |access-date=2013-06-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109043305/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=04%2F29%2F2013&Format=9# |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=04/29/2013&Format=5 |title=®R&R :: Going For Adds™ :: Urban |publisher=Gfa.radioandrecords.com |date=2013-04-29 |access-date=2013-06-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109043308/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=04%2F29%2F2013&Format=5# |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> After it was announced that the album was pushed back from July 30, 2013, Ashanti announced that two exclusive remixes, The JButtah and AllStyle Remixes of "Never Should Have" would be released and promoted to radio stations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://singersroom.com/content/2013-07-11/Ashanti-Releases-Never-Should-Have-Remixes-Following-Album-Delay/ |title=Ashanti Releases "Never Should Have" Remixes Following Album Delay |publisher=Singersroom |date=2013-07-11 |access-date=2014-02-11}}</ref> Despite not peaking in any US chart, "Never Should Have" won Ashanti a 2013 [[Soul Train Music Award]] for Best Independent R&B/Soul Performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ashantithisisme.com/2013/11/15/congratulations-as-ashanti-wins-soul-train-award/ |title=Congratulations As Ashanti Wins Soul Train Award |publisher=Ashanti This Is Me |date=2013-11-15 |access-date=2014-04-05}}</ref> The album's next single "I Got It" featuring [[Rick Ross]], was made available for purchase via iTunes on November 26, 2013.<ref name="Early 2014"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-got-it-feat.-rick-ross-single/id766613929 |title=I Got It (feat. Rick Ross) - Single by Ashanti |publisher=[[iTunes]] |date=2013-11-26 |access-date=2014-01-07}}</ref> It was sent to US [[urban contemporary]] radio stations on January 28, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases |title=Urban/UAC Future Releases &#124; R&B, Hip Hop, Release Schedule and Street Dates |publisher=Allaccess.com |access-date=2014-02-11}}</ref> On February 20, 2014, [[Rap-Up]] confirmed that "First Real Love" would be the album's next music video.<ref>http://www.rap-up.com/2014/02/20/new-music-ashanti-f-beenie-man-first-real-love/</ref> However, in April 2014, during an interview with Mike Wass for [[Idolator (website)|Idolator]], Ashanti said she was going with "Early in the Morning" featuring [[French Montana]] as the album's next single after its skyrocketing performance on the US [[iTunes Store|iTunes R&B Chart]].<ref>http://www.idolator.com/7513139/ashanti-interview-braveheart-independent-next-single</ref>
According to Ashanti's website, On March 25, 2013, a brand new song titled "Never Should Have" was released for digital download.<ref name="single 3">{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/never-should-have-single/id626240468 |title=Never Should Have - Single by Ashanti |publisher=Itunes |date=2013-03-25 |access-date=2013-06-06 |archive-date=April 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421130855/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/never-should-have-single/id626240468 |url-status=live }}</ref> The official music video was filmed in March 2013 by director [[Sanji (director)|Sanji]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.videostatic.com/production/2013/03/22/ashanti-never-should-have-sanji-dir |title=Ashanti "Never Should Have" (Sanji, dir.) |publisher=VideoStatic |date=2013-05-31 |access-date=2013-06-06 |archive-date=March 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130330050720/http://www.videostatic.com/production/2013/03/22/ashanti-never-should-have-sanji-dir |url-status=live }}</ref> The song impacted US Rhythmic and Urban radio on April 29, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=04/29/2013&Format=9 |title=®R&R :: Going For Adds™ :: Rhythmic |publisher=Gfa.radioandrecords.com |date=2013-04-29 |access-date=2013-06-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109043305/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=04%2F29%2F2013&Format=9 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=04/29/2013&Format=5 |title=®R&R :: Going For Adds™ :: Urban |publisher=Gfa.radioandrecords.com |date=2013-04-29 |access-date=2013-06-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109043308/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=04%2F29%2F2013&Format=5 |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> After it was announced that the album was pushed back from July 30, 2013, Ashanti announced that two exclusive remixes, The JButtah and AllStyle Remixes of "Never Should Have" would be released and promoted to radio stations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://singersroom.com/content/2013-07-11/Ashanti-Releases-Never-Should-Have-Remixes-Following-Album-Delay/ |title=Ashanti Releases "Never Should Have" Remixes Following Album Delay |publisher=Singersroom |date=2013-07-11 |access-date=2014-02-11 |archive-date=July 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130713132904/http://singersroom.com/content/2013-07-11/Ashanti-Releases-Never-Should-Have-Remixes-Following-Album-Delay/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite not peaking in any US chart, "Never Should Have" won Ashanti a 2013 [[Soul Train Music Award]] for Best Independent R&B/Soul Performance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ashantithisisme.com/2013/11/15/congratulations-as-ashanti-wins-soul-train-award/ |title=Congratulations As Ashanti Wins Soul Train Award |publisher=Ashanti This Is Me |date=2013-11-15 |access-date=2014-04-05 |archive-date=March 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323045139/http://ashantithisisme.com/2013/11/15/congratulations-as-ashanti-wins-soul-train-award/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The album's next single "I Got It" featuring [[Rick Ross]], was made available for purchase via iTunes on November 26, 2013.<ref name="Early 2014"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-got-it-feat.-rick-ross-single/id766613929 |title=I Got It (feat. Rick Ross) - Single by Ashanti |publisher=[[iTunes]] |date=2013-11-26 |access-date=2014-01-07 |archive-date=November 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131128220849/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-got-it-feat.-rick-ross-single/id766613929 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was sent to US [[urban contemporary]] radio stations on January 28, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases |title=Urban/UAC Future Releases &#124; R&B, Hip Hop, Release Schedule and Street Dates |publisher=Allaccess.com |access-date=2014-02-11 |archive-date=February 25, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225142501/http://www.allaccess.com/urban/future-releases |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 20, 2014, [[Rap-Up]] confirmed that "First Real Love" would be the album's next music video.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2014/02/20/new-music-ashanti-f-beenie-man-first-real-love/|title=New Music: Ashanti f/ Beenie Man – 'First Real Love'|access-date=April 13, 2014|archive-date=March 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304180359/http://www.rap-up.com/2014/02/20/new-music-ashanti-f-beenie-man-first-real-love/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, in April 2014, during an interview with Mike Wass for [[Idolator (website)|Idolator]], Ashanti said she was going with "Early in the Morning" featuring [[French Montana]] as the album's next single after its skyrocketing performance on the US [[iTunes Store|iTunes R&B Chart]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.idolator.com/7513139/ashanti-interview-braveheart-independent-next-single|title=7 Questions with Ashanti: The Evolution of 'Braveheart', Going Independent & Her Next Single|access-date=April 13, 2014|archive-date=January 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127225547/https://www.idolator.com/7513139/ashanti-interview-braveheart-independent-next-single|url-status=live}}</ref>


In July 2014, Ashanti announced that future official singles from ''Braveheart'' would be voted on by fans.<ref>http://www.hitfix.com/news/ashanti-to-iggy-azalea-hey-i-did-it-first-plus-prepping-video-with-french-montana</ref>
In July 2014, Ashanti announced that future official singles from ''Braveheart'' would be voted on by fans.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hitfix.com/news/ashanti-to-iggy-azalea-hey-i-did-it-first-plus-prepping-video-with-french-montana|title=Entertainment|access-date=July 14, 2014|archive-date=July 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714221231/http://www.hitfix.com/news/ashanti-to-iggy-azalea-hey-i-did-it-first-plus-prepping-video-with-french-montana|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
Line 84: Line 84:
{{Album ratings
{{Album ratings
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1 = [[AllMusic]]
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="allmusic1">{{cite web|author=Andy Kellman |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/braveheart-mw0002332215 |title=Braveheart – Ashanti |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=2014-03-04}}</ref>
| rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="allmusic1">{{cite web |author=Andy Kellman |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/braveheart-mw0002332215 |title=Braveheart – Ashanti |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=2014-03-04 |archive-date=March 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320110338/http://www.allmusic.com/album/braveheart-mw0002332215 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rev2 = [[HipHopDX]]
| rev2 = [[HipHopDX]]
| rev2Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="hiphopdx1">{{cite web |last=Reyes |first=Jon |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/album-reviews/id.2233/title.ashanti-braveheart |title=Ashanti – Braveheart |publisher=HipHop DX |access-date=2014-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110224451/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/album-reviews/id.2233/title.ashanti-braveheart |archive-date=January 10, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| rev2Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="hiphopdx1">{{cite web |last=Reyes |first=Jon |url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/album-reviews/id.2233/title.ashanti-braveheart |title=Ashanti – Braveheart |publisher=HipHop DX |access-date=2014-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150110224451/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/album-reviews/id.2233/title.ashanti-braveheart |archive-date=January 10, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
| rev3 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]''
| rev3Score = (favorable)<ref>{{cite news |author=Dave DiMartino |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-cat-in-the-hat-comes-back-20140304 |title=The Cat In The Hat Comes Back |newspaper=Rolling Stone |date=2014-03-04 |access-date=2014-04-05}}</ref>
| rev3Score = (favorable)<ref>{{cite news |author=Dave DiMartino |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-cat-in-the-hat-comes-back-20140304 |title=The Cat In The Hat Comes Back |newspaper=Rolling Stone |date=2014-03-04 |access-date=2014-04-05 |archive-date=April 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422154131/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-cat-in-the-hat-comes-back-20140304 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|rev8 = ''[[USA Today]]''
|rev8 = ''[[USA Today]]''
|rev8Score = {{Rating|2.5|4}}<ref name=usa>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/03/03/lea-michele-ashanti-eli-young-band/5981665/|title=Listen Up: Other notable releases|last=Gardner|first=Elysa|date=March 3, 2014|work=USA Today|access-date=March 10, 2014}}</ref>
|rev8Score = {{Rating|2.5|4}}<ref name=usa>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/03/03/lea-michele-ashanti-eli-young-band/5981665/|title=Listen Up: Other notable releases|last=Gardner|first=Elysa|date=March 3, 2014|work=USA Today|access-date=March 10, 2014|archive-date=October 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003212526/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2014/03/03/lea-michele-ashanti-eli-young-band/5981665/|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
}}
Upon its release, ''BraveHeart'' was met with generally positive from music critics. Jon Reyes of [[HipHopDX]] gave the album three out of five stars, saying "''Braveheart'' has a few of those moments that demonstrate sonic evolution and connectedness. Though it is concise and cohesive, more than any of Ashanti's albums, it's still marred with glimpses of wanted grandiosity at the expense of artistic revelation."<ref name="hiphopdx1"/> Andy Kellman of [[AllMusic]] gave the album four out of five stars, saying "Although it took longer to complete than ''Ashanti'', ''Chapter II'', and ''Concrete Rose'' combined, ''Braveheart'' doesn't sound like it. More importantly, ''The Declaration'''s lack of success – relative to those previous albums – doesn't seem to have changed Ashanti's direction one bit."<ref name="allmusic1"/> At ''[[USA Today]]'', Elysa Gardner rated the album two-and-a-half stars out of four, stating that "Ashanti defies and succumbs to romantic clichés, her piquant soprano alternately teasing and sulking, lashing out and standing firm."<ref name=usa />
Upon its release, ''BraveHeart'' was met with generally positive from music critics. Jon Reyes of [[HipHopDX]] gave the album three out of five stars, saying "''Braveheart'' has a few of those moments that demonstrate sonic evolution and connectedness. Though it is concise and cohesive, more than any of Ashanti's albums, it's still marred with glimpses of wanted grandiosity at the expense of artistic revelation."<ref name="hiphopdx1"/> Andy Kellman of [[AllMusic]] gave the album four out of five stars, saying "Although it took longer to complete than ''Ashanti'', ''Chapter II'', and ''Concrete Rose'' combined, ''Braveheart'' doesn't sound like it. More importantly, ''The Declaration'''s lack of success – relative to those previous albums – doesn't seem to have changed Ashanti's direction one bit."<ref name="allmusic1"/> At ''[[USA Today]]'', Elysa Gardner rated the album two-and-a-half stars out of four, stating that "Ashanti defies and succumbs to romantic clichés, her piquant soprano alternately teasing and sulking, lashing out and standing firm."<ref name=usa />


=== Commercial performance ===
=== Commercial performance ===
The album debuted at number 10 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart, with first-week sales of 28,000 copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5930454/rick-ross-rules-with-fifth-no-1-album-on-billboard-200 |title=Rick Ross Rules With Fifth No. 1 Album On Billboard 200 |publisher=Billboard |date=2013-08-18 |access-date=2014-03-13}}</ref>
The album debuted at number 10 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart, with first-week sales of 28,000 copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5930454/rick-ross-rules-with-fifth-no-1-album-on-billboard-200 |title=Rick Ross Rules With Fifth No. 1 Album On Billboard 200 |publisher=Billboard |date=2013-08-18 |access-date=2014-03-13 |archive-date=March 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314115742/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5930454/rick-ross-rules-with-fifth-no-1-album-on-billboard-200 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Standard edition
| headline = Standard edition
| total_length =
| total_length = 52:29
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| title_width=25%
| title_width=25%
Line 112: Line 112:


| title2 = Nowhere
| title2 = Nowhere
| writer2 = {{hlist|Douglas|Jaramye Daniels|Akil King|[[Reefa|Sharif "Reefa" Slater]]}}
| writer2 = {{hlist|Douglas|Jaramye Daniels|[[Akil King]]|Kibwe Luke|Sharif "Reefa" Slater}}
| extra2 = {{hlist|Slater|Fresh{{ref|b|[b]}}|Daniels{{ref|b|[b]}}}}
| extra2 = {{hlist|Slater|12Keyz|[[Akil King|Fresh]]{{ref|b|[b]}}|Daniels{{ref|b|[b]}}}}
| length2 = 3:02
| length2 = 3:02


| title3 = Runaway
| title3 = Runaway
| writer3 = {{hlist|Douglas|King|JeanOlivier|[[James Brown]]|Samuel Barnes|James Smith|Daniels|Lynne Collins|Slater}}
| writer3 = {{hlist|Douglas|King|JeanOlivier|[[James Brown]]|Samuel Barnes|James Smith|Daniels|Lynne Collins|Slater|Kibwe Luke}}
| extra3 ={{hlist|Slater|Fresh{{ref|b|[b]}}|Daniels{{ref|b|[b]}}}}
| extra3 ={{hlist|Slater|12Keyz|Fresh{{ref|b|[b]}}|Daniels{{ref|b|[b]}}}}
| length3 = 3:10
| length3 = 3:10


Line 159: Line 159:


| title11 = Don't Tell Me No
| title11 = Don't Tell Me No
| writer11 = {{hlist|Douglas|India Boodram|Kesia Hollins|Jazmyn Boodram|Zafr}}
| writer11 = {{hlist|Douglas|India Boodram|Kesia Hollins|Jazmyn Boodram|
[[James Fauntleroy]]|Zafr}}
| extra11 = Zafr
| extra11 = Zafr
| length11 = 3:49
| length11 = 3:49
Line 176: Line 177:
}}
}}
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = [[iTunes Store]] / Japan edition bonus tracks<ref name="HMV JP"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/braveheart-deluxe-edition/id818938295 |title=Braveheart (Deluxe Edition) by Ashanti |publisher=Itunes |date=1980-10-13 |access-date=2014-02-11}}</ref>
| headline = [[iTunes Store]] / Japan edition bonus tracks<ref name="HMV JP"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/braveheart-deluxe-edition/id818938295 |title=Braveheart (Deluxe Edition) by Ashanti |publisher=Itunes |date=1980-10-13 |access-date=2014-02-11 |archive-date=May 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508064242/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/braveheart-deluxe-edition/id818938295 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length =
| total_length = 62:49


| title_width=25%
| title_width=25%
Line 187: Line 188:
| writer14 = {{hlist|Douglas|[[Rico Love]]|Pierre Medor}}
| writer14 = {{hlist|Douglas|[[Rico Love]]|Pierre Medor}}
| extra14 = {{hlist|Love|Medor}}
| extra14 = {{hlist|Love|Medor}}
| length14 = 4:51
| length14 = 4:52


| title15 = Never too Far Away
| title15 = Never too Far Away
| writer15 = {{hlist|Douglas|Hutton}}
| writer15 = {{hlist|Douglas|Hutton}}
| extra15 = L.T. Hutton
| extra15 = L.T. Hutton
| length15 = 5:25
| length15 = 5:28
}}
}}
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| collapsed = yes
| headline = [[Target Corporation|Target]] bonus tracks
| headline = [[Target Corporation|Target]] bonus tracks
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| extra_column = Producer(s)
| total_length = 1:00:33
| total_length = 60:33


| title_width=25%
| title_width=25%
Line 220: Line 220:
*"Runaway" features an interpolation of "Put It on the Line", written by [[James Brown]] and Gloria Lyn Collins. It also contains interpolations of "I Shot Ya", as written by Brown, Collins, Jean Claude Olivier and James Todd Smith.<ref name="Album Credits">[[Ashanti (entertainer)|Ashanti]] (2014). ''Braveheart''. [Album Liner Credits]. Written Entertainment (distributed by [[E1 Music|eOne]]).</ref>
*"Runaway" features an interpolation of "Put It on the Line", written by [[James Brown]] and Gloria Lyn Collins. It also contains interpolations of "I Shot Ya", as written by Brown, Collins, Jean Claude Olivier and James Todd Smith.<ref name="Album Credits">[[Ashanti (entertainer)|Ashanti]] (2014). ''Braveheart''. [Album Liner Credits]. Written Entertainment (distributed by [[E1 Music|eOne]]).</ref>
*Sample and producers credits taken from album liner.<ref name="Album Credits"/> Writing credits taken from [[Universal Music Publishing]], ASCAP Repertoire or BMI Repertoire.<ref>Writing credits for Braveheart
*Sample and producers credits taken from album liner.<ref name="Album Credits"/> Writing credits taken from [[Universal Music Publishing]], ASCAP Repertoire or BMI Repertoire.<ref>Writing credits for Braveheart
*"Runaway" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289462/ashanti-runaway
*"Runaway" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289462/ashanti-runaway {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625061052/https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289462/ashanti-runaway |date=June 25, 2020 }}
*"Early in the Morning" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289464/ashanti-early-in-the-morning
*"Early in the Morning" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289464/ashanti-early-in-the-morning {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626212823/https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289464/ashanti-early-in-the-morning |date=June 26, 2020 }}
*"Count" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289459/ashanti-count
*"Count" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289459/ashanti-count {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626114900/https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289459/ashanti-count |date=June 26, 2020 }}
*First Real Love" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289461/ashanti-first-real-love
*First Real Love" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289461/ashanti-first-real-love {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625003837/https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289461/ashanti-first-real-love |date=June 25, 2020 }}
*"Nowhere" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289456/ashanti-nowhere
*"Nowhere" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289456/ashanti-nowhere {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626092931/https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289456/ashanti-nowhere |date=June 26, 2020 }}
*"Don't Tell Me No" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/294958/ashanti-dont-tell-me-no
*"Don't Tell Me No" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/294958/ashanti-dont-tell-me-no {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625050719/https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/294958/ashanti-dont-tell-me-no |date=June 25, 2020 }}
*"Never Too Far Away" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289990/ashanti-never-too-far-away
*"Never Too Far Away" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289990/ashanti-never-too-far-away {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625062553/https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289990/ashanti-never-too-far-away |date=June 25, 2020 }}
*"Perfect So Far" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289983/ashanti-perfect-so-far
*"Perfect So Far" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289983/ashanti-perfect-so-far {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200624200900/https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289983/ashanti-perfect-so-far |date=June 24, 2020 }}
*"She Can't" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289469/ashanti-she-cant
*"She Can't" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289469/ashanti-she-cant {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626133609/https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289469/ashanti-she-cant |date=June 26, 2020 }}
*"Three Words" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289466/ashanti-three-words
*"Three Words" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289466/ashanti-three-words {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626120656/https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289466/ashanti-three-words |date=June 26, 2020 }}
*"Never Should Have" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289465/ashanti-never-should-have
*"Never Should Have" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289465/ashanti-never-should-have {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627201520/https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289465/ashanti-never-should-have |date=June 27, 2020 }}
*"I Got It" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289463/ashanti-i-got-it
*"I Got It" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289463/ashanti-i-got-it {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625045548/https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289463/ashanti-i-got-it |date=June 25, 2020 }}
*"Scars" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289460/ashanti-scars</ref>
*"Scars" - https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289460/ashanti-scars {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626162326/https://www.umusicpub.com/uk/Digital-Music-Library/song/289460/ashanti-scars |date=June 26, 2020 }}</ref>


== Charts ==
== Charts ==
Line 244: Line 244:
! scope="col"| Peak<br/>position
! scope="col"| Peak<br/>position
|-
|-
{{album chart|UKIndependent|40|date=2014-03-15|rowheader=true|accessdate=2017-04-24}}
{{album chart|UKIndependent|40|date=20140309|rowheader=true|accessdate=2017-04-24}}
|-
|-
{{album chart|UKR&B|29|date=2014-03-15|rowheader=true|accessdate=2017-04-24}}
{{album chart|UKR&B|29|date=20140309|rowheader=true|accessdate=2017-04-24}}
|-
|-
{{album chart|Billboard200|10|artist=Ashanti|rowheader=true|accessdate=2017-04-24}}
{{album chart|Billboard200|10|artist=Ashanti|rowheader=true|accessdate=2017-04-24}}
Line 255: Line 255:


=== Year-end charts ===
=== Year-end charts ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center;"
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!Chart (2014)
!Position
|-
|-
!scope="row"|US [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]])''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2014/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums|title=R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Year-End 2014|publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=2017-04-24|archive-date=February 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202132355/http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2014/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums|url-status=live}}</ref>
! scope="col"| Chart (2014)
! scope="col"| Position
|-
|align="left"|US [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]] (''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]])''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2014/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums|title=R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Year-End 2014|publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|access-date=2017-04-24}}</ref>
| 69
| 69
|}
|}
Line 275: Line 274:
! scope="row"| United States<ref name="HuffPost Release"/><ref name="Vibe release"/>
! scope="row"| United States<ref name="HuffPost Release"/><ref name="Vibe release"/>
| rowspan="2"| March 4, 2014
| rowspan="2"| March 4, 2014
| {{hlist|[[Compact disc|CD]]|[[Music download|digital download]]|[[Media streaming|streaming]]}}
|| {{Flat list |
| {{hlist|Written Entertainment|[[MNRK Music Group|eOne Music]]}}
*[[Compact disc|CD]]
*[[Music download|digital download]]}}
| {{flat list|
*Written Entertainment
*[[E1 Music|eOne Music]]}}
|-
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2"|United Kingdom
! scope="row" rowspan="2"|United Kingdom
| Digital download<ref name="Amazon UK Digital">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Braveheart-Explicit-Ashanti/dp/B00IK6PM2W/ |title=Braveheart [Explicit&#93;: Ashanti: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=2014-04-05}}</ref>
| Digital download<ref name="Amazon UK Digital">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Braveheart-Explicit-Ashanti/dp/B00IK6PM2W/ |title=Braveheart [Explicit&#93;: Ashanti: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=2014-04-05 |archive-date=March 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322045929/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Braveheart-Explicit-Ashanti/dp/B00IK6PM2W |url-status=live }}</ref>
| rowspan="2"|eOne Music
| rowspan="2"|eOne Music
|-
|-
| March 24, 2014
| March 24, 2014
| CD<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Braveheart-Ashanti/dp/B007BS0ZTU/ |title=Braveheart: Amazon.co.uk: Music |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=2014-04-05}}</ref>
| CD<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Braveheart-Ashanti/dp/B007BS0ZTU/ |title=Braveheart: Amazon.co.uk: Music |publisher=Amazon.co.uk |access-date=2014-04-05 |archive-date=March 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160324094212/http://www.amazon.co.uk/Braveheart-Ashanti/dp/B007BS0ZTU |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row"| Japan<ref name="HMV JP">{{cite web|url=http://www.hmv.co.jp/en/artist_Ashanti_000000000050242/item_Braveheart_5443996 |title=Braveheart : Ashanti &#124; HMV ONLINE - VICP-65168 [English Site&#93; |publisher=Hmv.co.jp |access-date=2014-04-05}}</ref>
! scope="row"| Japan<ref name="HMV JP">{{cite web |url=http://www.hmv.co.jp/en/artist_Ashanti_000000000050242/item_Braveheart_5443996 |title=Braveheart : Ashanti &#124; HMV ONLINE - VICP-65168 [English Site&#93; |publisher=Hmv.co.jp |access-date=2014-04-05 |archive-date=April 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412201307/http://www.hmv.co.jp/en/artist_Ashanti_000000000050242/item_Braveheart_5443996 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| March 26, 2014
| March 26, 2014
| CD
| {{flat list|
*CD
*digital download}}
|[[JVCKenwood Victor Entertainment|Victor]]
|[[JVCKenwood Victor Entertainment|Victor]]
|-
! scope="row"| United States<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.barnesandnoble.com/enwiki/w/braveheart-ashanti/37660505 |title=Archived copy |access-date=January 27, 2024 |archive-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808022922/https://www.barnesandnoble.com/enwiki/w/braveheart-ashanti/37660505 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| January 7, 2022
| [[Phonograph record|Vinyl]]
| {{hlist|Written Entertainment|[[MNRK Music Group]]}}
|}
|}


Line 310: Line 308:
[[Category:Albums produced by DJ Clue?]]
[[Category:Albums produced by DJ Clue?]]
[[Category:Albums produced by L.T. Hutton]]
[[Category:Albums produced by L.T. Hutton]]
[[Category:Entertainment One albums]]
[[Category:MNRK Music Group albums]]

Latest revision as of 03:44, 19 November 2024

Braveheart
Studio album by
ReleasedMarch 4, 2014 (2014-03-04)
RecordedFebruary 2010 – 2014
GenreR&B
Length52:29
Label
Producer
Ashanti chronology
A Wonderful Christmas with Ashanti
(2014)
Braveheart
(2014)
Singles from Braveheart
  1. "Never Should Have"
    Released: March 25, 2013
  2. "I Got It"
    Released: November 26, 2013
  3. "Early in the Morning"
    Released: October 14, 2014

Braveheart is the sixth studio album by American singer Ashanti, released on March 4, 2014, by Ashanti's independent record label Written Entertainment. This was her first studio album to be released in six years, with her last studio album having been 2008's The Declaration. It was also her first release since leaving Murder Inc Records.

"Never Should Have" was used in the season 7 finale of the TV show Army Wives, which Ashanti starred in. On November 26, 2013, Ashanti released "I Got It", featuring Rick Ross in support of the album. French Montana, Jeremih, Rick Ross and Beenie Man are all featured on the album too. Upon release, the album garnered favorable reviews, with music critics describing Braveheart's sound as an "evolution of R&B" and praising the themes of empowerment, but criticizing the romantic clichés and lack of interesting moments on the album. On the charts, Braveheart opened at number ten on the U.S. Billboard 200, becoming Ashanti's fifth consecutive top-ten album, as well as her first Independent Albums chart topper. It also debuted in the top-thirty of the UK R&B Albums Chart and top-forty of the UK Indie Albums Chart. "Braveheart" is primarily an R&B album with electro, trap, and urban pop influences.

Background

[edit]

On June 3, 2008, Ashanti released her fourth album The Declaration,[1] which spawned the singles "The Way That I Love You", "Body on Me" (with Akon & Nelly) and "Good Good". The first peaked within the top-forty on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Body on Me" peaked at number forty-two; "Good Good" managed to reach the top-forty on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. These singles became the lowest charting among Ashanti's career thus far.[2][3] While The Declaration peaked at number six and sold 86,000 copies in its first week, Concrete Rose (2004) reached number seven with 254,000 copies sold.[4] The Declaration became her first album to not to be certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[5] Just under a year later in May 2009 Irv Gotti, the president of Ashanti's label Murder Inc., told MTV News that Ashanti's affiliation with the label was over. He said "The relationship has run its course. The chemistry of what's needed — we're in two totally different places. You're talking to somebody that took her and shaped and molded her and put her out there for the world, and it blew up. We [hold the record] for the [fastest] selling debut by a female R&B artist — 503 [thousand]. We did it! My views and philosophies and her views and philosophies are not meeting up."[6]

On December 15, 2011, "The Woman You Love" featuring American rapper Busta Rhymes was unveiled as the album's lead single and was released for digital download a day later.[7][8] Trent Fitzgerald of Popcrush wrote "This song is a great start for Ashanti" and expressed great interest in "what she is going to bring in 2012 now that she is an independent woman".[9] The video premiered on BET's 106 & Park on March 13, 2012, and peaked at number 5 on April 23, 2012.[10] "The Woman You Love" debuted at number ninety-seven on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for the week of January 7, 2012.[11] Three weeks later the song re-entered at number ninety-five for the week of January 28, 2012.[12] An "R&B Mix" of the song, sans Busta Rhymes, was released on February 14, 2012.[13] "The Woman You Love" peaked at number fifty-nine.[14] "The Woman You Love" was excluded from the final album track list.

Production

[edit]

In February 2010, Ashanti begun work in recording studios for a brand new album,[15] and in December the same year, Ashanti confirmed that fans could expect new music in 2011.[16] In July 2011, a promo picture was released announcing that new music was on the way and a brand new single was due in August 2011.[17] On July 26, 2011, Ashanti announced that her fifth album would be the first to be independently released via her own newly established record label, Written Entertainment.[18] Details of the label and distribution came out in December, when it was unveiled that Written Entertainment would be independently distributed worldwide through eOne Music.[19][20] In a press release, the President of eOne Music, Alan Grunblatt said: "eOne is proud to have a partnership with Ashanti and her label Written Entertainment. Ashanti truly has the independent entrepreneurial attitude that eOne was built on, and we're thrilled to be working with her."[21] Ashanti added, "I'm so excited to have my own record label, Written Entertainment. With eOne as my distributor, I feel that their innovative and ambitious approach to the music industry, really gives my label a worldwide presence. They have the top radio people in the business and are hungry to win! The more I learned the business the more I knew this is what I wanted. Ownership is so important. As a business woman this was a great move for me!"[19]

During an interview on 106 & Park, Ashanti stated that there would be two collaborations on the album, one with a male vocalist and one with a female vocalist; Boombox later revealed that the male artist was R. Kelly and the female was Keyshia Cole.[22] Ashanti worked with R. Kelly ("That's What We Do"), Rico Love ("Perfect So Far"), and Keyshia Cole ("Woman to Woman").[23] In total, Ashanti recorded sixty songs for the album.[24]

Title and artwork

[edit]

In an interview with Power 99 FM in Los Angeles, Ashanti explained how the Oscar-winning film Braveheart inspired her album title. "The metaphor that I took was basically in the movie you have the Europeans, you have the soldiers from London and the U.K.," she said. "They have the big horses, they have the shields, the guns, the weapons... They're all armored up. And then you have the Scots. They're all raggedy, homemade weapons, and paint on their faces. It's not an even playing ground, so I feel like with the [major labels], they're bossed up. They have the big engine and all the artists signed to them and with the indies, it's depending. It's homemade, it's homegrown. It's a lesser engine. So the metaphor I was using was being brave and putting your blood and guts into it and fighting passionately to win."[25] The album's artwork was released on March 22, 2012. The artwork was described as "The warrior princess strikes a bold pose on the dramatic cover art."[25] The image used is a screenshot from the music video for "The Woman You Love"; it was later revealed on April 13, 2013, that Ashanti flew out to Atlanta to shoot a brand new artwork with photographer Robert Ector.[26] In January 2014, the singer unveiled the brand-new album artwork on her official Instagram account.[27]

Composition

[edit]

Sound and influence

[edit]

Ashanti spoke on the influences of the album, also explaining how the Oscar-winning film Braveheart inspired her album title. "The metaphor that I took was basically in the movie you have the Europeans, you have the soldiers from London and the U.K.," she said. "They have the big horses, they have the shields, the guns, the weapons... They're all armored up. And then you have the Scots. They're all raggedy, homemade weapons, and paint on their faces. It's not an even playing ground, so I feel like with the [major labels], they're bossed up. They have the big engine and all the artists signed to them and with the indies, it's depending. It's homemade, it's homegrown. It's a lesser engine. So the metaphor I was using was being brave and putting your blood and guts into it and fighting passionately to win."[23]

Songs and lyrics

[edit]

The album opens with a monologue introduction spoken by Ashanti in which she says; "A lot of people counted me out and that feeds my hunger and ignites my passion to continue my journey, I will continue to thrive, continue to prosper, I will continue to be brave. I am Braveheart."[28] "She Can't" was produced by Mansur, which was described as a sexy mid-tempo number with a chaotic beat. "Never Should Have", also produced by Mansur, sees the singer cooing over a former lover she now regrets over a marching band-driven beat.[29] Rico Love co-wrote the guitar-laden track "Perfect So Far".[29]

Promotion and release

[edit]

Ashanti performed "The Woman You Love" live on Good Morning America on February 13, 2012,[30] and also performed the song on April 17, 2012, as the musical guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.[31] Over a year later, in June 2013, Ashanti took to the stage of Marie to perform "Never Should Have" live for the first time.[32] "Never Should Have" along with snippets of "She Can't" and "I Got It" (featuring Future) all featured on DJ Ty Boogie's Str8 RnB pt. 6 mixtape, hosted by Ashanti.[33] On July 30, 2013, the date BraveHeart was supposed to be released, Ashanti confirmed that the album would now be released in September 2013. Via her Instagram account she posted a new promotional picture and said, "Hey y'all! So Braveheart is NOT coming out today we have clearances & legalities to take of... It costs to be the boss!!!".[34] The album was then slated for release in early 2014, preceded by the single "I Got It" featuring rapper Rick Ross.[35] Originally set for a February 18 release,[36][37] the album was released on March 4, 2014.[38][39]

Singles

[edit]

According to Ashanti's website, On March 25, 2013, a brand new song titled "Never Should Have" was released for digital download.[40] The official music video was filmed in March 2013 by director Sanji.[41] The song impacted US Rhythmic and Urban radio on April 29, 2013.[42][43] After it was announced that the album was pushed back from July 30, 2013, Ashanti announced that two exclusive remixes, The JButtah and AllStyle Remixes of "Never Should Have" would be released and promoted to radio stations.[44] Despite not peaking in any US chart, "Never Should Have" won Ashanti a 2013 Soul Train Music Award for Best Independent R&B/Soul Performance.[45] The album's next single "I Got It" featuring Rick Ross, was made available for purchase via iTunes on November 26, 2013.[35][46] It was sent to US urban contemporary radio stations on January 28, 2014.[47] On February 20, 2014, Rap-Up confirmed that "First Real Love" would be the album's next music video.[48] However, in April 2014, during an interview with Mike Wass for Idolator, Ashanti said she was going with "Early in the Morning" featuring French Montana as the album's next single after its skyrocketing performance on the US iTunes R&B Chart.[49]

In July 2014, Ashanti announced that future official singles from Braveheart would be voted on by fans.[50]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[51]
HipHopDX[52]
Rolling Stone(favorable)[53]
USA Today[54]

Upon its release, BraveHeart was met with generally positive from music critics. Jon Reyes of HipHopDX gave the album three out of five stars, saying "Braveheart has a few of those moments that demonstrate sonic evolution and connectedness. Though it is concise and cohesive, more than any of Ashanti's albums, it's still marred with glimpses of wanted grandiosity at the expense of artistic revelation."[52] Andy Kellman of AllMusic gave the album four out of five stars, saying "Although it took longer to complete than Ashanti, Chapter II, and Concrete Rose combined, Braveheart doesn't sound like it. More importantly, The Declaration's lack of success – relative to those previous albums – doesn't seem to have changed Ashanti's direction one bit."[51] At USA Today, Elysa Gardner rated the album two-and-a-half stars out of four, stating that "Ashanti defies and succumbs to romantic clichés, her piquant soprano alternately teasing and sulking, lashing out and standing firm."[54]

Commercial performance

[edit]

The album debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 28,000 copies in the United States.[55]

Track listing

[edit]
Standard edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Intro" / "Braveheart"
5:23
2."Nowhere"
  • Douglas
  • Jaramye Daniels
  • Akil King
  • Kibwe Luke
  • Sharif "Reefa" Slater
3:02
3."Runaway"
  • Douglas
  • King
  • JeanOlivier
  • James Brown
  • Samuel Barnes
  • James Smith
  • Daniels
  • Lynne Collins
  • Slater
  • Kibwe Luke
  • Slater
  • 12Keyz
  • Fresh[b]
  • Daniels[b]
3:10
4."Count"
2:53
5."Early in the Morning" (featuring French Montana)
DJ Clue4:07
6."3 Words"
  • Douglas
  • Hutton
L.T. Hutton3:23
7."Love Games" (featuring Jeremih)Timothy Bullock 4:12
8."Scars"
  • Douglas
  • Hutton
  • Randolph
  • Hutton
  • Randolph[a]
5:49
9."Never Should Have"
  • Douglas
  • Zafr
Zafr3:58
10."She Can't"
  • Douglas
  • Zafr
Zafr3:44
11."Don't Tell Me No"
Zafr3:49
12."I Got It" (featuring Rick Ross)
L.T. Hutton4:06
13."First Real Love" / "Outro" (featuring Beenie Man)
  • Teetimus
  • Greene
4:53
Total length:52:29
iTunes Store / Japan edition bonus tracks[56][57]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."Perfect So Far"
  • Love
  • Medor
4:52
15."Never too Far Away"
  • Douglas
  • Hutton
L.T. Hutton5:28
Total length:62:49
Target bonus tracks
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."Bonafide Survivor"Campbell3:50
15."RIP"
  • Douglas
  • Alan Cameron
  • Marvin D. Floyd
  • Cameron
  • Floyd
4:12
Total length:60:33
Notes
  • ^[a] denotes co-producer
  • ^[b] denotes vocal producer
  • "Runaway" features an interpolation of "Put It on the Line", written by James Brown and Gloria Lyn Collins. It also contains interpolations of "I Shot Ya", as written by Brown, Collins, Jean Claude Olivier and James Todd Smith.[58]
  • Sample and producers credits taken from album liner.[58] Writing credits taken from Universal Music Publishing, ASCAP Repertoire or BMI Repertoire.[59]

Charts

[edit]

Release history

[edit]
Country Date Format Label
United States[38][39] March 4, 2014
United Kingdom Digital download[65] eOne Music
March 24, 2014 CD[66]
Japan[56] March 26, 2014 CD Victor
United States[67] January 7, 2022 Vinyl

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Ashanti and Nelly Get New Release Dates". Rap-Up.com. January 24, 2008. Archived from the original on June 11, 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  2. ^ "Ashanti - Chart history". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 6, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  3. ^ "Ashanti - Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  4. ^ "Disturbed Scores Third Straight No. 1 Album". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 26, 2014. Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  5. ^ "Irv Gotti on Ashanti: 'I'm Gonna Drop Her'". Rap-Up.com. Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  6. ^ Reid, Shaheem (May 7, 2009). "Irv Gotti Says He's Dropping Ashanti From The Inc". MTV News. Archived from the original on May 9, 2009. Retrieved May 8, 2009.
  7. ^ "New Music: Ashanti f/ Busta Rhymes – 'The Woman You Love'". Rap-Up.com. December 14, 2011. Archived from the original on March 2, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  8. ^ "The Woman You Love (feat. Busta Rhymes) - Single by Ashanti". iTunes. December 16, 2011. Archived from the original on January 10, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
  9. ^ Fitzgerald, Trent (December 15, 2011). "Ashanti, 'The Woman You Love' Feat. Busta Rhymes – Song Review". Popcrush. Archived from the original on January 14, 2012. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  10. ^ "106 & Park 04/23 | BET's 106 & Park Countdown". C0untd0wn.com. April 24, 2012. Archived from the original on November 10, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2013.
  11. ^ "Top Hip-Hop and R&B Songs & Singles Charts". Billboard. Archived from the original on March 17, 2013. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  12. ^ "Top Hip-Hop and R&B Songs & Singles Charts". Billboard. Archived from the original on July 5, 2014. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  13. ^ "The Woman You Love (R&B Mix) - Single by Ashanti". iTunes. February 14, 2012. Archived from the original on January 10, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
  14. ^ "A Tribute to the Ever Beautiful, Miss Ashanti". Teamashanti.Com. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  15. ^ "Ashanti Shines Bright in Hollywood". Rap-Up.com. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  16. ^ "Ashanti Is a Sight to See at 'Tourist' Premiere". Rap-Up.com. Archived from the original on November 4, 2012. Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  17. ^ "Ashanti Heats Up the Desert in New Promo Pic". Rap-Up.com. July 26, 2011. Archived from the original on March 2, 2012. Retrieved November 24, 2011.
  18. ^ "Ashanti Shares Laughs with Lil Wayne". Rap-Up.com. Archived from the original on June 30, 2013. Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  19. ^ a b "Ashanti Announces New Record Deal". Rap-Up.com. December 15, 2011. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved June 8, 2013.
  20. ^ "Ashanti Announces New Record Deal and Upcoming Album". Vibe. December 15, 2011. Archived from the original on January 17, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  21. ^ "Ashanti Announces New Record Deal". The Urban Daily. December 15, 2011. Archived from the original on March 21, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  22. ^ "Ashanti Talks 'Braveheart,' Owning Her Own Label on '106 & Park'". Rap-Up.com. March 14, 2012. Archived from the original on May 19, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  23. ^ a b "Ashanti Dishes on Album Title, Keyshia Cole Duet, & 'Coach Carter 2'". Rap-Up.com. March 15, 2012. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2012.
  24. ^ "Ashanti's 'BraveHeart': Album Review". Idolator.com. Archived from the original on January 27, 2024. Retrieved April 5, 2014.
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