"Braveheart" brings Ashanti back with a 'meh'

R&B songstress Ashanti returns on the scene with her fifth album, “Braveheart.”

If you’re already wondering if Ashanti is still relevant, don’t worry, that was my first reaction too.

It’s been a long time since her days of bubbly hits like “Rock Wit You (Awww Baby)” in 2003, but she’s back and packing a punch. The first single, “The Woman You Love,” is fueled by anger and bitterness that fit the mold of a classic female R&B album that makes you want to kick yo man to the curb, girl.

However, her look in the video is anything but retro. She is seen sporting bright blue lips as she rises from the ground, illuminated by lights, channeling Katy Perry circa “E.T.”

After pushing the release date back several times, Ashanti is ready for the world to hear what she’s conjured up since her last album in 2008. I can’t help but think her longtime collaborator Ja Rule is in the works to make another hit, but maybe that’s just my #throwbackthursday dreams getting the best of me. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s enough to save Ashanti’s wannabe Beyonce career (hail to the queen).

By Avery Walts