When did Nelly and Ashanti meet? 2013 split and more explored as Ride Wit Me singer denies breaking wife’s heart

During the June 25 episode of The Breakfast Club podcast, Nelly and Ashanti discussed their relationship and new series, Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together, on the show. The 50-year-old rapper addressed the narrative that he broke Ashanti's heart (reportedly referring to their 2013 split) and shared that everybody was hurt.

Nelly and Ashanti first met each other in early 2003 at a Grammy event. Ashanti confirmed in March 2015 that she and the rapper were in a relationship till 2013, but it is uncertain when exactly they began dating each other.

While in conversation with The Breakfast Club podcast about their relationship, reconciliation, and recent pregnancy announcement. The host asked Ashanti about how her mom reacted to their reconciliation. Ashanti answered that,

"She was definitely not... She's like 'I don't know'... Mom do a lot of cursing...Well, it came from a hurt place cuz obviously with me having a child now, you never want to see your child hurt...You know my mom is my best friend, so going through that time, I was hurt, obviously, she was hurt. So... you know, you carry that hurt a little bit."

During this, the 50-year-old rapper added that,

“Well, let’s be clear...I was hurt. Everybody was hurt. I think this narrative that Nelly just broke Ashanti’s heart…Ashanti broke Nelly’s heart. Let's be clear.... Because I feel like that be put out there a lot.”

Nelly and Ashanti's relationship timeline

2003-2005

According to US Weekly, the rapper and singer met each other at a Grammy Event in January 2003 and reportedly sparked romance rumors. Fast forward to 2005, and the publication reports that Nelly was spotted at Ashanti's 25th birthday in October.

2006

According to US Weekly, in July 2006, the rapper was Ashanti's date to the premiere of John Tucker Must Die. Ashanti, who is also an actress, played the role of Heather in the movie.

2007-2010

In 2007, the couple collaborated on the song Switch, and in December 2009, they released another collaboration, Body on Me. According to US Weekly, in 2010, the duo reportedly broke up, though there was never any official confirmation of their relationship.

2013-2015

In 2013, reports of the couple's split emerged for a second time. For the next few years, both parties reiterated that they were still "friends." And finally, in 2015, Ashanti confirmed that she and the rapper were in a relationship till 2013.

2021-2025

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In 2021, as reported by US Weekly, the duo reunited for the first time at Ja Rule and Fat Joe’s “Verzuz” battle. The duo was spotted together at multiple events. In September 2023, per People Magazine, the duo reportedly confirmed their relationship. In December 2023, Ashanti's pregnancy news was revealed exclusively by US Weekly.

In April 2024, Ashanti herself confirmed her pregnancy and engagement to the rapper. The publication reported that the couple tied the knot back in December 2023. In July 2024, the couple welcomed their baby boy and named him Kareem Kenkaide.

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