In between tour dates, Nelly found time to surprise his wife, Ashanti, with a baby shower while they await the arrival of their first child together.
According to Vibe the surprise gathering took place at Dolce & Gabbana’s children’s boutique in New York City.
Footage shared by attendees show the couple arriving in the elevator, and the group yelling, “Surprise!” as the “Baby” singer covered her mouth in shock.
Aligning with the yellow and white theme, Ashanti rocked a two-piece ensemble that had her baby bump on full display while her man rocked an all-black look.
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During the lavish affair, Nelly shared how they rekindled their romance from his perspective and confirmed that it all began at Fat Joe and Ja Rule’s VERZUZ in September 2021.
He shared how it was Ashanti’s mom who spotted him first. “She sees a ghost,” said the St. Louis native. “She’s on the phone, doing her thing, [freezes] and said, ‘Oh hell no.’”
The “Ride Wit Me” rapper continued,
“I didn’t want to make [Ashanti] uncomfortable. I felt like it was tension in the building. I said, ‘let me break the ice.’” Teasing, “Everyone saw me make a beeline [towards her], but they didn’t see that nice rub on my back,” as guests burst into laughter.
Ashanti’s dad opened up about how Nelly asked for his blessing before proposing to Ashanti.
“We had a little discussion about him wanting to marry her. For me, it’s very special for a man in this era, for a man to ask for someone’s hand, [in marriage], especially your daughter. I was very impressed with the fact that he asked me. I want to bless you guys and we welcome you with open arms.”
Towards the end of the party, the rapper thanked “all parties involved,” and shared that nothing else matters “as long as [Ashanti’s] smiling and happy.”
@ashantiandnellystan
Neither Ashanti nor Nelly has publicized the gender or name of their child, but it was confirmed that they secretly jumped the broom in December of 2023.
Of her baby, the singer did tell Entertainment Tonight that she’s “excited about seeing this little human version of myself and the person that I love so much be here,” adding, “I’m really looking forward to having an extension of both of us, be with us, and watching that spirit grow. It’s an amazing thing.”
