Ashanti
Chapter II

THE REVIEW

Ashanti presents this 2003 'Chapter II' aimed at reaffirming the success of her debut, a success that calls into question her good vocal skills, although incapable of transcending the genre, perhaps not even intended for that purpose. Apart from that, we find lyrics that oscillate, especially between an R&B genre close to Alicia Keys and another bordering on rap. As for the sampling by Murder Inc. Records, a label specialized in rap productions, they are limited to an accompaniment.

The album features few rap tracks, performed by Chink Santana, songs that are sometimes harsh in theme and terms, and subject to censorship, unlike the rest of the album which focuses on the romantic side and is sung by Ashanti. 'Rock with you', the first single, is catchy in its lyrics, sweet due to the singer's gentle voice, and well-cadenced through the refrains and the dragging rhythm. 'Breakup to make up' is another slow piece with high vocal lines, always romantic and devoted in its lyrics, I would say, to the partner.

'Then ya gone' talks about the precariousness of life. The other songs are always sung in a gentle manner, with a background of tuning forks and always present background voices. 'Carry on' is slightly more aggressive both in lyrics and rhythm, though the chorus remains slow.

There are also frequent tracks of dialogues by the rapper which I find discrepant except for one where Ashanti teaches her sister to sing, but the sister struggles to keep up, especially with the high notes. All the songs are pleasant, in short, without particular innovations and also strongly tend towards soul, especially due to the slowness, which, however, in my opinion, does not exceed, so the album does not become boring despite revisiting a very widespread model.