Ashanti Expecting First Child With Nelly, Source Says

A source close to the couple confirmed the pregnancy to "People."

Ashanti has not only circled the block with her rapper boyfriend, Nelly, but according to a source, the “Baby” singer may soon become a mother.

Ashanti, 43, caused an internet buzz at Nelly’s Black and White Ball in St. Louis. While on stage, the singer placed her hand on her belly and Nelly followed suit. The couple broke into laughter before walking off the stage, leaving the crowd questioning the meaning of this exchange.

A source close to the pair told Us Weekly that “Nelly and Ashanti are welcoming their first baby together.” will soon be parents. The New York Post contacted Nelly’s rep for comment, but the “Country Grammar” rapper neither confirmed nor denied the pregnancy.

The famous couple first began dating in 2003 and stayed together for 11 years before breaking up in 2014.

When the former couple appeared on stage together at Fat Joe’s and Ja Rule’s Verzus in 2021, fans began entertaining the idea of a possible reconciliation. Ashanti shut down the idea. “Listen, there’s nothing happening,” the “Rain On Me“ singer said, according to Hot New Hip Hop.

In April 2023, the pair was spotted together at a boxing match in Las Vegas, sparking rumors of a renewed romance. Nelly confirmed that when he appeared on Boss Moves with Rasheeda, where he told the show’s hosts, Rasheeda and Kirk Frost, that he and Ashanti were “cool again.” He added that their time apart caused him to see their relationship from a new perspective.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rasheedadabosschick (@rasheeda)

“Sometimes being separate, you understand one another more,” Nelly said.

If reports are true, this would be Ashanti’s first child and Nelly’s third. The rapper has a daughter Chanelle, 29, and son Cornell Haynes III, 24, with his ex, Channetta Valentine.