Nelly recently opened up about his decision to marry Ashanti, revealing that he didn’t want to rush into becoming parents without making their relationship official first. Speaking on the Bootleg Kev podcast, Nelly explained that when he found out Ashanti was expecting, he immediately felt the need to solidify their family dynamic. “I was like, ‘Yo, you know what? Let’s just knock this out because we’re gonna be doing so much and everything’s moving so fast,’” he shared. “I didn’t want her to be a baby mama. If we’re back like this, this must be what it’s supposed to be.”
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The couple had been through their share of ups and downs over the years, with their relationship starting in 2003 after meeting at a Grammy Awards press event. Their romance quickly became a fixture in the hip-hop world, but after nearly a decade, they parted ways in 2013. It wasn’t until a 2021 Verzuz battle between Fat Joe and Ja Rule that they rekindled their bond, with a viral hug sparking speculation about a possible reconciliation.
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Though they didn’t immediately dive back into communication, Nelly explained the hug was a simple, friendly gesture to break the ice, adding, “We didn’t talk for probably another almost eight to nine months, but everything happens for a reason.” By 2023, the pair had reignited their romance, and in December, they tied the knot in a private ceremony in St. Louis County, Missouri, keeping the details under wraps until later.
Related Article: Ashanti Confirms She Is Engaged – And Having A Baby With Nelly!
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In April 2024, Ashanti revealed they were both engaged and expecting a child, sharing that Nelly’s proposal was “beautiful and intimate” with lots of emotion. Their new chapter together reached a significant milestone in July 2024 when they welcomed their first child, a son named Kareem Kenkaide Haynes. This new chapter not only marks a fresh start for them as parents but also solidifies their long-awaited commitment to each other after years of navigating life’s challenges together.
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