Singer Ashanti and rapper Nelly have welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Kareem Kenkaide Haynes. The news was confirmed by a representative for Nelly to CNN on Wednesday.
Ashanti, 43, shared the joyful news with her followers on Instagram, referencing a lyric from her popular song “Always On Time” with Ja Rule. “Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time,” Ashanti wrote. “I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings!”
The couple, who are both 43 and 49 years old respectively, had previously confirmed their reunion last year, marking a return to their relationship that first began 20 years ago and ended a decade later.
In April, Ashanti and Nelly made headlines with an exclusive announcement to Essence magazine, revealing their engagement and the news of their impending parenthood. “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation,” Ashanti said at the time. “Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience.”
The couple reportedly tied the knot in December 2023. This is the first child for both Ashanti and Nelly. Nelly, known for his hit single “Hot in Herre,” has two children from a previous relationship and also adopted his niece and nephew after his sister’s death from leukemia in March 2005.
