It’s official: Nelly and Ashanti are having a moment, and this time, it’s not about their chart-topping careers or their power-couple vibes. While promoting their sizzling new Peacock reality series, Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together, the pair sat down with Cocoa Butter for what seemed like a lighthearted game—but one surprising confession had fans swooning and sparking heated debates across social media.
When asked to name his favorite track from Ashanti’s legendary catalog, Nelly stunned everyone by skipping the obvious classics like Foolish and Always on Time. Instead, the St. Louis rapper picked Baby—a soulful deep cut from Ashanti’s 2002 debut album.
“I’m sticking with Baby,” Nelly said with a grin, leaving Ashanti visibly touched—and fans scrambling to revisit the throwback hit.
“Larenz Tate Was in That Video, Right?”
As the couple worked through a series of bracket-style face-offs, Nelly’s playful side was on full display. When Ashanti’s emotional ballad Rain on Me came up, he teased, “Larenz Tate was in that video, right?” referencing the steamy visuals that had fans talking back in the day.
But even as he joked, Nelly’s picks revealed something deeper.
“Rain on Me represented a different stage in our relationship,” he admitted. “We’ll just set that one aside and stick with Baby.”
The unexpected choice quickly dominated over other fan-favorite tracks like Happy, Rock Wit U, and even Ashanti’s iconic collabs with Ja Rule, including Mesmerize and Always on Time.
“All of these are fantastic tracks,” Nelly explained, “but Baby is my ride-or-die. That’s the one.”
Why “Baby” Hits Different
Originally released in 2002, Baby might not have been Ashanti’s biggest commercial hit—it peaked at No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100—but its lush production and heartfelt lyrics earned it a devoted fanbase. Produced by Irv Gotti and Chink Santana, the track famously sampled Scarface’s Mary Jane and was paired with a sultry music video starring none other than Nia Long.
For Nelly, though, Baby means more than nostalgia. “Being a Scorpio man, I stay true to what I love, and that’s Baby,” he said, flashing that signature smile.
The admission feels even more poignant as the couple recently embraced a new chapter in their relationship: parenthood.
A New Chapter for Nelly and Ashanti
Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together—now streaming on Peacock—offers fans an intimate look into the couple’s lives. The reality series premiered on June 26 and blends their shared history in music with raw, real-life moments about love, parenting, and partnership.
For longtime fans, seeing the two back together is nothing short of iconic. The couple’s whirlwind romance in the early 2000s made headlines, and after years apart, they reunited in 2023—sending the internet into a frenzy.
Now, they’re inviting cameras in to document their journey as they navigate fame, family, and a bond that’s clearly stronger than ever.
Fans React: “He’s So in Love”
As clips from the Cocoa Butter segment hit social media, fans were quick to share their thoughts.
????️ “The fact that he chose ‘Baby’ shows he loves her for real. That’s not even her biggest hit!” one fan tweeted.
????️ “This man is down bad in the BEST way for Ashanti. We love to see it,” another added.
Some fans even joked about revisiting their own playlists:
????️ “BRB—adding ‘Baby’ to my summer playlist because Nelly said so.”
“Baby” Is Having a Revival
Since Nelly’s heartfelt confession, Baby has seen a spike in streams on Spotify and Apple Music. TikTok users are already creating mashups and edits celebrating the track, while others are posting nostalgic reactions to its iconic music video.
Could Baby be the sleeper hit of summer 2025? At this rate, don’t be surprised if Ashanti decides to revisit the track on tour—or even drops a fresh remix.
What’s Next for Nelly & Ashanti?
With We Belong Together already making waves on Peacock, fans are eager to see what’s next for the duo. From the way Nelly talks about Ashanti, it’s clear their love story is far from over.
“Sometimes it’s not about the biggest hit—it’s about the one that sticks with you,” Nelly said. “And for me, that’s Baby.”
❤️ TPR Exclusive Question:
Do you think Nelly’s pick proves he’s head over heels for Ashanti? Or would you have gone with one of her bigger hits?
???? Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned to The Pop Radar for more juicy celeb exclusives!
