Ashanti, a Glen Cove, Long Island native has definite ideas about the type of man she wants and how her behavior should be. At 22 she is a refreshing reminder of what we were all like before we underwent life's heartbreaks and disappointments. Still, make no mistake; she is very aware of all the problems that relationships bring. She is also aware that being in the business attracts a lot of attention from the opposite sex. 
   Speaking of the opposite sex, Ashanti is the only R&B artist at her record label Murder Incorporated. She certainly stand out among the boys of the label. She has worked with a few heavyweights in the business, and her voice has been featured on two tracks. She on the soundtrack for the MTV-generation flick The Fast and The Furious, and featured on Ja Rule's "Always on Time," and she is the voice and sexy lady in Fat Joe's video. 
   Ashanti, Def Jam/ Dragon Record's newest recording artist is a 22-year-old young woman, a sweet treat to the eyes, with a sultry voice which brings to mind the smoky insides of a blues cafe. A self-admitted innocent in the games men and women play, don't draw a picture from just her songs alone as they'll surely make a fool out of you.
   Black Men went to visit Ashanti recently at a photo shoot at the Room in Santa Monica, California to find out just where her head is when it comes to matters of the heart and the opposite sex. What we found was a calm, unflustered woman as beautiful as she is gracious. Serenity itself, even with the flurry of activities surrounding her-stylists, makeup artists kvetching, hair people fussing-Ashanti remained an oasis of peace. 

BM: What type of man appeals to you? 
ASHANTI: What attracts me? Your personality , you have to be funny, be spiritual, and have a drive for something. You have to have a purpose in life, a goal and want to do something important to you. The funny part is very important. I like funny guys. He must have a sense of humor He has to be respectful, be family oriented and, of course, he has to be cute. 
BM: What is the most foolish thing you've ever done while in love?
ASHANTI: I have gotten out of the car in the middle of the street to argue with him, I pulled i over; it was snowing outside and we started arguing in the middle of the street, People were looking at us like we were crazy, That was one of the most foolish things I've ever done while in love.
BM: What qualities do you think make a man sexy?
ASHANTI: Everything I just named as far as what attracts me to a guy, The way that he wears his pants, his characteristics, like certain little things he does-like if he licks his lips, Certain guys have that certain thing. 
BM: Do you think sex is an option on the first date? 
ASHANTI: Never! Never! Don't ever give it up on the first date. Definitely not, because you don't know the person, You want to share something that special with someone you know, They will respect you more. You can't get respected if you are throwing yourself out there like that. Definitely wait until you at least understand that person a little better. 
BM: What would do if you found out that your man betrayed you? 
ASHANTI: Oooh! I don't know if you can print that! I would definitely leave him and I would leave him in a way that he wouldn't have any answers-no contact, no nothing, I'd just be gone the next day, He would not have the opportunity to ask for forgiveness, I would let him think about it and regret it. The guilt will hurt his heart more. It would be, like, damn! She don't even care; she just left. They get to make that mistake once. This is not a game; it is my heart. 
BM: What would it take for him to make it up to you? 
ASHANTI: Um, to be honest, I'd have to be head-over-heels twisted-Iike-a-pretzel in love with him to even consider being an acquaintance with him. It would be a wrap! 
BM: Do you think trust is necessary for a relationship? 
ASHANTI: You will never ever have a relationship without trust. That's from experience. You have to have trust and honesty, and love is key.