Nelly & Ashanti: Love, Laughter, and the Realest Reality TV

When Nelly and Ashanti sit down for an interview, it’s never just Q&A—it’s a comedy show, a love story, and a front-row seat to the realest relationship in music. In their recent chat with Emily Orozco of Access Hollywood, the couple proved once again why fans can’t get enough of their chemistry, their candidness, and their infectious sense of fun.

Born to Be Funny

Before they were music icons, Nelly and Ashanti were class clowns—at least, according to Nelly. “I actually won class clown in high school,” he laughs, and Ashanti’s quick to agree: “He did! It’s in the yearbook. Documented!” Their playful banter is effortless, a natural extension of their personalities. “People always tell us we’re funny together,” Ashanti says, “but honestly, this is just us.”

Why Reality TV? Letting the World In

So why open up their lives to reality TV? For Nelly, it was about showing the world the Ashanti he loves. “She’s always been private,” he explains. “Sometimes people make judgments without knowing the real person. I wanted people to see what I see—the woman I love, her sense of humor, our dynamic together.” Ashanti admits she was hesitant at first, but Nelly was all in. “He was like, ‘Yeah, we’re doing it,’” she laughs. “And honestly, it’s been amazing to let people in a little more.”

The Meet-Cute: Grammys, Autographs, and Sarcasm

Their love story is legendary, but the details are even better. Emily takes them back to the moment they met at the Grammys. “Was asking for an autograph your move, Nelly?” she teases. Nelly grins: “That was my first Grammy-nominated artist I’d ever met! I hadn’t tried that move before. Didn’t work at the Source Awards, so I tried at the Grammys.” Ashanti saw right through him. “He was so sarcastic. I knew he didn’t really want my autograph—but I signed it anyway!”

First Dates & First Impressions

Ashanti remembers every detail of their first date: “It was a snowstorm in New York, you were staying at a hotel, I had to borrow someone’s truck to get to Long Island. But I don’t remember the movie!” Nelly chimes in, “I just remember watching you walk away,” and Ashanti laughs, “He was checking out my jeans!”

And who said “I love you” first? Ashanti points at Nelly without hesitation. “He did!” Nelly shrugs, “Probably. I was probably just trying to get some…” Ashanti bursts out laughing: “At least he’s honest!”

$300K Mattresses and Spending Wars

One of the most viral moments from their reality show? Mattress shopping. “People are out here trying to catch a Memorial Day sale, and you two almost spent $300,000 on a mattress!” Emily jokes. Nelly shakes his head, “Hell no! I couldn’t believe they made mattresses like that.” Ashanti quips, “If he gets to gamble $250K, I should get my mattress!” But Nelly reveals, “She’s got other ways to run through the bag—trust me, it ain’t on a mattress!”

So who manages the spending? “That’s the great thing about being your own boss,” Nelly says. “We can buy each other the same gifts!” Ashanti adds, “That’s the secret—mutual spoiling!”

Drama Queen Meets Class Clown

Ashanti admits she’s a bit dramatic: “I’m a drama girl, I own it.” Nelly teases her, “You just hit her with the million-dollar Jeopardy question right there!” But he’s not off the hook—“He’s dramatic too,” Ashanti says. Nelly agrees, “I guess I am, but I try to make it funny, lighten the mood. Sometimes she’s not having it, though!”

The Hug That Broke the Internet

Emily brings up the infamous “hug seen around the world” at the 2021 Verzuz event. Did they know they’d reconnect? “No!” Ashanti insists. “I had someone else with me—I wasn’t there for that.” Nelly smirks, “That’s a cover-up! But honestly, we were just there for friends. I didn’t want any tension.” But one hug later, the world was buzzing—and now, years later, they have baby KK.

Life as Parents: Will Baby KK Be a Star?

With a new baby, everyone wonders: will music be in KK’s future? “He’s obsessed with music already,” Nelly says. “He’ll stop and listen to any song or commercial.” Ashanti adds, “Whatever he wants to do, we’ll support him—as long as he’s out of the house by 21!” Nelly laughs, “He’s never leaving with mom around!”

“Spin the Block” and Musical Chemistry

Nelly’s new track “Spin the Block,” inspired by their real-life reunion, is already a fan favorite. “It’s a dope record—so many people can relate,” Ashanti says. And yes, she heard it before anyone else. “It’s very romantic to have songs written about you,” she smiles, as Nelly jokes, “Not the person who came with you to Verzuz!” Ashanti feigns amnesia: “I don’t remember who that was!”

“Body On Me” Memories: Vegas, Gladiator Shoes, and On-Screen Chemistry

Back in 2008, “Body On Me” became an instant classic. “We shot the video in Vegas at Red Rock Casino,” Nelly recalls. “Akon brought me the track, and I knew Ashanti had to be on it.” Their chemistry was undeniable, even back then. “Were you together during that time?” Emily asks. “We were on and off,” Ashanti admits, “but the fashion was on point. Gladiator shoes, gold, all of it!”

Couples Uncensored: Who’s the Better…?

To wrap things up, Emily fires off a rapid-fire couples quiz:

Better diaper changer? “Me, Mommy of course!” says Ashanti.
Who steals the covers? “She does!” Nelly laughs.
Better driver? “Me!” Nelly insists, but Ashanti rolls her eyes.
Most romantic? “She is,” Nelly says. “She got me the best gift ever.”
Best dresser? “Me, me, me!” Ashanti laughs, but Nelly gives her the win. “She kills it.”

The Secret to Their Love

So what’s the secret to making it work? “Laughter,” says Nelly. “You gotta laugh together, even when you drive each other crazy.” Ashanti nods, “And honesty. And a little bit of drama!”

Whether they’re making music, making jokes, or just making each other laugh, Nelly and Ashanti are proof that love—and comedy—never go out of style. And with a new chapter as parents and partners, the world can’t wait to see what they do next.