How Ashanti Helped Simone Kelly Become R&B’s Next Princess

After growing up listening to Spice Girls, Ashanti, and Destiny’s Child, it should be no surprise that Simone Kelly is up next. With smooth melodies, vulnerable lyrics, and ‘It Girl’ vibes, Kelly is the star that R&B has been waiting for. And, with the release of her new single, ‘Hit It Off,’ she opens up about her love life after meeeting someone new and hitting it off from day one. This is somthing all women can relate to and that is the exact reason why so many people love Simone Kellys music.

As a kid, Kelly would spend hours listening to Ashanti’s debut, self-titled album dreaming of the day that it would instead be her on the radio. When asked if there is any track that she would be interested in remaking, Kelly confesses, ‘I would love to remake an Ashanti song.’ Reflecting on the role Ashanti played in her musical dreams, Kelly notes how the 00s icon made being a songwriter and an artist cool. Now, as Kelly spends her time in the studio, she still finds inspiration in that nostalgic R&B vibe, aiming to create a timeless sound just like it. 

Those days of waking up early to watch music videos on MTV are paying off, as Kelly sticks to her vision by creating her own music videos. As the singer describes her creative process, she wants her fans to know, ‘If you don't have a vision of what you want, you can easily get caught up in allowing people to project their wants and needs on you.’ Even when she is unsure of something, she trusts her team enough to elevate her idea and create the finished product. Knowing that it’s her name, reputation, and money being spent, she isn’t afraid to put herself first and what’s you to do the same.

Follow her on social media @itssimonekelly and listen to her latest single “Hit It Off” streaming on all music platforms.