Ashanti and Nelly‘s newborn came into the world a month ago, though fans are just now finding out.
On Wednesday (August 21), People reported that the superstar couple welcomed a baby boy, Kareem Kenkaide Hayes, on July 18.
“The proud and happy parents are so in love with KK!” a rep told the outlet.
That same day, Ashanti also shared some photos on Instagram revealing that she’d given birth.
“Funny how life’s plans aren’t…always on time.. lol,” she wrote, namedropping her 2001 hit song with Ja Rule.
“I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings!
“I’m so proud of my body for giving me my baby, baby, baby, baby, baby.”
Ashanti and Nelly not only managed to keep their baby a secret until they were ready to share the news, they also did the same thing with their marriage.
In June of this year, TMZ got their hands on a marriage record for the expecting couple that revealed they tied the knot prior to the new year, on December 27, 2023.
While the document doesn’t state what city the lovers said ‘I do’ in, it was made official in St. Louis County, so it’s likely they wed in the rapper’s hometown.
Ashanti only just confirmed their engagement in April, and reflected on the moment her partner popped the question during a conversation with Entertainment Tonight.
“It was just such a beautiful, intimate moment,” she said. “We were not dressy.”
Considering the pair were lying in bed and watching TV in T-shirts and boxers, she was rightfully “shocked” he picked that setting.
The R&B icon added: “I cried. I gave him the biggest hug and kiss ever. I FaceTimed everyone I know … I was overjoyed and shocked and surprised and happy kind of like all in one.”
The couple got back together last year.
“The growth has been like superb, you know, like on both ends,” Ashanti said about their chemistry today compared to when they dated in the early 2000s. “We are both at a place where like before, sometimes we would argue and walk out, slam the door, and not talk for a few days.”
