Ashanti and Nelly are keeping their baby boy out of the public eye—for now.
While speaking at the 2025 American Black Film Festival, Ashanti, 44, opened up about her and Nelly’s decision not to reveal the face of their 11-month-old son, Kareem, in their upcoming show.
“There was no hesitation. I knew I was not gonna show my son, so, you know, he is blurred out, but you see him and I just feel like I’m kind of like a mama bear already, you know? Very protective. And I just feel like, I didn’t wanna show my son to the world,” she said.
Ashanti added that Kareem has yet to make an appearance on her social media as well. “I haven’t even posted him on Instagram or anything like that,” she continued. “I just feel like those moments are very sacred to me, and we’ll make the decision on when he’s ready to pop out and show.”
The couple, who first began dating in 2003, reunited in 2023 after a decade apart. In April 2024, Ashanti confirmed her pregnancy in a playful Instagram video teasing she’d need “nine months” to get ready. The pair welcomed Kareem that July and later revealed they were engaged.
“This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope, and anticipation,” the singer told Essence that month. “Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiancé, and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience.”
Kareem is Ashanti’s first child. Nelly, meanwhile, is dad to five. He shares daughter Chanelle (born in 1994) and son Cornell (born in 1999) with ex Channetta Valentine. After the passing of his sister Jackie Donahue in 2005, the rapper adopted and raised her two children, Shawn and Sydney Thomas.
And the couple isn’t ruling out more kids. Speaking with E! News, Ashanti said she would love to add a daughter to the mix.
“We’re going to add some more,” she said. “Definitely a girl to balance it out. I’m outnumbered in the house right now. So, a girl would be great.”
Nelly, who turned 50 last year, had one condition about becoming a dad again.
“Listen, I told her before we had this baby, I said, ‘Now listen, I’m here. But chasing toddlers at 50…” Nelly shared during a Monday, June 23, appearance on Today alongside Ashanti. “I said, ‘As many as you want, but as many nannies as we can afford.’ I pay for a professional chaser.”
