The pair shared the news on Instagram today, revealing that Kareem Kenkaide Hayes, a baby boy, was born on July 18, 2024. Ashanti said on Instagram, “Funny how life’s plans aren’t always on time, LOL. I’ve been waiting to be a mom for a long time now but nothing could prepare me for EVERYTHING motherhood brings!”

Singer, songwriter, and actress shows off her body adding, “This is what postpartum looks.” She continues, “I’m so proud of my body for giving me my baby, baby, baby, baby, baby”

Ashanti first revealed her pregnancy news in April, but she and Nelly have kept their relationship and personal milestones, including their recent marriage, mostly private.

In sharing the great news, she mentions, “It was such an amazing, incredible feeling and experience…He came a little early, and dad had to fly in last minute — which was awesome.”

She continued, “And just having all of us in the delivery room and seeing his face for the first time — I cried. It was just so emotional and spiritual at the same time, you know, kind of having a vision of this moment for a long time.”

She added, “But all of these emotions happening at one time, just knowing that this is your person, this is your purpose, this is what it’s supposed to be — the three of us together, when we were all able to hold each other, it was such an electrifying feeling, and it just validated all of that.”

Ashanti continued, “It changed me to the extent that I am no longer in charge. My son definitely dictates everything. Like, he is priority over all.”