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Who is Ashanti dating? A look at R&B star's love life as she flaunts bikini body to celebrate 40th birthday

Ashanti posted photos from her birthday trip to Antigua where she's seen relaxing on a luxurious yacht flaunting her toned physique in a sizzling bikini

Ashanti is celebrating her 40th birthday in style as she relaxes in the Caribbean. The 'Foolish' hitmaker posted photos from her birthday trip to Antigua where she's seen relaxing on a luxurious yacht flaunting her toned physique in a sizzling bikini. The R&B queen, who posted the photographs on her official Instagram, took social media by storm given how stunning she looked. A Twitter user wrote, "She’s so fine. Happy Birthday Ashanti," while another added, "Ashanti’s body. My God." A different user tweeted, "Happy 40th Birthday to the beautiful and incredible Ashanti." Another fan of the soul princess added, "Give Ashanti ALL HER FLOWERS!!!! 40 WHERE?!?! Just FAHN, TALENTED and UNAGING."

The singer, who debuted back in 2002 with the album 3x platinum eponymous album, has maintained a highly private lifestyle for years now. The singer provides occasional glimpses into her life through her Instagram handle but, apart from that, very little is known about her personal affairs. However, like fans of all other celebrities, Ashanti's admirers also want to know about who the singer, whose last release was 'Pretty Little Thing' featuring British DJ Afro B, is dating. Here's all you need to know about her relationship timeline:

Who has Ashanti dated?

Self-sufficient and independent, Ashanti's Instagram handle rarely ever features a man in sight. Even her latest birthday pictures are of her lying around in style solo. Over the years, she has had a few boyfriends, especially at the beginning of her career.

Nelly

Ashanti dated rapper Nelly for over a decade, and still managed to keep the relationship a secret until the couple split in 2014. The two met at a press conference for the 2003 Grammy Awards and began dating soon after. The couple kept their relationship out of the spotlight for the most part other than a few pictures together that went public. It was only after the duo split that she addressed their relationship publicly. The singer spoke had opened up about their very private breakup on 'The Meredith Vieira Show' where she said, "I think sometimes when people have their own insecurities it allows them to act out of character. I've been betrayed. Again, you just have to grow. You have to grow up and accept responsibilities for the things that you do. I'm not a big fan of people being cowards. I think it’s really important to know yourself and understand what you want and get it. I’m in a different place right now." Neither Nelly nor Ashanti ever directly addressed the reason for their split.

Michael Blackson

The singer was also rumored to be dating comedian Michael Blackson almost five years after her split from Nelly. Blackson and Ashanti were seen together a few times at public appearances leading fans to believe they were dating. At one point, she gave Blackson a shout-out on Instagram calling him "homie." These rumors were never confirmed and, a few months later, the purported couple's relationship reportedly fizzled out.

Who is Ashanti dating now?

Ashanti hasn't publicly said anything about who she's currently dating. Rumors said that the 'Rock wit U (Awww Baby)' singer is seeing rapper Joyner Lucas after the duo released a music video for the song 'Fall Slowly (Evolution)'. Ashanti co-stars in the video depicting a tumultuous relationship. In the video of the song about two on-again, off-again lovers, Lucas and Ashanti are seen cuddling, arguing, and sharing full-blown French kisses on multiple occasions. However, despite fans shipping the two artistes, neither of them has confirmed anything of the sort.

On the music front, Ashanti released her last album 'Braveheart' in 2014. It debuted on #10 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawned the singles 'Never Should Have', 'I Got It' featuring Rick Ross, and 'Early in the Morning' featuring French Montana. She'll release her as-of-yet untitled next album which will contain singles 'Let's Go', 'Say Less' featuring Ty Dolla $ign, and 'Pretty Little Thing' featuring Afro B.