New Releases: Ashanti Returns With the Declaration

Dubbed the "Princess of R&B" originally by Irv Gotti and Co. and eventually by her devoted fans, Ashanti returns with her fourth studio album, 'The Declaration,' which hits stores today. The singer stays true to form exuding femininity on 'Girlfriend' and 'Things You Make Me Do,' featuring Robin Thicke, while occasionally crying about cheating boyfriends i.e. the smash single, 'The Way That I Love You.'

The one thing missing from the Princesses' new album is The Inc. production. "With this album, I'm taking the lead with everything," Ashanti said in a December interview. "I'm steering my own ship. I'm doing everything on my own. You can definitely hear the growth; I'm working with producers I've never worked with before." This time around Ashanti worked with Dr. Dre, Diane Warren, Babyface, Mario Winans, Jermaine Dupri, Rodney Jerkins and Brian-Michael Cox.

Other notable releases include soulstress Lalah Hathaway's 'Self Portrait.'