It’s no wonder that “The Woman You Love,” the first single from American R&B singer Ashanti’s 2014 album BraveHeart, begins with Busta Rhymes calling out, “Ashanti! We miss you baby!” – in the five years since her last release, anticipation for the star’s much-awaited return has reached fever pitch. At her 2013 live concerts, Ashanti demonstrated why she remains one of the top-selling female R&B artists of all time, wowing ticket buyers with her energy and friendly personality. Her soft, sweet voice has long been a favorite among R&B lovers for its subtlety and smoothness, and her new material is no exception – 2013’s “I Got It,” featuring Rick Ross, showcases more stellar vocals from the star.

Ashanti’s vocal prowess first caught the attention of Murder Inc’s Irv Gotti in the early 2000’s, resulting in her appearance on Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv?” and Ja Rule’s “Always On Time” in 2002. The success of those singles paved the way for her self-titled 2002 debut album, which peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and earned her a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B album. Her next three albums would all land in the Top 10, spawning hit singles like “Rock wit U (Awww Baby)” and firmly establishing her as one of R&B’s biggest stars. Her fifth studio album BraveHeart was five years in the making, and if preview singles “Never Should Have” and “I Got It” are any indication, the album and accompanying tour were well worth the wait.