Ashanti Embraces the ‘Scoot’ Dance Move that Took the Internet by Storm
Ah, the internet—where a single dance move can etch itself into the annals of meme history, and no one knows that better than R&B diva Ashanti. The 44-year-old singer recently reflected on her endearing “scoot” dance from her 2014 performance of “I Got It” on The Queen Latifah Show, a moment that has inexplicably woven itself into the fabric of viral culture. “It is so hilarious to me,” Ashanti quipped during an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, revealing how the goofy choreography has become a staple in GIF libraries, even making it into your iMessage catalog. It’s a small testament to how this cheeky yet charming move has resonated with fans over the years, sparking countless remixes, TikToks, and even mascot tributes—shout out to Ellie the Elephant from the New York Liberty!
What’s particularly delightful is how Ashanti embraces this light-hearted scrutiny. In an era when many celebrities shy away from online commentary, she takes it in stride, giggling about its unexpected fame. The origins of the scoot, however, are rooted in a not-so-funny incident: Ashanti revealed that she was nursing a broken ankle during the performance, which led to the creation of this quirky choreography. Talk about turning adversity into art!
But the “Good Good” singer isn’t just a meme machine; she’s also a busy mom and an ambitious artist. Following the birth of her son Kareem Kenkaide last July with rapper Nelly, Ashanti is diving back into her creative ventures. She recently took on the dual role of star and executive producer for the gritty drama No Address, which tackles the pressing issue of homelessness in America. Plus, she has a new single, “Called You Up,” set to drop next month, alongside her upcoming European tour, the Bring It Tour, kicking off on April 8 in Dublin with Sean Paul and Fat Joe.
As she prepares to hit the road for her first tour as a mom, Ashanti is clearly excited—“It’s going to be a good vibe, man!”—and it seems she’s not just upgrading her set; she’s transforming her whole artistic expression. With the internet’s love for her scoot and her relentless drive to create, one can’t help but wonder what delightful surprises Ashanti has in store for us next.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Billboard, Variety
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