Nelly Jokes He’s “Saving” Baby Kareem from Ashanti’s Monthly Photoshoots: “He’s Gonna Love It… for Blackmail”
Of course, Ashanti is turning her son Kareem’s infancy into a full-blown photoshoot extravaganza—because what’s a celebrity baby without a meticulously curated Instagram feed? Since Kareem’s birth in July 2024, the “Foolish” singer has been documenting every milestone with monthly photoshoots, much to the chagrin of her husband, Nelly. During the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards red carpet, the couple revealed their playful banter over the photoshoots, with Nelly joking that he’s been trying to “save” their son from the camera’s relentless gaze. “He’s gonna love it,” Ashanti quipped, to which Nelly retorted, “Blackmail. I’m gonna love it for blackmail.”
The couple’s dynamic was on full display as they discussed their plans for Kareem’s first birthday. Nelly, ever the comedian, quipped that their son has already had “eight birthday parties,” though Ashanti was quick to clarify that these were, in fact, monthly photoshoots. It’s a classic case of one parent embracing the chaos of parenthood while the other tries to maintain some semblance of normalcy—or at least a break from the paparazzi treatment.
Ashanti’s dedication to capturing every moment of Kareem’s life is both endearing and slightly excessive, but who can blame her? In the age of social media, even infants are expected to have a portfolio. Meanwhile, Nelly’s dry humor about using the photos for future blackmail adds a layer of relatability to their otherwise glamorous lives.
The iHeartRadio Music Awards also served as a moment of celebration for Nelly, who was honored with the Landmark Award for the 25th anniversary of his iconic album *Country Grammar*. Ashanti took the stage to present the award, praising her husband’s groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop and his enduring influence on the culture. It was a touching moment, though one can’t help but wonder if Kareem’s photoshoots will one day rival his father’s legacy.
In November, Ashanti gushed to *PEOPLE* about the joys of motherhood, calling Kareem a “blessing” and an “angel.” She also humorously noted that their son has inherited Nelly’s temper, particularly when his bottle isn’t ready. It’s a charming glimpse into their lives, blending the chaos of parenting with the glamour of celebrity.
So, while Nelly may joke about saving Kareem from the photoshoots, it’s clear that both parents are relishing every moment of their journey into parenthood. And who knows? Maybe Kareem will grow up to appreciate the effort—or at least have some excellent material for his future therapy sessions.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine
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