Ashanti Pumped Milk For Son KK Just Before BET Performance

Ashanti is stepping into motherhood with grace, hustle, and a whole lot of heart. The R&B star hit the red carpet at the 2025 BET Awards glowing, but made it clear her 10-month-old son, Karem “KK,” was still top of mind.

“Baby is doing amazing. He’s about to turn one, which is crazy,” she told People. “It just flew by. Navigating into mommy mode has been very different.”

Although KK didn’t attend the show, Ashanti made sure he was taken care of behind the scenes. “I actually had to pump and send milk with the driver to the hotel for him, so talk about multitasking! Mommy has to make it happen!”

Ashanti and husband Nelly welcomed their son last year, and since then, her perspective has shifted both personally and professionally. Speaking to Revolt in March, she reflected on the changes motherhood has brought. “This is a new chapter for me. Family first, being married and having a child,” she said. “My mind is thinking bigger and better and more out of the box, obviously.”

The new mom is already channeling that energy into creative ventures. “I wrote a children’s book, and I kind of want to just dive into the lane of children now,” she added. “I really do because it’s just so natural. I loved kids before… but now it’s like [times] a million.”

And what has little KK taught her so far? “Patience,” she said simply.

As she prepares to hit the road with Sean Paul and Fat Joe for the Bring It On Tour, Ashanti is adjusting to tour life with a baby in tow. “I’m definitely in Mama Bear protective mode,” she shared. “Wanting to protect the baby.”