Legacy, Love, and a Second Chance: Ashanti and Nelly Return with We Belong Together
Ashanti and Nelly, two of the most influential names in early 2000s hip-hop and R&B, are stepping back into the public eye—this time as husband and wife, parents, and co-stars of a new reality series, Nelly and Ashanti: We Belong Together, which premiered June 26 on Peacock.
Once dubbed “couple goals” by fans across the Black community, the pair’s relationship has long been admired for its chemistry, longevity, and resilience—even when they weren’t together. After years of speculation, a high-profile breakup, and unexpected reconciliation, their story has come full circle in a way that few public romances do. Now, they’re opening their lives to the world, allowing viewers a glimpse into their journey of rekindled love, marriage, parenthood, and partnership.
The unscripted series follows the couple as they adjust to newlywed life while balancing sold-out shows, studio sessions, business ventures, and diaper duty. It is an intimate look at love’s second act, with all its joys, complexities, and vulnerabilities.
For many longtime fans, the show is more than entertainment—it’s the continuation of a legacy. Ashanti and Nelly first began dating in the early 2000s, becoming one of the most talked-about celebrity couples of the decade. Despite keeping much of their relationship private, the love between the Grammy-winning artists was always apparent. Their eventual breakup in 2013 stunned their fanbase and left questions about what had gone wrong.
But fate, it seems, wasn’t finished writing their story.
In 2021, the two briefly reunited on stage during Fat Joe and Ja Rule’s Verzuz battle, sparking public speculation—and hope—of a reconciliation. Within a year, they confirmed they were back together. In December 2023, the couple secretly married. By 2024, they had welcomed their first child together, a baby boy.
Now, in We Belong Together, the couple invites audiences to witness their evolution—not just as artists or public figures, but as partners, parents, and people. The show is filled with moments of vulnerability, joy, humor, and honesty. It also reflects a larger cultural desire to see authentic representations of Black love and family, free of performance, filtered images, and public relations scripts.
“We’ve had fans supporting us for over 20 years,” Nelly said in an interview with the Peacock Blog. “They’ve allowed us to live this wonderful life, and I just thought it was time to show them another side of us—who we really are behind the scenes.”
Ashanti echoed his sentiment, adding, “This is my first rodeo when it comes to reality TV, but I think it’s important for people to see the truth, the moments they don’t get to see on stage or in interviews. This is our real life.”
Still, not everyone has welcomed every aspect of their reality debut. A clip from the show featuring Nelly joking that he doesn’t change diapers or wake up with the baby sparked mixed reactions across social media platforms, including TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram. While some fans defended the moment as lighthearted banter, others saw it as outdated and dismissive of modern parenting dynamics.
Debates aside, the show has received largely positive reviews. Many viewers have praised it for celebrating a mature and enduring Black relationship, especially at a time when celebrity romances often burn bright and fade quickly. The couple’s decision to share their lives so openly is being recognized as an act of vulnerability and gratitude.
According to Peacock, We Belong Together was created as a tribute to the couple’s longtime supporters and as a platform to display the realities of life outside of music and fame. The series offers an important counter-narrative—one where Black love is celebrated, not sensationalized, and where second chances are not only possible but powerful.
Ashanti and Nelly’s story is one of growth, healing, and rediscovery. As individuals, they’ve achieved milestones in music, business, and beyond. But together, they are now writing a new chapter—one rooted in legacy. Their love story, nearly two decades in the making, continues to inspire a generation that saw them rise to fame and now watches them build a family.
For a community that deeply values lineage, commitment, and authenticity, Ashanti and Nelly’s journey is more than romantic nostalgia—it’s a cultural moment.
And this time, it’s on their terms.
