New Money Trap (Hip-Hop and R&B) Official 5 ????? Review Hip-Hop | Pop | R&B

The West Coast sound has a new ruler, and her name is Ashanti Major. The CEO of Major Music is building a buzz with her "Major Gang" movement, and the momentum is palpable in her new single, "Actin' Up." While the industry might be focused on the usual suspects, here at New Money Trap, we rarely find an independent release so complete that it competes with our industry favs.

For starters, "Actin' Up" is a masterclass in modern Hip-Hop, featuring a sleek, infectious beat that is powerfully reminiscent of a classic late 70s or 80s type sample and vibe. This track showcases incredible growth and artistry not previously seen in her past releases, particularly in the way Ashanti Major layers her background vocals and harmonies.

She even surprised us with lead vocal potential, which establishes her now, as a quadruple threat: rapper, singer, actress, and boss. Her signature flow sounds like it has come full circle, ingrained with classic catchphrases that have become so signature that if you know, you know?the girl is the REAL DEAL.

Her ability to seamlessly weave her vocals in and out of rap and singing is not new, but on this record, she proves she can hold her own with the best of them. Ashanti Major is the real West Coast Queen, and she's in her new money phase, where everything she reaches for is hers to get and everything she touches turns to gold.

If the industry heads don?t have her on their radar, New Money Trap does, and we are a part of the industry and culture. We're all the way on board because this type of talent and perseverance comes sparingly. We?ll continue to support because the best of Ashanti Major's music is yet to come.

In the meantime, Ashanti Major's "Actin' Up" sits at the top of the New Money Trap (Hip-Hop and R&B ??) Playlist at #6 because it is the dopest track that saves the summer of 2025. The track is just that HOT!

Go check it out!

Ashanti Major - "Actin' Up" is out now on all streaming platforms.

Tag us and let us know your thoughts and experience. Where were you and what were you doing when you first heard "Actin' Up" by Ashanti?

Ashanti Major: #NMT Spotlight Artist of The Month.

What's up, New Money Gang! We caught up with the one and only Ashanti Major to get the tea on her new single "Actin' Up." She was in her bag and definitely dropped some major gems, so we're bringing you all the deets in this exclusive chat.

About the Song: "Acting Up"

The Inspiration: The song title "Acting Up" is so catchy. Can you walk us through the creative process behind it? Is there a specific story or feeling that inspired the lyrics? 

"Acting Up is super special because it?s actually my first pop record. I usually do hip-hop, but I wanted to step into a new vibe and show my fans a different side of me. The title just felt playful and bold, and the whole song became about owning your confidence in a fun, lighthearted way."

The Vibe: The track has this powerful, confident energy. What was the mood like in the studio while you were recording it? 

"In the studio, it honestly was a little bit more serious and focused than it would seem, but I wanted the song to feel like a big girls night out and I delivered!" 

The Message: Your fans, especially women, are really connecting with the vibe of the song. What do you hope they take away from it?

"I just really want the girly?s to have fun with it. People always interpret and feel differently about my songs, as long as it?s something positive rather it inspires confidence, getting to that bag, or just going out having fun I?m here for it!"

A Personal Take: The line, "WOKE UP IM BLESSED & A G STILL " is a powerful part of your promotion. What does that phrase personally mean to you and your journey?

"That?s me reminding myself every day that no matter what I?ve been through, I?m still standing, still shining, and still handling my business. It?s about gratitude and strength, waking up blessed but also still being that girl who doesn?t fold under pressure."

About Her Journey & Experience as a Female Artist

Role Models: Who are some of the female artists, past or present, who have inspired you the most, not just musically, but in how they've navigated the industry?

"I?ve always admired women like Rihanna, and Beyoncé, and all the female rappers form when I was a teenager looking at YouTube. Not just because of their music, but because they built empires, stayed true to themselves, and paved the way for women like me. They showed me it?s possible to be soft and feminine but still a boss."

Building a Team: As an up-and-coming artist, what's been the most important lesson you've learned about building a team and a brand around your music?

"The biggest lesson I?ve learned is that not everyone around you is meant to build with you. You have to protect your energy and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, not just the benefits. A good team is about loyalty and shared passion, not just titles."

The Hustle: The music world is a grind. What are some of the challenges you've faced as a female artist, and how have you overcome them?

"As a woman, people will try to box you in or test your confidence. I?ve faced moments where I wasn?t taken seriously until I proved myself. But instead of letting it break me, I let it fuel me. I learned to advocate for myself, trust my instincts, and never shrink just to fit in."

Ashanti Major Actin' Up and being authentic to herself, follow her on YouTube @AshantiMajor

Giving Back: What advice would you give to other young women who are just starting out and trying to make it in the music industry?

"Be yourself, whoever it may be, and always work harder than the boys!"

About Her Fans & Lifestyle

Fan Love: Your female fanbase is incredibly supportive. What's the most memorable or touching interaction you've had with a fan so far?

"A female fan told me I keep her, she was ready to give up on life until she came across my music. She claimed I keep going daily, and I inspire her to get more out of life. I?m always surprised when people tell me things like that, but at the same time, I?m glad. Like the late great Nipsey Hussle always said, ?The Greatest Human Act Is To Inspire.?"

The Balance: With your career taking off, how do you manage to balance your creative work with your personal life and stay grounded?

"My music is a part of my personal life, so it?s really just all in one. I?m not sure how I stay grounded, I feel no different the day I was the day I picked up a mic. I?m always humble about it, maybe too much at times."

Future Collaborations: If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

"On a pop song? Beyonce of course. But in general I would probably go with Kendrick Lamar he?s literally the most inspiring rapper I?ve ever heard in my personal opinion."

Looking Ahead: What can your fans expect next from Ashanti Major? Can we get a hint about the exclusive coming with New Money Trap?

"Fans can definitely expect more fire! I have new visuals and some exclusive tracks coming with New Money Trap that I think will surprise everyone. I don?t want to give too much away?but let?s just say the next drop is going to POP, or POP? Who knows."

 

In closing, the New Money Trap family is on board because we know real recognizes real. Ashanti Major embodies the hustle and authenticity that independent music culture is all about. An artist who can boss up like she has doesn't need a label to command a movement. With creative control at the forefront, the energy of "Actin' Up" is what's truly defining summer 2025. Ashanti Major and artists like her are not just making music; they?re building the future of the industry, one undeniable hit at a time.

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