ASHANTI GRACES THE COVER OF 'PAGE SIX'.....

Ashanti is this week's cover artist for Page Six magazine. The 27-year-old singer doesn't at all appear resentful towards her competition Rihanna even if Ashanti has lost her IT girl factor to the new generation of artists. For example, she's sidelined by Rihanna whereas Usher who was the main man back in the day is getting overtaken by Chris Brown now and that's just how it works. You get replaced. In 7 years, Rihanna could very well find herself in the same position. I love her but it is what it is. Remember when folks couldn't get enough of Ashanti during her 'Foolish' heyday? Now Rihanna is getting all the success and accolades. Check out Ashanti's Page Six cover below:

Nevertheless, Ashanti appears to be really pleased with her younger peer. At last year's VMA's Ashanti was even seen singing along to Rihanna's 'Umbrella' when the pop starlet graced that stage. When Ashanti came out with 'Foolish', she was the exact same age as Rihanna so she knows what it's like and has given the Umbrella singer nothing but praise: "I'd hear a song on the radio and wish mine was next. But I respect a lot of the artists who've come along since I was out, especially Rihanna. She's smart and she's worked the business instead of having the business work her." I have to say I'm in agreeance but Rihanna's thriving because she takes risks with her image and music. OK. Sooooo, she may get her ideas from someone else but it's certainly working. Borrowing a vintage look from a variety of different artists from a certain era and then incorporating her own style to the mix is in fact a smart strategy. From long-haired Beyonce-cloned R&B chick to Fefe Dobson punk-rocker chick is drastic! Still, you can't hate the playa except the game and Ashanti knows this.