Nelly and Ashanti are ‘definitely very much still together’.

The ‘Hot in Here’ rapper and ‘Foolish’ singer – who have been romantically linked since 2003 – are still reported to be dating, despite rumours they had split up earlier this month.

Reports their relationship had ended emerged when Ashanti was quoted as saying, “I’m dating my new album, and no-one else”, but the 27-year-old singer has since insisted she was misquoted.

A source close to the couple said: “Nelly and Ashanti are very happy. They are definitely very much still together.”

Earlier this year, Ashanti hinted she wanted to marry the 33-year-old musician. When asked if she was engaged to Nelly, Ashanti held up her left hand to show a bare ring finger and laughed: “Oh no. Noooo! No engagement. But definitely in the future. Ha ha!”

She added: “Me and Nelly, we’re good friends. We kick it – hang out a lot. The industry is very hard, so it’s good to have fun and lighten it up.”

Earlier this week, it was claimed Nelly was dating British soul singer Joss Stone, who was said to be “smitten” with the rapper. The reports have not been confirmed.

Ashanti will visit the US show “Live With Regis & Kelly” on Monday, September 17th to promote her upcoming movie “Resident Evil: Extinction” which hits theaters on September 21st.

Ashanti’s fourth studio album entitled “The Declaration” is set for release now on December 4th. This is the official follow up to “Concrete Rose” released in 2004.