First up, though, at TAO: Ashanti's surprise birthday party with rapper Nelly. Also on hand were actress Tamala Jones, comedian Mike Epps, rapper Gipp and the St. Lunatics. Several members of Ashanti's family and her closest friends, sat quietly behind closed curtains of a private dining room awaiting the soulful singer for the surprise birthday bash. She thought shewas being whisked away to the hot Vegas club to help a benefit for "The Gathering Live," supporting victims of domestic violence. But when the singer entered theroom toa rousing "surprise" heard by all of TAO's dinner guests, she was elated to see her family and friends all together to help her celebrate her birthday. Ashanti looked great in a sparkling green dress and a smile from ear-to-ear when she hugged her mother. Turns out people really can keep a secret! The surprise was not over, however. From a secret rear entrance, Ashanti's boyfriend, hip hop superstar, Nelly, snuck up behind Ashanti and whispered a secret happy birthday into her ears. Ashanti was so surprised that she kept pointing at her family and friends saying, "You knew this. You knew this." After feasting on TAO's delicious delicacies from chef Josh Thomsen, there was a birthday cake, almost too beautiful to slice. Up on the dance floor afterwards one more surprise: Ashanti discovered her 'Noah's Ark' television cast members, who absolutely stunned the already elated Ashanti with yet another hip hop chorus of Happy Birthday, and another stunning cake.