Rapper, singer, and actor Nelly is ready to propose to his girlfriend of five years, singer Ashanti.  What's holding him back?  Reportedly, Ashanti's mother, Tina Douglas.

'Tina sticks her nose in everything because she's also Ashanti's manager,' a source tells Star. 'She's always pushing Ashanti to make more money, to always look great. It stresses her out, and Nelly doesn't like that.'"

Apparently, Ashanti is a little intimidated by her mother.

Tina has such a strong personality that she's kind of afraid of her."

If this is true, then you have to wonder if Ashanti is ready to get married, don't you?  Nelly supposedly has the same concerns.

'Before he makes her his wife,' adds the source, 'Nelly wants to know that Ashanti can make decisions on her own.'"

Uh oh.  Can any of you relate to in-law drama? 

Photos by Bauer Griffin

Page Six Magazine will feature Ashanti this week. The artist opened up about her career, her future wedding plans and her respect for Rihanna. Here is your sneak peek to her interview:

On her career coming to a halt in 2005:

“That was the worst part—not having a say as to what’s happening in my own life,” she says. “To a singer, that’s like telling them they’re dying. It was tragic.”

On finding it hard to watch artists like Fergie and Rihanna fill her void:

“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.”

Back in action now, Ashanti is even more driven, and not just with career.  Having two children with her boyfriend and fellow artist Nelly, she says thoughts are turning to marriage.

“I’ve been planning my wedding in my head since I was a little girl, and it just keeps getting more elaborate. I’m a huge fan of the Caribbean, so if I don’t get married in New York, it would have to be on the beach.”