Ashanti is doing it big by doing it small, with a short film and a short tour slated for August.

Early next month, the dainty Billboard darling is heading to Spain and pulling yet another acclaimed music video lensman out of semi-hiatus. Ashanti, who rode elephants at the direction of Paul Hunter for "Rock Wit You (Awww Baby)" (see [article id="1472016"]"Ashanti Finally Gets A Man (And An Elephant) In 'Rock Wit U' Clip"[/article]), has enlisted Hype Williams to dig into his bag of visually maniacal tricks for the next video from her Chapter II LP, "Rain on Me."

The video's concept is still being finalized, but a spokesperson for Murder Inc. described plans for the clip as more along the lines of a short film than your average music video. Production is expected to last for a few days.

The Inc.'s princess won't have too long to chill overseas with Hype, however; her camp said she's signed on to open for R. Kelly on his handful of tour dates next month (see [article id="1473784"]"Judge Allows R. Kelly To Leave State For Tour"[/article]). Although she's not on the bill for Kelly's August 9 opener in Milwaukee, she's on board from August 15 in Oakland, California, to August 30 in Atlanta.