Ashanti pays tribute to Irv Gotti: “We made history”

Ashanti has paid tribute to Murder Inc. founder Irv Gotti, who died aged 54 earlier this week.

The late record executive, producer and mogul’s death was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday (February 6), though a cause of death has yet to be revealed. It was previously reported that he had suffered a stroke in 2024.

Gotti (born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr.) founded the early 2000s rap-focused stalwart Murder Inc. Records, home to acts such as Ashanti and Ja Rule.

He discovered Ashanti as a teenager and went on to win a Grammy in 2003 for co-producing her eponymous debut album, which earned best contemporary R&B album. The following year, he was also nominated for co-writing her track ‘Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)’, which was up for best R&B song.

Taking to her Instagram story on Friday (February 7), the singer shared a tribute to Gotti, writing: “I can’t believe things ended like this….and it makes me so sad,” per TMZ. “We weren’t on the best terms the past few years but as I’ve always said, through our ups and downs I will forever be grateful for everything that you’ve done for me. We made history and that will remain infinite..”

She continued: “I’ve always respected your musical genius and ability to push me to be my best.. All the greatness and positive things that came, far outweigh the dark and negative times. I have always prayed for you to find peace. Sending love and prayers to the entire family. Rest well. Rest in Peace Irv.”

In 2022, Gotti executive produced The Murder Inc. Story, a five-episode documentary series in 2022 that explored and detailed the label’s timeline. The documentary courted controversy for his brother Lorenzo’s claims that Irv had an affair with Ashanti while married. Ashati spoke out against the allegation at the time: “We dealt with each other, but was Irv my boyfriend? Was I his girlfriend? Never.”

Last year, Gotti was anonymously accused of repeated sexual assault during an abusive relationship dated between 2020 and 2022. His brother Lorenzo “categorically” denied the allegations.

Gotti worked in A&R at Def Jam in the 1990s, where he played a major role in the label’s revival in the late ’90s after landing deals for the likes of Jay-Z, Ja Rule and DMX. After Jay-Z’s and Ja Rule’s rise to prominence, Def Jam was valued at more than $100million in the late ’90s, which gave Gotti the opportunity to expand the label through his new subsidiary Murder Inc.

Through Murder Inc., Gotti would expand his scope to work with other rappers and non-rappers including Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Aaliyah, Eve and more. Gotti also dabbled more in production work under the moniker DJ Irv.

As DJ Irv, he produced ‘Can I Live’ off Jay-Z’s acclaimed 1996 debut ‘Reasonable Doubt’. He later went on to produce for the likes of Vanessa Carlton, Kanye West, Christina Milian, Ashanti, Jennifer Lopez, Fat Joe, R. Kelly and more.