by The hip-hop world is mourning following the passing of music mogul Irv Gotti, a name synonymous with the golden era of Murder Inc. Records. The legendary executive and producer, who played a pivotal role in shaping early 2000s R&B and hip-hop, has left a legacy that can never be erased. And despite years of tension and controversy, Ashanti, the label’s first lady and one of Irv’s greatest success stories, put differences aside to pay her respects in a heartfelt tribute.
Taking to Instagram, Ashanti opened up about her complicated yet impactful relationship with Irv, expressing both sadness and gratitude:
“I can’t believe things ended like this….and it makes me so sad…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.. 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.”
The post quickly gained traction, drawing love and respect from fellow artists and celebrities. The Game saluted her grace, commenting, “You classy af for this!” Tiny of Xscape echoed the sentiment, writing, “Your msg was touching. His legacy will live forever.” TV personality Claudia Jordan added, “Class act.”
Despite past friction between Ashanti and Irv, her words were a reminder that history doesn’t get rewritten; it just lives on. No matter how the relationship evolved, the bond created through music remains undeniable.
To understand the weight of Ashanti’s words, you must look back at the empire Irv Gotti built. In the early 2000s, Murder Inc. created a movement. It blended hip-hop and R&B in a way that reshaped the sound of the streets and the airwaves. At the forefront was Ashanti, a young singer-songwriter with sweet-but-street vocals, who became the label’s biggest star.
Under Irv’s guidance, Ashanti dropped her self-titled debut album in 2002, which went triple platinum and spawned classics like: “Foolish,” a timeless heartbreak anthem that spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100; “Happy,” a breezy, feel-good summer hit that showed her versatility; And “Baby,” a slow jam that became a fan favorite.
And that was just the start. The Chapter II album followed with hits like “Rock Wit U (Awww Baby),” keeping her reign strong. As the queen of Murder Inc., Ashanti held her own alongside rap heavyweights like Ja Rule, delivering hit after hit with undeniable chemistry.
Ashanti’s voice became the soundtrack to an era, evident through some of the biggest rap records of the time, from Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv?” to Ja Rule’s classic “Always On Time.”
But as the success grew, so did the tension. Irv and Ashanti’s professional and personal relationship became rocky over the years. Public fallout, interviews, and behind-the-scenes drama created distance between them. Still, in the grand scheme of things, none of the drama could erase the history they made together.
Irv Gotti wasn’t just a producer; he was a visionary. He saw the fusion of R&B and hip-hop before it became mainstream, crafting records that blended the streets with the radio-friendly melodies that dominated charts. His work with Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule helped shape the sound of an era, while Murder Inc. stood tall alongside labels like Roc-A-Fella and Bad Boy in the early 2000s.
But with legal troubles, label drama, and industry shifts, Murder Inc. faded from its former glory. Irv’s later years were marked by attempts to revive the empire through ventures like Tales on BET, but his legacy was already set in stone.
With his passing, the industry has lost another giant, and Ashanti’s words serve as a reminder: despite whatever happened in the past, the history remains. And through the voices of artists like Ashanti, Ja Rule, and countless others, his name will permanently be attached to some of the most unforgettable hits of hip-hop and R&B.
Rest in peace, Irv Gotti!
