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

nme.com:

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.