Ashanti has paid tribute to Homicide Inc. founder Irv Gotti, who died aged 54 earlier this week.
The late report government, producer and mogul’s loss of life was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday (February 6), although a reason for loss of life has but to be revealed. It was beforehand reported that he had suffered a stroke in 2024.
Gotti (born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr.) based the early 2000s rap-focused stalwart Homicide Inc. Information, house to acts equivalent to Ashanti and Ja Rule.
He found Ashanti as a youngster and went on to win a Grammy in 2003 for co-producing her eponymous debut album, which earned finest modern R&B album. The next 12 months, he was additionally nominated for co-writing her monitor ‘Rock Wit U (Awww Child)’, which was up for finest R&B tune.
Taking to her Instagram story on Friday (February 7), the singer shared a tribute to Gotti, writing: “I can’t imagine issues ended like this….and it makes me so unhappy,” per TMZ. “We weren’t on the very best phrases the previous few years however as I’ve at all times mentioned, by way of our ups and downs I’ll ceaselessly be thankful for all the pieces that you simply’ve executed for me. We made historical past and that can stay infinite..”
She continued: “I’ve at all times revered your musical genius and talent to push me to be my finest.. All of the greatness and optimistic issues that got here, far outweigh the darkish and unfavorable instances. I’ve at all times prayed so that you can discover peace. Sending love and prayers to the complete household. Relaxation effectively. Relaxation in Peace Irv.”
In 2022, Gotti government produced The Homicide Inc. Story, a five-episode documentary collection 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 whereas married. Ashati spoke out towards the allegation on the time: “We handled one another, however was Irv my boyfriend? Was I his girlfriend? By no means.”
Final 12 months, Gotti was anonymously accused of repeated sexual assault throughout an abusive relationship dated between 2020 and 2022. His brother Lorenzo “categorically” denied the allegations.
Gotti labored in A&R at Def Jam within the Nineties, the place he performed a significant function within the label’s revival within the late ’90s after touchdown offers 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 greater than $100million within the late ’90s, which gave Gotti the chance to develop the label by way of his new subsidiary Homicide Inc.
Via Homicide Inc., Gotti would develop his scope to work with different rappers and non-rappers together with Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Aaliyah, Eve and extra. Gotti additionally dabbled extra in manufacturing work beneath the moniker DJ Irv.
As DJ Irv, he produced ‘Can I Reside’ off Jay-Z’s acclaimed 1996 debut ‘Affordable Doubt’. He later went on to supply for the likes of Vanessa Carlton, Kanye West, Christina Milian, Ashanti, Jennifer Lopez, Fats Joe, R. Kelly and extra.