Ashanti has spoken out following the passing of Irv Gotti, expressing her deep sadness over their unresolved tensions. Despite their rocky history, her heartfelt message made it clear that she respected and cared for him immensely.
Ashanti Pays Tribute to Irv Gotti
On Friday night, Ashanti took to Instagram to honor the late cofounder of Murder Inc., calling him a “musical genius” with an “ability to push me to be my best.”
The renowned producer, who played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of DMX, Ja Rule, and Ashanti, passed away Wednesday in New York City under unclear circumstances.
A Complicated History
There’s no denying that Irv was instrumental in launching Ashanti’s career, and her message reflected regret over not making amends before his passing. She shared, “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.”
Acknowledging their storied past, Ashanti emphasized that the “greatness and positive things that came far outweigh the dark and negative times.”
The Feud Between Irv and Ashanti
Their relationship was far from smooth sailing in recent years. Back in 2022, Irv sparked controversy when he claimed on the ‘Drink Champs’ podcast that he and Ashanti had been romantically involved, portraying the relationship as significant to him. However, Ashanti dismissed his claims, insisting it was never that serious and accusing him of being bitter over losing control of her career.
Adding to the tension, Ashanti chose not to participate in the BET documentary, ‘The Murder Inc Story’, which chronicled the rise of Irv’s label. Many speculated this only deepened the rift between them.
A Final Goodbye
Despite past disputes, Ashanti concluded her tribute on a respectful and heartfelt note: “I have always prayed for you to find peace. Sending love and prayers to the entire family. Rest well. Rest in Peace Irv 🙏🏽🕊️.”
Remembering Irv Gotti
Irv Gotti’s impact on hip-hop and R&B remains undeniable. As fans and industry peers mourn his loss, it’s clear his contributions to music and culture will live on.
Stay tuned for further updates as tributes continue to pour in for the late music mogul.
