Chris Gotti, co-founder of Murder Inc. Records and brother to the late Irv Gotti, isn’t holding back when it comes to Ashanti. In a recent appearance on the Let’s Keep It 100 podcast, Chris accused the R&B singer of being dishonest about her past relationship with Irv, insisting the two were more than just collaborators in the early 2000s.
“For her to act like it ain’t Murder Inc. that made her is f**king bullsh*t—or Irv made her—it’s crazy,” Chris said. “Like, something with y’all chemistry worked out! Respect it. That’s all. Not saying you have to talk about the n***a, but respect the magic that was made.”
Chris Gotti: “She Was in a Relationship With Irv—Period”
Chris went on to claim that Ashanti and Irv were definitely in a relationship, despite Ashanti’s repeated public denials.
“She says they weren’t in a relationship. They was in a relationship,” he stated bluntly. “I was their therapist. Like come on now, don’t do that.”
He emphasized that he witnessed the bond between the two firsthand and feels Ashanti should acknowledge the role Irv played in her rise to fame.
“I’m not gonna let no one talk about my brother—we’re gonna have a problem, simple and plain. Especially someone who he made that career. Like, I was there. He made you sing records the way you sang them ’cause you would’ve never sang it that way if it was up to you.”
Ashanti Speaks on Irv Gotti’s Death and Their Complicated History
Irv Gotti, who would’ve turned 50 on February 5, 2025, tragically passed away earlier this year following a hemorrhagic stroke. In March, Ashanti broke her silence, reflecting on their complex relationship in an emotional Instagram post honoring his memory.
“It was a lot to process,” Ashanti admitted. “It was a lot of different feelings and emotions. I was really sad… and I’m still sad it ended like this. Because there was a time when everything was just like amazing.”
The “Foolish” singer said that despite the tension over the years, she always wished for peace between them:
“I wished peace for him…I prayed for him to be at peace.”
Ashanti & Nelly: Moving On Together
Ashanti has since rekindled her romance with rapper Nelly, and the couple is reportedly expecting their second child. They’ve recently been spotted on double dates with Ja Rule and his wife Aisha Atkins, showing that Ashanti is firmly focused on her future while still navigating the shadows of her past.
