Ashanti shared a heartfelt message to Irv Gotti and his family as the Hip-Hop community continues to mourns his death.
Taking to Instagram, the R&B singer reflected on both the positive and sometimes unsavory elements of her relationship with the Murder Inc. record label co-founder.
“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,” shared the 44-year-old in the lengthy caption.
“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,” she closed with praying hands and dove emojis.
In recent years, the relationship between Irv Gotti and Ashanti has been put under a microscope as she reflected on various dynamics they shared and feeling pressured by the industry veteran. In 2022, he spoke about her experience on Angie Martinez‘s IRL podcast, after Gotti detailed being in love with her on Drink Champs.
“It wasn’t surprising to me. Irv flat-out lied about a lot of things,” Ashanti explained. “I definitely feel like manipulation played a heavy part into me and Irv’s situation,” she continued adding, “He would say stuff like, ‘No one wants to record with you, nobody f**ks with you like that.’ On one hand, he would make it feel like family-family-family, and on the other hand, he would tell me, ‘Nobody even likes you.’
Irv Gotti was declared dead on Feb. 5, 2025, after reportedly suffering a stroke that caused a brain bleed. He had previously experienced a stroke in August 2024.
