R&B singer Ashanti has revealed that she made efforts to mend her relationship with the late music mogul Irv Gotti before his unexpected passing. In a recent interview on Angie Martinez’s IRL podcast, the Grammy-winning artist spoke candidly about their complicated history, her attempts to reconnect, and the emotions surrounding his death.
A Complicated History
Ashanti and Irv Gotti’s relationship dates back to the early 2000s when Gotti, the co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, played a key role in launching her career. With hits like “Foolish,” “Always On Time,” and “Mesmerize,” Ashanti became one of the biggest R&B stars of her era. However, behind the scenes, their relationship was fraught with tension.
Gotti publicly claimed they had been romantically involved during her rise to fame, allegations Ashanti repeatedly denied. This led to a long period of estrangement, marked by public disputes and interviews where Gotti made controversial remarks about their past. Over the years, their dynamic remained strained, with Ashanti keeping her distance from the Murder Inc. co-founder.
Ashanti on Extending the Olive Branch
Despite their past differences, Ashanti revealed that she had attempted to reconcile with Gotti before his untimely passing. “I do know that I extended the olive branch. I just wanted things to be cool between us,” she said during the interview.
She acknowledged their shared history, saying, “We made history together—that is something that will never change. No matter what happened, the music and memories are there forever.”
Ashanti expressed sadness that they never had the chance to fully repair their relationship. “Sometimes, we let pride or misunderstandings get in the way. I truly wanted peace, and I regret that we didn’t have more time to make that happen.”
A Sudden Loss and a Lasting Legacy
Irv Gotti, whose real name was Irving Lorenzo Jr., passed away suddenly last month at the age of 54. According to reports, he suffered a severe stroke while playing poker, leading to his untimely death. His passing shocked the hip-hop and R&B communities, with artists and industry figures mourning his loss.
Despite their past, Ashanti attended Gotti’s funeral alongside other prominent artists, including Ja Rule, Fat Joe, and Jay-Z. The service was a powerful tribute to Gotti’s contributions to music, with heartfelt speeches reflecting on his impact.
Ja Rule, a longtime collaborator and friend of both Ashanti and Gotti, broke down in tears while delivering his eulogy. “Irv was more than a producer—he was a visionary. He saw things in us that we didn’t even see in ourselves,” Ja Rule said.
Ashanti’s words serve as a reminder of how fragile life can be and the importance of reconciliation. “Life is too short to hold onto grudges,” she said. “We should tell people how we feel while we have the chance.”
While their relationship had its share of ups and downs, Ashanti’s desire to make peace highlights the impact Gotti had on her life and career. Their bond, though complicated, was undeniable.
Gotti’s legacy as a pioneering producer and executive will live on, and so will the music he helped create. Ashanti’s reflections underscore the importance of cherishing the people who have played a role in our journeys, even when the road has been difficult.