Jay-Z, Ja Rule and Ashanti attend Irv Gotti’s funeral service
Irv Gotti‘s private funeral service was held at the Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York on February 19th following his death earlier this month. The celebrity attendees included Jay-Z, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Fat Joe, Lloyd, Steve Stoute, Angie Martinez, the Ruff Ryders, Gayle King, Charli Baltimore, Vita, Hype Williams, Benny Boom and more.
The late producer and record executive founded Murder Inc Records and was instrumental in the careers of Ja Rule and Ashanti. The former artist delivered a passionate eulogy, sharing his love for Gotti on behalf of everyone in attendance.
“I won’t take up any more time,” he said before the mourners. “I just want to say Irv, I love you. Everyone in this room loves you. You touched everybody in your own way, and everybody has their moments of that with you. We’re all here in celebration of your life because it will live on forever. I love you my brother; see you when I get there.”
According to TMZ, Gotti’s family and friends gave him one last trip around his Queens neighbourhood, stopping by the park and his childhood home.
Gotti died on February 5th at the age of 54 after reports of suffering a second stroke, although the cause of death has yet to be announced. He’s survived by his three children, Angie, Sonny and Jonathan Wilson; his mother, Nee Nee Lorenzo; sisters, Tina and Angie; and brother, Chris Lorenzo.
The former Def Jam A&R received a tribute from the label following his death. “Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees, are deeply saddened at the loss of Irv Gotti,” a statement read. “His contributions at Def Jam, as both an A&R executive and in partnership with Murder, Inc., helped pave the way for the next generation of artists and producers, a force that reshaped the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B.”
It continued, “His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture birthed countless hits, defining an era of music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his work.”