Ashanti has honored her former mentor Irv Gotti, saying she hopes he “finds peace” following his death last week at age 54.
Gotti passed away on Feb. 5, after reportedly suffering “several strokes.”
The Murder Inc. Records co-founder signed Ashanti Douglas to his label in the early 2000s. But two decades later, he made disparaging remarks about her in a viral podcast interview.
Related: 50 Cent Faces Backlash for ‘Heartless’ Reaction to Irv Gotti’s Death
Ashanti, 44, rose above the negativity and on Feb. 7, remembered Gotti in a post on Instagram.
“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,” the singer-songwriter wrote alongside a photo of the Murder Inc. roster.
“We made history and that will remain infinite… I’ve always respected your musical genius and ability to push me to be my best,” she continued. “All the greatness and positive things that came, far outweigh the dark and negative times.”
Ashanti ended the post with kind words for Gotti and his family: “I have always prayed for you to find peace. Sending love and prayers to the entire family. Rest well.”
Ashanti broke into the music business as a teenager. She was initially featured on Murder Inc. labelmate Ja Rule’s hit single “Always on Time” and Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv?”.
Then in 2002, she released her self-titled debut album, which topped the Billboard 200.
Propelled by the singles “Foolish” and “Happy,” the album went triple platinum and won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album, according to Grammy.com.
In August 2022, Gotti made headlines when he boasted on the “Drink Champs” podcast about having an alleged extramarital affair with Ashanti after he signed her to Murder Inc.
A drunken Gotti said he bought her “mad gifts” and her chart-topping single “Happy” was written right after the two were intimate.
“There wasn’t no shame for us being together. She wasn’t responsible for my divorce,” he insisted. Ja Rule was sitting next to Gotti and said, “I don’t know about none of this.”
Weeks later, Ashanti sat down for an interview with radio personality Angie Martinez.
She told Martinez, “It’s a little sad to see a grown man conduct himself in that manner. I feel like the Murder Inc. legacy is so much bigger… that’s so selfish and it’s so degrading.”
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