Murder Inc founder and producer (for acts like Ashanti and Ja Rule), Irv Gotti is reportedly ready to battle it out in a court of law.
On July 11, Irv Gotti (real name Irving Domingo Lorenzo) was named in a sexual assault lawsuit. In the Miami court documents, an alleged former love interest (only referred to as Jane Doe) accused Lorenzo of forcing her to perform oral sex on him, among other things. Now, a representative for the mogul has come out to deny the allegations and suggest a countersuit could be on the way.
In a statement provided to TMZ, the spokesperson rejected Doe’s claims and alleged that Lorenzo was being extorted. Read the full statement below.
[The lawsuit] was filed after Mr. Gotti rejected the attempt by this individual to coerce a payment of money from him. The lawsuit contains a single page of ‘facts’ which are unsworn to, sparse by any measure, and which Mr. Gotti categorically denies.
The allegations represent an affront to women who have truly suffered abuse. Mr. Gotti has been surrounded by strong women the entirety of his life – his mother, five sisters, and daughter. The top employees at his company are women. Mr. Gotti’s relationships with women have been characterized by mutual respect, honesty, and empathy. Mr. Gotti’s reputation has been placed at issue.
The represent also hinted that Irv Gotti was considering taking legal actions of his own—by filing a countersuit for defamation.
On this day in Hip Hop history, Queens rapper Ja Rule released his debut LP Venni Vetti Vicci. As the first release ofrom Irv Gotti‘s Murder Inc. record label, this project carried a lot of weight on its shoulders as the breakthrough for not only Ja Rule’s career but the career and integrity of Murder Inc Records as a whole.
Fortunately enough, the album was a hit and launched Ja Rule and Murder Inc. up among the ranks of some of New York’s most respected and successful rappers. Ja Rule’s force, style, and energy blended perfectly with and help grow the popularity of the East Coast hardcore movement that was taking place in the late 90s and early 2000s.
The mix of high energy, club jam production and hardcore gangster lyricism is what made this album so appealing. Although it could be said that Ja Rule wasn’t the greatest with the pen, the party appeal of this project kept it flying off the shelves in record stores across the country. The album’s commercial reception was more than any one could ask for a debut album peaking at #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop chart and #3 on the Billboard 200 chart all while going platinum in the year of its release.
Ashanti, a celebrated singer-songwriter, continues to captivate audiences worldwide with a net worth estimated at $5 million, per Celebrity Net Worth. Rising to prominence in the early 2000s, her self-titled debut album in 2002 yielded chart-topping hits like “Foolish” and “Happy.” These defining records solidified her status as an R&B sensation. Follow-up albums such as Chapter II and Concrete Rose further underscored her musical prowess.
PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS – JULY 16: Ashanti preforms at Atlantis Paradise Island Music Making Waves concert on July 16, 2022 in Paradise Island, Bahamas. (Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Atlantis Paradise Island)
Ashanti’s initial success was meteoric; her debut album, backed by hit singles, quickly ascended the charts, solidifying her as a significant figure in the R&B scene. Her subsequent albums, Chapter II and Concrete Rose, maintained her momentum with successful releases. The early 2000s saw her not just as a singer but also as a songwriter, a role that expanded her influence and financial standing within the industry.
Music Career Earnings & Endorsements
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 07: Ashanti attends the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony for Ashanti on April 07, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images)
Ashanti’s financial success is multi-faceted, with substantial earnings stemming from her music career, including album sales, tours, and lucrative endorsements. Her collaborations with notable artists and winning several prestigious awards, including Grammys, have significantly bolstered her income. Further, endorsements with prominent brands have contributed to her overall net worth.
Diversification: Business Ventures & Real Estate
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JULY 01: Ashanti signs copies of her book “My Name Is a Story” at the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)
Beyond music, Ashanti has diversified her portfolio with business ventures. In her career, she ventured into fashion lines, fragrances, children’s books and acting, expanding her income streams. Her real estate investments also play a pivotal role in her net worth, with properties in prime locations adding to her assets. Smart financial decisions and savvy investments have contributed to her maintaining a solid financial standing.
Ashanti’s philanthropic endeavors also shape her legacy, with involvement in various charitable causes. Her passion for giving back to communities and supporting causes close to her heart showcases her commitment beyond her financial success. Looking ahead, with her entrepreneurial spirit and continued musical contributions, Ashanti’s net worth is poised to grow further.
In conclusion, Ashanti’s net worth of $5 million in 2023 is a testament to her enduring influence in the music industry, diversified ventures, prudent investments, and philanthropic endeavors, solidifying her status as a multifaceted talent and businesswoman.
During a recent podcast appearance, Murder Inc. Records marketing executive Dex Diamond recalled beef between Ja Rule and 50 Cent. Though the two still remain rivals, when their issues were at their peak, things sometimes ended in violence. Dex Diamond detailed some of what he experienced on the road with Ja Rule on the Back Stories Podcast.
“These DJs thought it was a game and they was playing diss records while we there,” he explained. The executive continued, “While we in the club, they go from the commercial shit, they go into the diss records ’cause they think it’s a game.” Dex Diamond went on to reveal that things would get physical when DJs disrespected Ja Rule. “We was tappin’ n***as a*ses,” he explained. The exec then showed the interviewer a hand injury. He says, “This was from throwing down in f***in’ Miami and sh*t.” “We walkin’ down Ocean [Drive] and a bunch of muthaf***as, with all of us there, talkin’ bout G-G-G-G-Unit and try to snuff a n***a,” he continued, “next thing there’s five-on-five and sh*t.” By the sound of things, the tension got pretty serious.
Though the feud has simmered down in recent years, the two artists took shots at each other last month. At Ja Rule’s recent performance at Nelly’s Toronto Hot In Herre Festival, he faked a medical emergency. He was brought onto the stage on a stretcher. Upon being “revived,” he said, “Ayo, let these n***as know who I am,” adding, “I’m one of the three, n***a!” “LOL WTF,” 50 Cent later wrote on social media, “I ain’t gotta say sh*t stupid [ninja emoji]’s SMH.”
Ja Rule took to social media to clap back, and it’s clear he was not pleased with 50 Cent’s comments. “@50cent You’re like an obsessed side b***h,” he wrote on Twitter. Ja Rule later told Fif to, “Do me a favor and TAKE MY D**K OUT YOUR MOUTH!!! Pause.”
On this day in Hip Hop history, Queens rapper Ja Rule released his debut LP Venni Vetti Vicci. As the first release ofrom Irv Gotti‘s Murder Inc. record label, this project carried a lot of weight on its shoulders as the breakthrough for not only Ja Rule’s career but the career and integrity of Murder Inc Records as a whole.
Fortunately enough, the album was a hit and launched Ja Rule and Murder Inc. up among the ranks of some of New York’s most respected and successful rappers. Ja Rule’s force, style, and energy blended perfectly with and help grow the popularity of the East Coast hardcore movement that was taking place in the late 90s and early 2000s.
The mix of high energy, club jam production and hardcore gangster lyricism is what made this album so appealing. Although it could be said that Ja Rule wasn’t the greatest with the pen, the party appeal of this project kept it flying off the shelves in record stores across the country. The album’s commercial reception was more than any one could ask for a debut album peaking at #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop chart and #3 on the Billboard 200 chart all while going platinum in the year of its release.
Many people forgot what Ja Rule brought when 50 Cent came in. Fif seemingly ran Hip Hop for a while, but Ja Rule had a run before him. It’s funny how quickly we forget these things. Ja helped carry Murder Inc. and was instrumental in why they were a force in the 2000s. The world couldn’t get enough of Ja Rule between hits with Jennifer Lopez and Ashanti.
His unique voice caught people’s attention, and women fell in love whenever he was in a video shirtless. Since his debut album, he has starred in movies and television shows. After his sophomore album, Rule 3:36, he landed his first acting role. He starred in the film, Turn it Up, before appearing in the original The Fast and The Furious. Ja Rule is important to Hip Hop, and whether or not he is a Top 50 rapper of all time continues to be debated. Let’s take a look at some of his hit songs!
13. “Thug Lovin’” ft. Bobby Brown (2002)
Ja Rule was able to get Bobby Brown back in the booth. The New Edition icon hadn’t appeared on a song in five years before this. ”Thug Lovin” was another Hip Hop/R&B single for Ja. It’s what he does best, after all.
12. “Clap Back” (2003)
Ja Rule did not back down from 50 Cent and G-Unitduring their feud. Why would he? He came into the game first and solidified himself as a major artist. His hands were full dealing with 50, but he made sure to react. ”Clap Back” is a diss record to 50 Cent and Eminem. This is a response to 50’s hit record, “Wanksta”.
11.“Caught Up” ft. Lloyd (2004)
“Caught Up” was a good record. However, it may have been overshadowed by his highly publicized beef with 50 Cent. Also, “New York” was a big hit, so this single seemed an afterthought. Ja keeps his streak with another pleasing Hip Hop/R&B record for the ladies. ”Caught Up” is one of the last singles we get from Ja as his career starts to unwind.
10.“Down A** B****” ft. Charlie Baltimore (2001)
“Down A** B****” is another great ballad in Ja’s catalog. He officially has a hit with all the women of Murder Inc, first with Vita, then Ashanti, and now Charli Baltimore. Ja works best with women. Any woman he does a track with becomes memorable. The video was even better as the two play a couple trying to escape the police. Ja Rule and Baltimore make the lyrics come to life in this mini-movie.
9.“Holla Holla” (1999)
“Holla Holla” was the introduction of Ja Rule. This was his debut single off his debut album, Venni Vetti Vecchi. This record brought Ja radio success as fans enjoyed his rough voice. It was different. Just like Jadakiss’s raspy voice, Ja’s voice was considered edgy. ”Holla Holla” is a song made for a club or party. Who would’ve thought this wasn’t a lane he’d stay in?
8. “Wonderful” ft. Ashanti & R.Kelly (2004)
“Wonderful” is another gem in Ja Rule’s catalog. It’s always a no-brainer when he links up with Ashanti. It was a surprise to see R. Kelly join the duo as well. This song wouldn’t be a hit without the R&B crooner. It reached the No. 5 spot on the Billboard Hot 100.
7. “I Cry” (2000)
Besides Ashanti and Jennifer Lopez, Ja Rule also made great music with Lil’ Mo. “I Cry” is the second time they are on the same track, and it is a gem in Ja’s catalog. In this single, he shows a different side of himself as he appears more vulnerable. Lil’ Mo nails the chorus making it hard not to sing along. “I Cry” is the perfect mix of R&B and Hip Hop.
6. “Livin’ It Up” ft. Case (2001)
It’s clear Ja Rule knew how to have a good time. “Livin’ It Up” is a party record you can still play today. The song was featured in the movie Friday After Next, as it was played during Craig and Day-Day’s Christmas party. It’s different from Ja’s typical hits catered toward women.
With this one, everyone can enjoy this in a social setting. “Livin’ It Up” can be played at a celebration, a cookout, or in your car on a lovely sunny day. Ja links with R&B singer Case, whose chorus elevates the song to another level. Another great thing about this song is the use of Stevie Wonder’s classic “Do I Do.” Irv Gotti turned a favorite into a hit.
5. “Always On Time” ft. Ashanti (2001)
Ja Rule and Ashanti would’ve made a killing if they were just a duo. When they hop into the studio together, it’s always a hit. They have another one with “Always on Time.” The two always come up with catchy tunes, whether Ja with his witty lines or Ashanti’s response to his verses. It’s not hard to fall in love with a song like “Always on Time.” Ja saw a lot of success with this hit. This was his first No. 1 song as a lead artist on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s truly one of the best songs of the 2000s.
4. “Between Me & You” ft. Christina Milian (2000)
Ja Rule links with Christina Milian for “Between Me & You.” Off his Rule 3:36 album, it’s one of Ja’s more popular tracks. The song is another one for the ladies as Ja expects his woman to keep their business between them. Ja effortlessly flows over this unusual but brilliant beat produced by Irv Gotti. This is actually Ja’s first song to be successful on the charts. It reached the No. 11 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. Usually, he collaborates with Ashanti for the hits, but this time he got it right with Christina Milian.
3. “Put It On Me” ft. Vita & Lil Mo (2000)
Lil’ Mo shines at the start of “Put It On Me.” When this song comes on, people love to sing her introduction. Then, everyone enjoys mimicking Ja’s first line: “What would I do without my baby?” The music video was a staple as it often appeared on BET’s 106 & Park. The popular music series even retired the video after regularly being on the countdown.
2. “Mesmerize” ft. Ashanti (2002)
It’s safe to say Ja knows how to speak to the ladies. Most of his hit songs cater to women, especially a track like “Mesmerize.” Women would sing Ashanti’s part word for word as she responds to Ja in the chorus. Back then, the Queens rapper would have the ladies enchanted. Often, Ja could be seen shirtless with a durag while rapping in his unique, rough voice. Ladies couldn’t get enough of him.
The music video to “Mesmerize” was just as good as the song. Ja and Ashanti get their acting on as the video is inspired by the popular film, Grease. “Mesmerize” gives the duo their fourth Top 10 song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This song has a few catchy moments making it easy to memorize the lyrics.
Ja Rule might hold the crown for New York’s best anthem. Jay-Z made “Empire State of Mind” with Alicia Keys in 2009, but Ja’s song for New York was a true Hip Hop anthem. We’re not knocking Hov’s song because Keys is simply amazing, but the Murder Inc. captain joined forces with two other heavyweights in Hip Hop. Fat Joe and Jadakiss make the song even more New York! The song represented New York across the board, with the three artists coming from three different boroughs. Songs like this can’t be replicated because of the record’s authenticity. Before this song, there wasn’t a straightforward anthem for the state responsible for Hip Hop. Ja Rule made it clear that this would be the song for all boroughs. People all over the nation were rapping, “I’m from New York, New York.”
When it comes to the fusion of R&B and hip-hop, Ja Rule is certainly an important part of that lineage. However, there is some debate as to the extent of his influence, and The Shade Room asked him whether he thinks he paved the way for Drake. Moreover, they discussed many aspects of his career and life, including his beef with 50 Cent and his views as a family man. At one point, the host said that “Ja Rule walked so Drake could run,” and asked the New York MC if he agreed.
Of course, he stood by the worth of his work and its impact, but he also said that musicians “borrow from each other” all the time. In addition, he noted prior ballads in hip-hop like “I Need Love” by LL Cool J, plus Method Man and Mary J. Blige’s “All I Need.” Still, Ja said he fused the genres more consistently and brought artists together more cohesively. “You didn’t really know who’s record it was [on a hip-hop duet],” he remarked of the duet format when he dabbled in it. “Like when you listen to ‘I’m Real,’ is that Ja Rule’s record or is it Jennifer’s record?”
Ja Rule TSR Interview: Drake, 50 Cent Beef, And Much More
Elsewhere in the interview, Ja Rule also discussed his long-standing feud with 50 Cent, who recently praised Drake, as well. However, Rule believes that the beef is much less serious these days and more about just posturing and social media trolling. The most recent example of this is their spat over Ja’s “Timberwolves Curse” that Fif vowed to lift. Also, there’s been a lot of trolling involving Rule’s participation in the failed Fyre Festival, although he won’t be around for its second iteration.
Also, he spoke on Nicki Minaj’s own influence and impact in the game, who shares a lot of that success with Drake. “I think Nicki gets proper praise,” Ja Rule expressed. “Her place in the game is solidified. It’s solid. There were no female MCs out and about until Nicki came back out. Before her, the last one was like Lauryn Hill. And before her was like Queen Latifah, Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte and before her it’s even further back. The female MC — they’re having a run like they’ve never had before. To me, in my opinion, Nicki reopened that door.” Regardless of your take on these topics, log back into HNHH for the latest on Ja Rule and Drake.
50 Cent recently revealed that he’d spent over $23 million in legal fees. But he doesn’t seem very worried about money anyway. In a recent interview, the “In Da Club” rapper said he turned down a $1.3 million offer from Universal Music Group due to their connection to Irv Gotti.
“Irv [Gotti] was talking in the interview, and he was talking about he was blocking me,” 50 Cent said, referring to when the Murder Inc. executive confessed he kept labels from signing 50 in 2020.
“Like he was blocking everything. He said, ‘I blocked him into a good situation.’ And it just went off. And, I saw the situations I didn’t feel where he felt he was blocking me at that point. But I wouldn’t do business with anyone who had direct associations or any influence to the things that they had that was working.”
He added, “So they offered me a million three to do a G-Unit and my solo album at Universal, and I just turned the deal down. [Tony] Yayo didn’t understand. He was like, ‘What? A million three you not gone do it, what? That’s like saying we hit the lottery, and you not going to pick up the ticket.’ And I’m like, ‘Nah, it’s not the right deal,’ because it’s in the Universal system. Def Jam and those guys was already making money from that system. Where they could influence and sabotage everything that I had going.”
