Two weeks after sending shock waves through the entertainment industry at the news of his death, a private funeral service for Murder Inc. co-founder Irv Gotti was held on Wednesday (February 19) at the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York.
Attendees included Ja Rule, Ashanti, Lloyd, Charli Baltimore and Vita, as well as Jay-Z and Fat Joe, both of whom Gotti produced for. Also present were Steve Stoute, Hype Williams, Benny Boom, Angie Martinez, members of Ruff Ryders and more.
“Irv is my brother,” Ja Rule said. “It’s the biggest honor you can give someone who is not your blood brother is to say they’re your brother. We started this journey together a long time ago. The man changed my life.”
“Irv, I love you,” he said as he choked up. “Everyone in this room loves you. You touched everybody in your own way. I know everybody has their moments of that with him. 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.”
More speeches were given before the legendary CEO was given a final ride via casket through his old Queens neighborhood, a nearby park and past his childhood home.
Irv co-founded the Murder Inc. label with his brother Chris in 1998. Ja Rule quickly became the label’s flagship artis. Murder Inc. also released projects by Ashanti, Lloyd and Vanessa Carlton, among others.
Irv Gotti died on February 5 at the age of 54 after suffering a stroke in New York City.
“I love you my brother, see you when I get there.”
Ja Rule gives a heartfelt speech at Irv Gotti’s funeral with Jay-Z seen sitting in the front row. pic.twitter.com/Cjg5nYjgpO
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) February 19, 2025
