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American rapper Ja Rule gave a heartfelt tribute to Irv Gotti at a private funeral service held yesterday (February 19).
The funeral of the hip-hop mogul took place in New York, where Gotti was honoured by his family and close friends as well as industry figures like JAY-Z.
Ja Rule, the legendary producer’s close friend and long-time business partner, gave an emotional tribute. Through tears, the ‘Down 4 U’ rapper said, “Irv, I love you as 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.”
Gotti’s family had originally planned a public service at Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral in Queens but decided to hold a private gathering first, with a public procession to follow.
As the co-founder of Murder Inc. with his brother Chris, Irv Gotti played a key role in shaping the careers of artistes like Ja Rule and Ashanti. He also produced major hits like “What’s Luv?” by Fat Joe, “I’m Real (Murder Remix)” by Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule, and JAY-Z’s “Can I Live.”
Despite facing legal troubles in the early 2000s, including a money laundering case, Gotti remained a major influence in hip-hop.
Irv Gotti passed on February 5 after reports of a second stroke. His official cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Image Source: Irv Gotti and Ja Rule get together at Playboy magazine's 50th anniversary celebration at the Lexington Ave. armory. Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via GI