Ashanti and Irv Gotti are the newest music power couple to have their union explored in the media. It is no secret that many times high-powered execs and producers are involved with their talent. From R. Kelly dating an underaged Aaliyah to Dallas Austin and Chili having a kid while collaborating on TLC’s first few albums. Rumors are always running about who is sleeping with who and why certain stars are prioritized over others.
Irv is making it clear now that Ashanti was his lady, and he put it all on the line to make her a star while promoting his Murder Inc.
documentaries. Ashanti is making it understandable that she has moved on and that Irv is just impressed by her. Irv Gotti did a multi-part documentary with BET discussing the rise of Murder Inc. and how the label supported make megastars out of JaRule, and Ashanti while positioning Irv Gotti as one of the most powerful executives in the game. This past August, during the 3rd episode of the series, Irv revealed about how he initially became romantic with Ashanti and how their union inspired one of her huge hits.
Irv tied knot at the time but separated from his wife, Deb. He asserts that the chemistry between him and Ashanti escalated as they spent long hours together in the studio. Eventually, he planned to make a move and kiss her one evening after driving her home and walking her to her door. He asserts Ashanti said, “what took you so long?”
Irv doubled down in promotional interviews as well, asserting that he wrote her single “Happy” in the shower one evening after they had been close. Irv says that he and Ashanti we’re serious and that he was blindsided when she started dating rapper Nelly. Irv says he was watching a basketball game when the announcer introduced the duo who had walked in together and sat courtside.