Irv Gotti Claims Romance With Ashanti "Helped" The Singer, Shares Story About "Happy" Hit

BY Erika Marie 11.5K Views
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Ashanti, Irv Gotti
Ja Rule claimed he knew nothing about this story before Irv detailed how Ashanti's classic track was allegedly created.

There are more gems being shared from Irv Gotti and Ja Rule's appearance on Drink Champs and once again, it involves Ashanti. The Murder Inc boss dated the singer decades ago during their reign on the charts, and while there have been mentions of the past relationship in interviews, it has been accepted as just another industry romance that didn't work out.

Yet, it is a tale that Irv has spoken about repeatedly, and he's giving up all the details about him and Ashanti on Drink Champs. Noreaga wanted to know if their relationship affected the business. "It helped her," Irv answered. 

Kevin Winter / Staff / Getty Images

"'Happy,' big record," he continued, mentioning one of Ashanti's classic hits. "So, 'Happy,' let me explain how the lyrics and how I worked her... So, we're together..." Nore interrupted to ask whether or not Irv bought the singer matching watches. "I bought her mad sh*t," said Gotti. Ja interjected that he didn't know anything about what was being said.

"We just finished sleeping together, or whatever, I'm taking a shower," Irv added. "I'm in the shower, you know, a n*gga be creative after [sex]... I'll give you the quick story, you can see the full story on the Murder Inc documentary... I think of the whole track in the shower." Gotti claimed he immediately got out, made a phone call, headed over to the studio, and began production.

"Okay, now it's time for you to write. Yo, I want the sh*t to be a feel-good joint, like summertime," said Irv. "The energy, that record came about 'cause of our energy." Noreaga asked Gotti if he "missed that energy a little bit." Irv answered, "Not anymore," adding, "Twenty years ago when we stopped."

At the time, Irv Gotti was reportedly still legally married to his then-wife but was separated when he began dating Ashanti. Check out his Drink Champs clip below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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