The Breakfast Club INTERVIEW: Chris Gotti Talks Irv, Jay-Z, Ashanti, Fat Joe, Diddy, Hip-Hop Now Vs.Then, 'Clash Pro League' +More
Sep 30, 2025
Chris Gotti, music executive and co-founder of Murder, Inc., shares captivating stories from his illustrious career. He reveals how he discovered Ashanti and rescued Ja Rule from Def Jam. Chris opens up about balancing family dynamics with Irv Gotti, navigating industry feuds, and the changing landscape of music today. He discusses his new venture, the Clash Pro League, and upcoming film projects, while reflecting on the profound impact of his long-standing relationships and the lessons learned from past conflicts.
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How Murder, Inc. Really Began
- Chris Gotti explains Murder, Inc. grew out of Irv's success as a producer rather than an initial plan to start a label.
- Chris says he built the production company, found producers, and handled the business while Irv focused on making hits.
Fat Joe's Cosign Launched Ashanti
- Chris recounts how Fat Joe introduced Ashanti to their camp by asking for an R&B hook for Big Pun.
- He says Ashanti drove to the studio, impressed Joe, and that set the path to her joining Murder, Inc.
Tunnel Focus Drives Hitmaking
- Chris highlights Irv's tunnel vision and focus as the source of his success.
- He says Irv rarely socialized at meetings and concentrated exclusively on making records.