On Wednesday (February 19), family and friends gathered to celebrate the life of Irv Gotti. As previously reported, the Murder Inc. founder passed away in New York City on February 5. Several big names were in the audience for Gotti’s funeral services, including Jay-Z in the front row. On stage, Ja Rule shared a touching speech about his former boss and friend. Meanwhile, on social media, Angie Martinez shared a sweet message about the service.
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Ja Rule Gets Emotional During Speech About His “Brother” Irv Gotti
Irv Gotti was 54 years old at the time of his death. In August 2024, Wack 100 revealed that Gotti had suffered a medical emergency. Gotti had previously admitted to struggling with diet restrictions linked to his diabetes. However, it’s unclear if his cause of death is related to his condition, the emergency last summer, or whether it was an entirely new struggle.
According to VIBE, Irv Gotti’s funeral service took place in the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral Church in Jamaica, Queens. A video from the memorial service shows Ja Rule becoming emotional as he spoke on Irv’s impact on hip hop and on him! He credited Gotti for changing his life with their musical journey.
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“I just want to say, Irv, I love you, everyone in this room loves you. You touched everybody in their own way. Everyone had their moment with that, with him,” Ja Rule reportedly said while wiping tears. “We’re here, at the celebration of your life, because it will live on forever.”
See what else Ja said about Irv Gotti below and swipe for a peek at the homegoing service
Angie Martinez Shares Message After Attending Funeral
On Wednesday, Angie Martinez took to Instagram to comment on Irv Gotti’s funeral service. She confirmed that she attended and praised how it turned out. She didn’t share any visuals from the gathering aside from a sign announcing his passing. Instead, she shared throwback photos with him and a clip of him speaking.
“You knocked it out the park Gotti,” Angie wrote. “Just left a beautiful and emotional service today honoring a life well lived. Irv was loved deeply and his contributions to the culture will out live us all. May God bless him & the whole Lorenzo family.”
Earlier this month, amid the death news, loved ones, celebrities, and former collaborators—from his kids to Ashanti and Jamie Foxx—shared lovely words.
“Surrounded by family and friends, he departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched. Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike. His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many, and his contributions will continue to influence future generations,” his adult children, Angie, Sonny, and JJ, said in their joint statement.
