Ashanti & JAY-Z Among Attendees of Irv Gotti’s Funeral / Ja Rule Gives Emotional Eulogy [Watch]

Two weeks after sending shock waves through the entertainment industry at the news of his death, producer and music executive Irv Gotti was laid to rest at the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York on Wednesday (February 19).

The memorial service not only drew some of the Murder Inc. founder’s closest friends and family but also a star-studded list of celebrities including label artists Ja Rule, Ashanti, Lloyd, and Charlie Baltimore as well as JAY-Z, Fat Joe, Angie Martinez, Gayle King, Benny Boom, Hype Williams, and more.

And while the funeral was a private affair, footage surfaced of Rule (born Jeffrey Atkins) delivering a tearful eulogy in tribute to his former label head and longtime friend.

See the emotional scene inside.

Ja Rule delivers a heartfelt eulogy at Irv Gotti’s funeral. pic.twitter.com/s14pgw1Khc

— Rich Music World INC (@richmusicworld) February 20, 2025

As one of Gotti’s longtime industry friends, Atkins was called on to deliver a eulogy in honor of his fallen label boss.

“I just want to say Irv, I love you. Everyone in this room loves you. You touched everybody in your own way and everybody has their moments of that with you,” he said to a room full of mourners. “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.”

The legendary music mogul died at the age of 54 on February 5.

Shortly after news of his passing broke, Ashanti – despite her problematic history with the late exec – took to Instagram to deliver her own heartfelt message. Read it here.