Irv Gotti Says Ashanti is Trying to “F—” Him Out of Masters With Re-Release Plans

Irv Gotti is slamming his protege Ashanti for re-recording her albums, claiming that she is taking money out of his pockets in the process.

Back in September, Ashanti revealed to Tamron Hall that she was re-recording all of her old hits as an independent artist. During Tuesday’s interview with Angie Martinez, the “Movies” singer confirmed that she was still intending on doing this, starting with the re-release of her debut album.

“To be able to re-record my first album and re-release it after 20 years, I just feel like next year is a huge, huge year for me,” Ashanti said before calling it a “time to reflect.” Her former Murder Inc. boss was not pleased with the Grammy-award-winners plans.

Irv commented under Martinez’s IG post about the interview and told his side of the music drama. He says that he not only produced the early Ashanti albums but still owns the Masters and a “good portion” of the Publishing. He accused the 41-year-old of trying to release the re-records on her label, hoping that her fans would stream and buy the new versions.

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“She can do this under the COVER laws. But she is basically trying to f— me out of my Masters,” he wrote. Irv also stated that he was interested in seeing her “duplicate that magic.”

Ashanti’s critically acclaimed self-titled album was initially released in 2002 and was an instant success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The album spent 55 weeks on the chart and spawned hits “Baby,” “Happy,” and “Foolish.” Her debut project earned her a Grammy award for Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 45th Grammy Awards. Her follow-up effort, “Chapter II” arrived in July of the following year and was certified platinum that August. The sophomore album remained on the Billboard 200 for 30 weeks. 

Ashanti has not publicly commented on Irv’s comments.