Latest news with #Ain'tItFunny
The National
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Jennifer Lopez Abu Dhabi review: Superstar shakes off turbulent year with thumping show
When Jennifer Lopez cancelled her summer tour in May, it seemed to mark another downturn in an already turbulent 2024 for the singer. It was a difficult year that included divorce, a film that didn't meet expectations and a new album that struggled to gain traction. Despite these setbacks, the Let's Get Loud singer took to the stage in Abu Dhabi on Thursday as part of Saadiyat Nights, seemingly shaking off the hurt and stepping into what she does best – performing. During her highly anticipated debut in the emirate, which lasted a little more than an hour, Lopez performed some of her greatest hits, interspersing them with personal reflections on lessons presumably learnt from difficulty and disappointment. Taking to the stage at 9.35pm, she opened the night with her fiery anthem Dinero, which featured a pre-recorded video of Cardi B rapping. This set the tone early, getting the audience on their feet. Lopez then addressed the sold-out crowd, expressing her gratitude. 'We took a long trip to get here – a long, long way from home. But I am so very grateful. Thank you so much. Do you mind if I give you a little taste of what my home is like?' she asked before performing her 2002 hit Jenny from the Block. Continuing with tracks from that era, Lopez sang Ain't It Funny and I'm Real, two songs she collaborated on with rapper Ja Rule. Surprisingly during the latter, she and her dancers broke into a routine midway through, moving along to the refrain from Kendrick Lamar's Not Like Us before transitioning into Love Don't Cost a Thing. After the high-energy tracks, Lopez took a break to speak to the audience, this time discussing love. In a heartfelt and personal moment, she shared: 'When it comes to love, none of them are a fairy tale. That's what they would have you believe when you're little. I thought that. I thought when I was young, that love was this beautiful thing that was going to happen to me. But as I got older, I realised love is something very different. 'Love is keeping your word, love is honouring your commitment, love is kindness and consideration and consistency and feeling safe and secure. That's what love is." It sparked cheers from the crowd. She went on to say that despite everything she's been through, she wouldn't change a thing because of what she's learnt. "In the low moments, you have two choices: you can let it destroy you and take you out, or you can let it help you grow and get better. I choose to get better." She concluded: 'The funny thing about love is, it always starts out just like this,' before performing a stripped-down, intimate version of If You Had My Love with two backup singers. Lopez then sang All I Have, her 2002 duet with LL Cool J, a track about moving on after a breakup. Coincidentally, as she performed it, a few sparse drops of rain began to fall, making the moment even more poignant. Lopez's next tune made it clear her setlist was devised with a narrative in mind. She brought back the energy with 2009's Louboutins, a track about female empowerment. She continued with the theme by performing Booty and Ain't Your Mama, showcasing intricate choreography and proving that at 55, she's still got it. Lopez then took another break to speak, referencing her cancelled summer tour. 'I took a little time off last year, so this is my first big concert back with you guys. It just feels good to be with you again. Thank you so much,' she said as she soaked in the moment, looking towards the cheering crowd. Next, she performed Can't Get Enough, one of her more recent tracks, followed by her 2005 hit Get Right, where she recreated the famous stick dance from the music video. Another video montage played, perhaps signalling a new era before Lopez returned after an outfit change. She belted out the opening lyrics of Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive before seamlessly transitioning into her dance hit Waiting for Tonight as – just like much of the night – the crowd were on their feet dancing and singing along. She finished the show with the powerful anthems On the Floor and Let's Get Loud before closing out the evening with Dance Again – a track she once credited as helping her get through a rough divorce. Although it's hard to definitively say whether Lopez had a specific message in mind during her show, the energy, empowerment and joy of the night proved that – despite the adversity she has faced – she's not just surviving, but thriving.
Los Angeles Times
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Irv Gotti, Def Jam hip-hop exec and Murder Inc. co-founder, dies at 54
Irv Gotti, the Def Jam record executive behind the Murder Inc. label, has died. He was 54. In a statement posted to Gotti's Instagram, his family wrote that 'It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving 'Irv Gotti' Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025. 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.' The statement did not include a cause of death, but Gotti had suffered several strokes and diabetes-related issues in recent years. Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. on June 26, 1970, was a key figure in the sound of '90s and 2000s hip-hop, when brash lyricism and outsized personalities blended seamlessly with pop hooks and R&B tenderness. Gotti came to prominence as an A&R rep at Def Jam, where he helped sign and cultivate era-defining acts like Jay-Z , DMX and Ja Rule. After founding his own label imprint, Murder Inc., in 1998, his trademark sound — pairing gruff rap vocals with gentler R&B choruses — yielded crossover hits like a pair of remixes of 'I'm Real' and 'Ain't It Funny' from Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule; Ja Rule and Ashanti's 'Always on Time,' and Ashanti's own 'Rain on Me,' 'Foolish' and 'Mesmerize.' In a statement posted to social media, Def Jam said that 'His contributions at Def Jam, as both an A&R executive and in partnership with Murder Inc. helped pave the way for the next generation of artists and producers, a force that reshape the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B. His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture birthed countless hits, defining an era of music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.' Gotti's own production work included the song 'Can I Live' off Jay Z's 1996 debut 'Reasonable Doubt' and tracks by Kanye West, Fat Joe, Memphis Bleek and Christina Milian. His genre interests extended beyond hip-hop: In 2007, he released 'Heroes and Thieves' from singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton, after changing his label name to the Inc. His career as a mogul was in doubt after an FBI investigation in the mid-2000s, one that culminated in a raid of Murder Inc.'s offices. The FBI was investigating alleged ties to drug kingpin Kenneth 'Supreme' McGriff. Gotti was acquitted, and he ultimately moved into TV production with 'Tales,' a BET hip-hop anthology series, Gotti is survived by his children Angie, Sonny and Jonathan Wilson; his Murder Inc. co-founder and brother Chris Lorenzo; mother Nee Nee Lorenzo and sisters Tina and Angie.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Irv Gotti, who shaped 1990s hip-hop, dies aged 54
Irv Gotti, the music producer who created hits for Ja Rule, Ashanti, DMX and Jennifer Lopez, has died at the age of 54. Best known as the founder of the record label Murder Inc., his signature style of blending hip-hop beats with smooth R&B melodies shaped the sound of the charts in the late 90s and early 2000s. As a writer and producer, his multi-platinum hits included the J-Lo and Ja Rule duets Ain't It Funny and I'm Real, the Ashanti tracks Foolish and Always on Time, and Fat Joe's What's Luv?. "People get confused because it sells like pop music," he told the Guardian in 2002. "But we make black music first and foremost, and all our records is 'hood first'." A cause of death has not been announced, but the music mogul had battled diabetes-related issues and suffered what was described as a "minor stroke" in early 2024. At the time, Gotti's representatives said he had changed his diet and had been "successful in making a full recovery". Born Irving Lorenzo in Hollis, Queens, in 1971, his career began as a producer for New York MC Mic Geronimo, under the moniker DJ Irv. His big break came when he contributed to Jay-Z's debut album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996. The rapper christened him the "don of hip-hop", renaming him Irv Gotti in reference to the mafia boss John Gotti. His next move was to sign gravel-voiced rapper DMX to the legendary rap label Def Jam Records. The label was in the middle of a rough patch, losing ground to Sean Combs' flashy, aspirational Bad Boy Inc label. DMX was the antidote to Combs' style - stripped back, raw and connected to the street. With Gotti as executive producer, his debut album, It's Dark and Hell is Hot, sold four million copies in the US and spawned the hip-hop classic Ruff Ryders' Anthem. It also saved Def Jam's reputation. "When we were on bended knee, [Irv] brought the heat and saved our asses," said Lyor Cohen, who was chief executive of the label from 1998 to 2004, and now serves as YouTube's head of music. Acknowledging his success, Cohen gave Gotti his own label, which he ran with his brother Chris. They chose the name Murder Inc after watching a documentary about the 20th-century New York organised crime group of the same name - reckoning that they could put out hit records in the same way their crime syndicate had put out hits for murder. Their first signing was Ja Rule, who saw massive commercial success with hits like Holla Holla, Livin' It Up, Always On Time and the UK number one Wonderful. Gotti also discovered the singer Ashanti as a teenager, and partnered her with his rap artists for a sprinkle of melodic fairydust. As a solo act, she also had a run of top 10 hits in the early 2000s with songs like Foolish, Rock Wit U and Only U. Gotti earned a Grammy for co-producing Ashanti's eponymous debut in 2002, which won best contemporary R&B album. Murder Inc also lent credibility to Jennifer Lopez's music career, with popular remixes of I'm Real and Love Don't Cost A Thing giving her frothy pop hits an urban edge. Overall, Gotti was credited as a producer on 28 US chart hits, from artists including Mary J Blige, Fat Joe and Kanye West. His career faced a setback in the mid-2000s after the FBI raided Murder Inc's offices, as part of an investigation into alleged ties with drug kingpin Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff. Gotti and his brother were charged with money laundering but were later acquitted of all charges. The accusations also formed part of a long-standing feud between Gotti and the rap star 50 Cent. As part of their search warrant, Federal investigaters alleged that McGriff and employees of Murder Inc had plotted to assassinate the rapper as revenge for the 2000 song Ghetto Qu'ran, which detailed McGriff's criminal past. Prior to that, one of 50 Cent's associates had allegedly robbed Ja Rule in New York, triggering a run of diss tracks and altercations between the pair, culminating in a recording studio brawl where 50 Cent was stabbed. Murder Inc rapper Black Child took credit for the attack on record, claiming it was an act of self-defence. 50 Cent later downplayed the severity of the incident, but he continued to take pot shots at Gotti and Murder Inc throughout his career. After the controversies, Gotti rebranded Murder Inc as The Inc. He signed singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton and continued to release albums by Ashanti, but the label struggled to match its former glories. Last July, Gotti was sued by for sexual assault and rape by an anonymous accuser, who said she had been in a relationship with the music mogul between 2020 and 2022. Through his lawyer, Gotti categorically denied the allegations, saying they "represent an affront to women who have truly suffered abuse". Gotti is survived by his three children, Angie, Sonny and Jonathan Wilson; his mother, Nee Nee Lorenzo; sisters Tina and Angie; and his brother Chris Lorenzo, with whom he co-founded Murder Inc. "Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop," said Lyor Cohen in a statement. "He comes from a very tight beautiful family from Queens and it's an honour and a privilege to have known him. Irv, you will be missed."
BBC News
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Irv Gotti, who created hits for Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule, dies at 54
Irv Gotti, the music producer who created hits for Ja Rule, Ashanti, DMX and Jennifer Lopez, has died at the age of known as the founder of the record label Murder Inc., his signature style of blending hip-hop beats with smooth R&B melodies shaped the sound of the charts in the late 90s and early a writer and producer, his multi-platinum hits included the J-Lo and Ja Rule duets Ain't It Funny and I'm Real, the Ashanti tracks Foolish and Always on Time, and Fat Joe's What's Luv?."People get confused because it sells like pop music," he told the Guardian in 2002. "But we make black music first and foremost, and all our records is 'hood first'." A cause of death has not been announced, but the music mogul had battled diabetes-related issues and suffered what was described as a "minor stroke" in early the time, Gotti's representatives said he had changed his diet and had been "successful in making a full recovery". Born Irving Lorenzo in Hollis, Queens, in 1971, his career began as a producer for New York MC Mic Geronimo, under the moniker DJ big break came when he contributed to Jay-Z's debut album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996. The rapper christened him the "don of hip-hop", renaming him Irv Gotti in reference to the mafia boss John next move was to sign gravel-voiced rapper DMX to the legendary rap label Def Jam Records. The label was in the middle of a rough patch, losing ground to Sean Combs' flashy, aspirational Bad Boy Inc label. DMX was the antidote to Combs' style - stripped back, raw and connected to the Gotti as executive producer, his debut album, It's Dark and Hell is Hot, sold four million copies in the US and spawned the hip-hop classic Ruff Ryders' Anthem. It also saved Def Jam's reputation."When we were on bended knee, [Irv] brought the heat and saved our asses," said Lyor Cohen, who was chief executive of the label from 1998 to 2004, and now serves as YouTube's head of music. Acknowledging his success, Cohen gave Gotti his own label, which he ran with his brother chose the name Murder Inc after watching a documentary about the 20th-century New York organised crime group of the same name - reckoning that they could put out hit records in the same way their crime syndicate had put out hits for first signing was Ja Rule, who saw massive commercial success with hits like Holla Holla, Livin' It Up, Always On Time and the UK number one also discovered the singer Ashanti as a teenager, and partnered her with his rap artists for a sprinkle of melodic fairydust. As a solo act, she also had a run of top 10 hits in the early 2000s with songs like Foolish, Rock Wit U and Only U. Gotti earned a Grammy for co-producing Ashanti's eponymous debut in 2002, which won best contemporary R&B Inc also lent credibility to Jennifer Lopez's music career, with popular remixes of I'm Real and Love Don't Cost A Thing giving her frothy pop hits an urban Gotti was credited as a producer on 28 US chart hits, from artists including Mary J Blige, Fat Joe and Kanye West. 'Creative soldier' His career faced a setback in the mid-2000s after the FBI raided Murder Inc's offices, as part of an investigation into alleged ties with drug kingpin Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff. Gotti and his brother were charged with money laundering but were later acquitted of all the controversies, Gotti rebranded Murder Inc as The Inc. He signed singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton and continued to release albums by Ashanti, but the label struggled to match its former glories. Last July, Gotti was sued by for sexual assault and rape by an anonymous accuser, who said she had been in a relationship with the music mogul between 2020 and 2022. Through his lawyer, Gotti categorically denied the allegations, saying they "represent an affront to women who have truly suffered abuse". Gotti is survived by his three children, Angie, Sonny and Jonathan Wilson; his mother, Nee Nee Lorenzo; sisters Tina and Angie; and his brother Chris Lorenzo, with whom he co-founded Murder Inc."Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop," said Lyor Cohen in a statement."He comes from a very tight beautiful family from Queens and it's an honour and a privilege to have known him. Irv, you will be missed."
Express Tribune
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Irv Gotti, renowned music producer and founder of Murder Inc. Records, passes away at 54
Irv Gotti, the renowned record executive, music producer, and entrepreneur best known for founding Murder Inc. Records, has died at the age of 54, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., played a major role in shaping hip-hop and R&B in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was instrumental in the success of artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, helping craft a signature blend of hip-hop beats and melodic hooks that dominated the charts from 2001 to 2004. His production work contributed to several multi-platinum hits, including "I'm Real" and "Ain't It Funny" with Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule, as well as "Always on Time", "Foolish", "Rain on Me", and "Mesmerize" with Ashanti. Before launching Murder Inc. in 1998, Gotti worked as an A&R executive at Def Jam, where he was responsible for bringing DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule to the label. Under his early moniker DJ Irv, he produced "Can I Live" from Jay-Z's 1996 album Reasonable Doubt. His production credits also include projects with Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Fat Joe, and Christina Milian. Additionally, Gotti ventured into television, creating BET's Tales, an anthology series combining hip-hop and storytelling. Despite his success, Gotti faced setbacks in the mid-2000s due to an FBI investigation into alleged ties with drug kingpin Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff. Though acquitted, the legal battle hurt Murder Inc.'s reputation. Gotti is survived by his three children—Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson—his mother Nee Nee Lorenzo, sisters Tina and Angie, and his brother Chris Lorenzo, with whom he co-founded Murder Inc. Following the news, tributes from the music industry quickly surfaced online including Kanye West. However, rapper 50 Cent took a controversial approach, posting a photo on Instagram of himself smoking beside a grave headstone with the caption: "I'm smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him LOL."
