On August 9th of, 2022, the world got its first backstage pass into the life and struggles of Irv Gotti with the premiere of Murder Inc. The series is a documentary. But, ultimately, it is an extensive diary entry highlighting the exploits of Irving Domingo Lorenzo (Gotti).
The Irv Gotti Story
Murder Inc, the five-series documentary on BET, highlights Gotti’s history, collaborative partnerships, artists, and success and failures. However, fundamentally it is an expose on labels, label owners, and offstage access to hip hop behind the scenes. The series is three episodes in and provides an hour’s worth of behind-the-scenes insight weekly. Accordingly, Ja Rule, Jay-Z, Ashanti, and Charli Baltimore are a few of the artists highlighted. And the series lays out its content via a sequence of roll-back clips, highlights, and live commentary from Gotti and the artists themselves.
Murder Inc. An Open Book
Three of the five episodes have already aired, with the first two based on Gotti’s beginnings, vision, and early stages of success. And the first two episodes of Murder Inc. provide a consistent chronicle of the label. Conversely, the third episode, “Foolish,” takes a detour. This episode is dedicated to Gotti’s once-upon-a-time flame and artist Ashanti. Although the episode is directed as an open account from Irv’s perspective, the world isn’t exactly feeling these open pages. Some go as far as labeling this portion of the narrative sketchy and predatory.
I’m glad I’m not watching that shit. That’s why Ashanti said she didn’t want to participate in a Murder Inc doc. As much shit Irv Gotti done to her, and how bad she can’t stand him, I wouldn’t want to do anything that Involves him. Irv Gotti is a disgusting disrespectful ass mf https://t.co/7rKEVrKjCX
— July 19 (@212Lexus) August 24, 2022
Lord take Irv “The Perv” Gotti. He’s ready
— jasmine, please! (@iBeJassssss) August 24, 2022
Assessing the Murder Inc. Story
Even though the third episode doesn’t sit well with some overall, the documentary serves its purpose. It gives an authentic behind-the-scenes look at a label in the hip hop world and the artist impacted by the moves of those in charge. And from what is on display, a good takeaway is that a lot goes into maintaining a successful label. Gotti’s success is multifaceted, resting on his vision, ambition, and strategic mindset. Earnestly Gotti’s contribution to hip hop is undeniable. But, while a lot is worthy of recognition, not everything is laudable.
Nevertheless, whether the Murder Inc. story is or is not well received, it does the job of presenting access to the side of a story from an untold perspective. And if nothing else, the series stands as proof that there is a lot that happens beyond the spotlight. While the life of a label executive may be lucrative and satisfying, it is also consuming and a road not always paved with good intentions.
Written by: Renae Richardson