Murder Inc. Records

Last updated
Murder Inc. Records, LLC
Murder INC Records.jpg
Parent company The Universal Music Group
Founded1998;26 years ago (1998)
FounderChris Gotti
Irv Gotti
StatusActive
Distributor(s) Universal Music Distribution
Genre
Country of originUnited States
Location New York City [1]
Official website www.murderinc-online.com/eng/home.php

Murder Inc. Records, LLC, also abbreviated as The Inc. Records, is an American record label founded by brothers Chris and Irv Gotti in 1998. The label's flagship artist was Ja Rule. According to Chris Gotti, Murder Inc. had sold over 30 million units worldwide and grossed over $500 million. [2] Murder Inc. was headquartered at One Worldwide Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, while their main studio was The Crackhouse, also located in New York City.

Contents

History

Formation and success (1999–2003)

After helping Def Jam with the success of DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule, Russell Simmons gave Irv Gotti his own label under Def Jam. While watching Biography on A&E during gangster week, a Murder, Inc. logo appeared on the screen, inspiring Irv to name his label after the organized crime group, paralleling his desire to put out hit records to the crime group's purpose of putting out contract hits. Murder Inc.'s first set of artists were Ja Rule, Black Child, Tah Murdah and Nemesis. On June 1, 1999, Murder Inc. released its first studio album, Venni Vetti Vecci by Ja Rule. Featuring production from Irv Gotti (who also executive produced the album) as well as guest appearances from Murder Inc. artists Tah Murdah, Black Child and Nemesis in their debut major appearances, the album featured the hit single "Holla Holla" and soon was certified Platinum in the U.S., which made Ja Rule and Murder Inc. among the most popular artists and labels in the industry, respectively.

On October 10, 2000, Ja Rule released his second studio album, Rule 3:36 . The album featured Ja Rule and Murder Inc.'s first top 15 hit with Between Me and You . The album featured production from Irv Gotti (who also executive produced the album) as well as appearances from Tah Murdah, Black Child, and Murder Inc.'s first female artist Vita. The album marked a significant change in Murder Inc.'s musical style, shifting from hardcore hip hop to a more radio-friendly pop rap oriented sound that targeted the female demographic, which in turn resulted in greater commercial success. This formula of making radio-friendly pop rap that targeted the female demographic would be a key factor in Murder Inc.'s later successes. The album debuted and peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200 with 276,000 copies sold, and would ultimately be certified Triple Platinum by the RIAA for selling three million units.

Murder Inc. signed Charli Baltimore and Ashanti in 2001. That same year, Ja Rule's most successful album, Pain Is Love , was released. The album was supported by the smash hit singles Always on Time (featuring Ashanti), Livin' It Up and Down Ass Bitch (featuring Charli Baltimore). Much of the album was produced by Irv Gotti, and the album was executively produced by Irv Gotti and Ja Rule. It sold over 360,000 units in its first week, and debuted and peaked at number one on the Billboard 200. The album sold over three million units in America, and was certified 3× platinum by the RIAA. Pain Is Love featured guest appearances from labelmates Caddillac Tah, Black Child, O-1 (previously known as Nemesis) and newly signed artists Charli Baltimore, Jodie Mack, and Ashanti. This album was soon followed by Ashanti's multi-platinum selling debut, Ashanti , which spawned three hit singles on the Billboard charts.

On July 2, 2002, Murder Inc. released the compilation, Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc. The album continued to showcase original artists like Ja Rule, Black Child, Vita, Jodie Mack, O-1 and Caddillac Tah, while showcasing new artists like Ashanti and Charli Baltimore and Murder Inc. affiliates like D.O. Cannon, Ronnie Bumps and Merc. Murder Inc. scored another hit single with Down 4 U , and the album peaked in the top 3 on the Billboard top 200 and was ultimately certified Gold by the RIAA. A documentary of the same name as the compilation was released around the same time, documenting the careers and lives of Murder Inc. artists. However, less than two weeks after the release of the album, Vita severed ties with Murder Inc. [3] During this time, Murder Inc. started associating with Nas as he collaborated with Ja Rule and Ashanti for the remix to "The Pledge". Although it was speculated that Nas would possibly sign to Murder Inc., the deal never materialized. [4] Ja Rule's next album ( The Last Temptation ) went Platinum in the U.S.

On January 3, 2003, Murder Inc.'s office was raided by federal agents trying to find evidence that Murder Inc. was funneling and laundering drug money for Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff. [1] Another setback the label suffered was its core artist Ja Rule participating in a feud with rapper 50 Cent which had been occupant since 1999. Blood in My Eye , Ja's fifth studio album, released in November 2003, included diss tracks aimed at 50 and G-Unit, as well as Eminem. [5] The album didn't live up to any commercial success. Three months earlier, Ashanti obtained more success on her own with a second studio album, Chapter II , becoming her second number one album in her career. [6] Charli Baltimore, however, didn't have any time to release an album under the label, causing her to leave in October 2003.

Murder Inc. and TVT Records were also blocked by Universal from releasing a Cash Money Click reunion album featuring Ja Rule, due to his contractual obligations. [7] Def Jam was ordered to pay TVT $132 million in punitive damages in 2003. [8] However, Def Jam won an appeal and instead only paid TVT $126,720. [9] The Cash Money Click reunion album, scheduled for a November 2002 release through Murder Inc., was ultimately shelved.

Despite having a roster of many artists, the only artists to have released solo studio albums were Ashanti, Ja Rule, Vanessa Carlton, and Lloyd. Throughout Murder Inc.'s years, many artists were scheduled to release studio albums, but many artists on the label were shelved. Vita's debut album on Murder Inc., La Dolce Vita, was originally scheduled to be released on December 11, 2001, but that was then delayed to Fall 2002. However, the album was ultimately shelved after Vita left Murder Inc. Caddillac Tah's debut album, Pov City Hustla, was originally scheduled to be released on November 13, 2001 through Murder Inc. Records. However, the album was ultimately shelved. Black Child's debut album was originally scheduled to be released in January 2002, but was delayed to 2003 before being shelved completely. Other albums intended to be released though Murder Inc. but ultimately shelved also include Ronnie Bumps' debut album and a D.O. Cannon and Merc collaboration album, which was shelved after D.O. Cannon was killed in 2003. The latter two albums were all originally scheduled for a 2003 release.

The Inc. rebrand (2003–2008)

On December 4, 2003, during a press conference, Irv Gotti announced that in light of the recent changes, setbacks, and controversies surrounding the label, Murder Inc. would be renamed to The Inc. In 2004, Lloyd was signed and released his debut album Southside . Ja Rule would see his music return to form, with his Gold RIAA-selling sixth studio album R.U.L.E. , while Ashanti would also release her fourth studio album, Concrete Rose , neither of which were as successful as both artists' previous works. At the end of 2004, they were ordered to leave Def Jam offices while the investigations were on. When the trials began in early 2005, Def Jam made them honor their contracts and release compilation albums; then they were not re-signed.

Murder Inc. spent 2005 and part of 2006 searching for distribution. In August 2006, Irv Gotti and The Inc. signed to Universal Motown and soon began releasing music. [10] [11] After settling in at Universal Motown, Irv Gotti signed Vanessa Carlton that year.

Decline (2007–2012)

On August 1, 2007, Ja Rule would return to radio and television on Sucker Free on MTV, where he debuted his single "Uh-Ohhh!!" with Lil Wayne and his return to recording music. The single was released to promote his new project, The Mirror, which was supposed to be released as his next album. However, the commercial failure of Uh-Ohhh! and Ja Rule's other single Body led to The Mirror being released instead as a free mixtape.

On August 4, 2008, Lloyd released his third studio album, Lessons In Love . The album had some success on the Billboard 200, debuting and peaking in the top 10. However, the album's success paled in comparison to Street Love. It was the final album released from The Inc.

On May 5, 2009, in an interview with Angie Martinez, Irv Gotti stated that Murder Inc. was leaving Universal Motown. Though Irv discussed in the interview that he would most likely reunite with Lyor Cohen and move to Warner Music Group for distribution, this did not happen. That same month, Irv Gotti announced to MTV that he was releasing Ashanti from her contract with Murder Inc. A month later Lloyd—who had been with Murder Inc. for 5 years—asked to be released from his contract. Lloyd cited the need for more control and change as reasons for his departure from the slowly shrinking label. "I'm ready for a change. There's no bad blood. I just feel I need to take more control over my career and get a fresh start. Hopefully Irv can understand my position," Lloyd explained in a press release.

"We find ourselves in limbo for the second time in three years," Henry 'Noonie' Lee, Lloyd's manager said in a statement. "It's frustrating to know that opportunities to advance Lloyd's career are out there but we can't exploit them due to our current situation. Even though Lloyd is appreciative of the opportunity that has been afforded him by Murder Inc., he feels it's time for him to move on and seek opportunities that will allow him to build and enhance his brand."

That same year, Ja Rule announced that he was no longer signed to Murder Inc. as well, the same label he had been with since its beginnings in 1997. Ja Rule decided to go independent on his own label, Mpire, which is distributed through Fontana. Although Ja Rule had departed from Murder Inc., he revealed he was still on great terms with Irv Gotti and the two worked together for Ja Rule's next album, Pain Is Love 2 . Baltimore soon left the label in 2010 for new opportunities. With no proper distribution and its artists either leaving or fading into obscurity, Murder Inc./The Inc. remained dormant with no further album releases.

Partnership deals (2013–2017)

In September 2013, Murder Inc. was relaunched as an umbrella label under Irv Gotti's new label, Visionary. On September 27, Murder Inc. released its first songs in years, Ja Rule's "Fresh Out da Pen" and "Everything", both produced by Murder Inc./Visionary producers Reefa and Myles William. [12]

In June 2017, it was announced that Murder Inc. had partnered with 300. [13]

On Friday, January 3, 2003, federal agents and New York Police Department investigators raided the headquarters of Murder Inc. Records, located at One Worldwide Plaza in Midtown Manhattan. The raid was a part of a yearlong investigation into the connection between the Lorenzos and American drug lord Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff. Investigators believed that the Lorenzos launched Murder Inc. Records using money bankrolled by McGriff to launder McGriff's drug money, as well as help McGriff launder drug money through the making of the 2003 film Crime Partners. [14] Although computers and documents were seized, no charges were immediately filed, and no arrests were immediately made. The raid was dramatized in the music video for Ja Rule's "Murder Reigns".

Chris and Irv Gotti's history with McGriff dates back to 1994, when McGriff, newly paroled from prison, met Chris and Irv on the set of a music video in Queens, New York. McGriff wanted to go into cinematography and sought help from Chris and Irv Gotti to produce and direct a film based on Donald Goines' Kenyatta series' novel Crime Partners. The Lorenzos since then maintained a friendship with McGriff, having him appear in the music video for Ja Rule's 1999 single "Murda 4 Life" and helped financed McGriff's dream project, Crime Partners, around 2000.

On January 25, 2005, Chris and Irv Gotti surrendered to authorities in New York City and were officially charged with money laundering and conspiracy to launder money. During the trial, Irv Gotti was represented by Gerald B. Lefcourt, and Chris Gotti was represented by Gerald Shargel. In December 2005, Chris and Irv Gotti were found not guilty of money laundering and conspiracy to launder money. [15]

Artists

Releases

Murder Inc./The Inc. releases
Album information
Venni Vetti Vecci by Ja Rule
Irv Gotti Presents: The Murderers by The Murderers
Rule 3:36 by Ja Rule
The Fast and the Furious (soundtrack) by Various Artists
  • Released: June 5, 2001
  • Chart positions: #7 US
  • RIAA certification: Platinum
  • Singles: "POV City Anthem", "Furious", "Put It on Me (Remix)"
Pain Is Love by Ja Rule
Ashanti by Ashanti
Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc. by The Inc. Records
Irv Gotti Presents: The Remixes by The Inc. Records
  • Released: November 2, 2002
  • Chart positions: #24 US
The Last Temptation by Ja Rule
Chapter II by Ashanti
Ashanti's Christmas by Ashanti
  • Released: November 18, 2003
  • Chart positions: #160 US
Blood in My Eye by Ja Rule
  • Released: November 4, 2003
  • Chart positions: #6 US
  • Singles: "Clap Back"
Southside by Lloyd
  • Released: July 20, 2004
  • Chart positions: #11 US
  • Singles: "Southside", "Hey Young Girl"
Concrete Rose by Ashanti
R.U.L.E. by Ja Rule
Exodus by Ja Rule
  • Released: December 6, 2005
  • Chart positions: #107 US Billboard 200
Collectables by Ashanti by Ashanti
  • Released: December 6, 2005
  • Chart positions: #59 US
  • Singles: "Still On It"
Street Love by Lloyd
Heroes and Thieves by Vanessa Carlton
The Declaration by Ashanti
Lessons in Love by Lloyd

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ja Rule</span> American rapper (born 1976)

Jeffrey Bruce Atkins Sr., better known by his stage name Ja Rule, is an American rapper, singer, and actor. Born and raised in New York City, Ja Rule became known for blending gangsta rap with pop and R&B sensibilities. He signed with Irv Gotti's Murder Inc Records, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings to release his debut studio album Venni Vetti Vecci (1999), which spawned his first hit single, "Holla Holla". In 2001, he peaked the Billboard Hot 100 on three occasions with his single "Always on Time" and his guest appearances on Jennifer Lopez's songs "I'm Real " and "Ain't It Funny".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irv Gotti</span> American record producer (born 1970)

Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., professionally known as Irv Gotti, is an American record producer. He co-founded the record label Murder Inc. Records in 1998, which was an imprint of Def Jam Recordings. He received production credits for most of the recordings by artists signed to the label—including Ja Rule, Lloyd, and Ashanti—as well as other artists such as Jennifer Lopez, DMX, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Fat Joe, and Eve, among others. Gotti is also the creator of the BET series Tales.

<i>Concrete Rose</i> 2004 Ashanti album

Concrete Rose is the fourth studio album by American singer Ashanti, released on December 14, 2004, by The Inc. Records and Def Jam Recordings. In addition to working with frequent collaborators Irv Gotti, Chink Santana, and 7 Aurelius, Ashanti also enlisted new collaborators Malcolm Flythe, Jimi Kendrix, and Demi-Doc, to assist. The album features guest appearances from rappers T.I., Ja Rule, and Lloyd.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kenneth McGriff</span> American convicted former drug lord and gangster (born 1960)

Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff is an American convicted former drug lord and gangster from New York City.

<i>The Last Temptation</i> (Ja Rule album) 2002 studio album by Ja Rule

The Last Temptation is the fourth studio album by American rapper Ja Rule. It was released by Murder Inc., Def Jam and Island Def Jam Music Group on November 19, 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Def Jam Recordings</span> American record label

Def Jam Recordings is an American multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group. It is based in Manhattan, New York City, specializing predominantly in hip hop, contemporary R&B, soul and pop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Channel 7 (musician)</span> American musician and record producer

Marcus Vest, known by his stage names Channel 7 and 7 Aurelius, is an American musician, record producer, rapper and songwriter.

<i>Venni Vetti Vecci</i> 1999 studio album by Ja Rule

Venni Vetti Vecci is the debut studio album by American rapper Ja Rule. It was released on June 1, 1999, by Def Jam Recordings and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records. It was the first album to be released on Murder Inc. Production was mostly handled by Irv Gotti, with additional work provided by Lil Rob, Ty Fyffe, Erick Sermon and Self Service. The album features guest appearances from Jay-Z, DMX, Case, Memphis Bleek, Black Child, Ronald Isley and Erick Sermon, among others. The album title alludes to the Latin phrase "veni, vidi, vici", meaning "I came, I saw, I conquered".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Murder Inc. (rap group)</span> American hip hop group

Murder Inc. was an American East Coast hip hop supergroup composed of Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule, formed by record executive Irv Gotti in 1995. They first appeared in tandem on fellow New York-based rapper Mic Geronimo's 1995 song "Time to Build." After each gaining commercial success, the trio later appeared on the cover for the June 1999 issue of the hip-hop magazine XXL.

<i>The Fast and the Furious</i> (soundtrack) 2001 soundtrack album by various artists

The Fast and the Furious: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is the first of two soundtracks to Rob Cohen's 2001 action film The Fast and the Furious. It was released on June 5, 2001, by Murder Inc. Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Universal Music Group. Production was handled mostly by Irv Gotti, as well as twelve other record producers, including Channel 7, Damizza, Nick "Fury" Loftin and Swizz Beatz. It features contributions from the film star Ja Rule, along with Armageddon, Ashanti, Black Child, Boo & Gotti, Caddillac Tah, DMX, Faith Evans, Fat Joe, Funkmaster Flex, Limp Bizkit, Method Man, Nate Dogg, N.O.R.E., O-1, Petey Pablo, Redman, R. Kelly, Scarface, Shade Sheist, Tank and Vita. The album reached number seven on the Billboard 200, number five on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and went platinum in 2002 in both the United States and Canada.

<i>Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc.</i> 2002 compilation album by The Inc.

Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc. is the second compilation album by The Inc. It was released on July 2, 2002 through The Island Def Jam Music Group and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records. Production was primarily handled by Irv Gotti, as well as Chink Santana, 7 Aurelius, DL and Buck 3000. It featured contributions from Murder Inc. roster, such as Caddillac Tah, Black Child, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Charli Baltimore and Vita, and guest appearances from Jennifer Lopez, Eastwood and Crooked I.

<i>Irv Gotti Presents: The Murderers</i> 2000 compilation album by The Murderers

Irv Gotti Presents... The Murderers is a compilation album by American record producer Irv Gotti and hip hop group The Murderers. Originally scheduled for a January 25, 2000 release, it was released on March 21, 2000, by Murder Inc. Records and Def Jam Recordings. Recording sessions took place at Quad Studios, at Battery Studios, at The Hit Factory, at Sound On Sound, at Right Track Studios, and at Electric Lady Studios in New York, and at Enterprise Studios, and at Westlake Audio in Los Angeles. Production was primarily handled by Irv Gotti, as well as Lil' Rob, Dat Nigga Reb, Mr. Fingaz, Damizza, DL, JB Money and Ty Fyffe. Beside Ja Rule, Black Child, Tah Murdah, Vita, O-1 and Chris Black, it features contributions by the rest of Murder Inc. roster, such as Ronnie Bumps, and Murder Inc., as well as guest appearances from Dave Bing, Shade Sheist, Busta Rhymes, Lil' Mo and Memphis Bleek.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holla Holla</span> 1999 single by Ja Rule

"Holla Holla" is the first single by the American rapper Ja Rule from his first studio album, Venni Vetti Vecci (1999). It was produced by Taiwan "Tai" Green and Irv Gotti. The music video was directed by Hype Williams and Irv Gotti.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Put It on Me (Ja Rule song)</span> 2000 single by Ja Rule and Lil Mo

"Put It On Me" is the second single from Ja Rule's sophomore studio album, Rule 3:36 (2000), released in December 2000 through Def Jam Records and Murder Inc. The song appeared on The Fast and the Furious (2001) soundtrack and was included on the special edition of Ja Rule's Pain Is Love (2001). "Put It On Me" features fellow Murder Inc. artist Vita, with her verse being written by Caddillac Tah. Originally, the song appeared on Rule 3:36 and only featured Ja Rule with Vita, until a remixed version was recorded with new vocals by singer Lil' Mo, which proved very popular, especially on radio. Ja Rule explained that the lyrics of the song were inspired by an argument he had with his wife to show how important she is to him. It peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the week of March 19, 2001, making it Ja Rule's first top ten hit on the chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Down 4 U</span> 2002 single by Irv Gotti, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Charli Baltimore and Vita

"Down 4 U" is the lead single from Murder Inc. Records' compilation album Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc., released through Def Jam Recordings and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records. The song features rapped verses from Ja Rule, Charli Baltimore, and Vita while Ashanti provides the chorus and sung vocals. The song is a remix as well as its music video being the sequel of Ja Rule's 2002 single, "Down Ass Bitch".

The following list is a discography of productions by Irv Gotti, an American record producer and music executive from New York City, New York. It includes a list of songs produced, co-produced and remixed by year, artist, album and title.

"6 Feet Underground" is the third single of Ja Rule's second studio album Rule 3:36. The song peaked #53 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and #25 on the Hot Rap Songs chart. In this song, Ja Rule raps about confronting his demons and his enemies who would love to see him dead. The song samples "A New Argentina" by Madonna from the 1996 film Evita.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vita (rapper)</span> American rapper

LaVita Raynor, known simply as Vita, is an American rapper, songwriter and actress. Raynor is perhaps best known for her role as Kionna, Tommy "Buns" Bundy's "mistress" in the 1998 crime drama film Belly. As a rapper, Raynor is known for her appearances on the songs "Lapdance" by N.E.R.D, "Put It on Me" by Ja Rule, and "Down 4 U" by Irv Gotti. In 2014, Raynor was included in Billboard's list of the "31 Female Rappers Who Changed Hip-Hop".

Ramel Leroy Gill, better known by his stage name Black Child, is an American rapper from New York City. He is best known for his time being signed to Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records and being affiliated with Irv Gotti, Ashanti, and Ja Rule. He appeared on hit singles with Ja Rule and did various songs with other members of Murder Inc.

References

  1. 1 2 "The #9 Biggest Moment: Feds Raid Murder Inc.- XXL".
  2. ↑ "Chris Gotti: Rise of Murder Inc, Selling 30 Million Albums, Making Half a Billion". YouTube . Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  3. ↑ "Vita Leaves Murder Inc". 11 July 2002. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  4. ↑ "Irv Gotti Says Nas May Sign With Murder Inc". MTV . Archived from the original on April 10, 2016.
  5. ↑ Blood In My Eye by Ja Rule , retrieved 2022-02-06
  6. ↑ Dansby, Andrew (2003-07-09). "Ashanti "II" is Number One". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2022-02-06.
  7. ↑ Reid, Shaheem. "Ja Rule Re-Teams With Cash Money Click For LP". MTV News. Archived from the original on May 30, 2015. Retrieved 2022-02-06.
  8. ↑ Reid, Shaheem. "Ja Ruling: Island Def Jam, Lyor Cohen Ordered To Pay $132 Million To TVT". MTV News. Archived from the original on May 29, 2019. Retrieved 2022-02-06.
  9. ↑ "TVT Records Loses $54 Million to Def Jam". 15 June 2005.
  10. ↑ "MURDER BROS. BACK – GOTTI BOYS 'INC.' A NEW DEAL WITH UNIVERSAL". 20 August 2006. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  11. ↑ Leeds, Jeff (22 August 2006). "Rap Producer Ready to Try Again With Old Partner". The New York Times. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  12. ↑ "Irv Gotti Resurrects Murder Inc. Records – XXL".
  13. ↑ Platon, Adelle. "How Irv Gotti Brought Murder Inc. to 300 Entertainment". Billboard. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
  14. ↑ "Murder Inc. Offices Raided by Feds". MTV . Archived from the original on June 22, 2014. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  15. ↑ "Gotti Brothers Found Not Guilty". Rolling Stone . 5 December 2005. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
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