Dame Dash is opening up about his heartfelt attempt to help Irv Gotti manage his health before his tragic passing. The Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder recently shared a personal text exchange in which he urged the late Murder Inc. mogul to take his diabetes diagnosis more seriously.
During an emotional interview on his America Nu network, Dash spoke candidly about the pain of losing Gotti, especially so soon after DJ Clark Kent’s passing.
“I’m still in shock,” he admitted. “Some mornings, I wake up and can’t believe Clark is gone. And now with Irv… it takes time to process.”
While Gotti’s passing devastated Dash, he also acknowledged that he had seen warning signs.
“I wasn’t surprised, knowing what was happening with his health and how he was handling it,” he revealed. “But it’s still shocking.”
Despite past tensions, Dash emphasized that his bond with Gotti went beyond music.
“We were brothers, no matter what,” he said. “Irv was one of the most animated people to talk to. He had a unique perspective and was always fun to be around.”
Dash revealed that, much like Russell Simmons, he had reached out to Gotti to encourage him to take better care of his health.
“When I found out what was going on, I texted him and said, ‘Irv, no matter what, we’re family. I don’t want to see you die.’”
Gotti reassured him at the time, responding, “Yo, I’m getting better, Dame.”
Reflecting on their last conversation, Dash expressed regret that he wasn’t more involved in Gotti’s health journey.
“I would have made it a lifestyle for him,” he shared. “I would’ve made it uncool to ignore your health.”
He then delivered a powerful statement about the consequences of unhealthy choices:
“No food is worth your life. No plate is so good that you should die just to eat it again. No one’s life is so bad that a cheeseburger should be your escape.”
As the hip-hop world continues to mourn Irv Gotti, Dash’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing health… before it’s too late.
