Chris Gotti Gets Real On: Grieving Irv, Grind & Building An Empire

Angie Martinez sat down with Chris Gotti for a wide-ranging conversation filled with raw emotion, entrepreneurial insight, and cultural impact. Held on what would’ve been his brother Irv Gotti’s birthday, the moment carried deep meaning and spiritual weight setting the tone for a conversation that touched on love, loss, legacy, and lifting up others.

This wasn’t just an interview. It was a masterclass in reinvention.

🕊️ Carrying the Legacy of Irv Gotti

Chris didn’t shy away from the pain of losing his brother. Speaking with Angie, he shared how deeply the loss has affected him not just emotionally, but spiritually and creatively. “He left me to finish everything we had planned... now he’s my angel helping from above,” he reflected.

The conversation took place on Irv’s birthday, adding even more weight to the moment. Chris revealed a dream his sister had where Irv embraced him at a movie premiere—as one of many spiritual signs he’s held close since his passing. Chris hasn’t been able to write about Irv himself, relying on a ghostwriter to help share his thoughts online.

With both Irv and their father gone, Chris opened up about the emotional responsibility of being the one left to carry the family vision forward.

🎬 His First Film: Ballin on Tubi

Chris Gotti’s latest chapter is as a filmmaker, and he’s already making noise with his debut project, Ballin, now streaming on Tubi. The film follows a basketball player who suspects his wife of cheating—and hires a hitman. It was filmed in just 17 days after two months of Zoom rehearsals, with a Miami backdrop and a cast that blends athletes, actors, and musicians.

The cast includes:

• Lance Stephenson – who not only acts but also contributes to the soundtrack
• Safaree – playing a sports reporter
• Trey Chaney – known for The Wire
• Lead detective played by Rebecca
• Plus a cameo from Chris Gotti himself

Chris funded the film independently and was hands-on throughout the entire production. “We taught ourselves to make movies the industry never thought we could,” he told Angie.

🎶 Soundtrack Vibes: From the Court to the Booth

The film’s soundtrack was created during production and released through Adventure Music, Chris’s independent music platform. One standout? Lance Stephenson, who Chris refers to as “the Black Drake,” for his unexpected and impressive vocal ability.

It’s all part of a larger mission to fund and create quality content for the culture—without asking permission or relying on industry gatekeepers.

📽️ Independent Film Game: Why Tubi Matters

Chris explained why Tubi is a game-changer, especially for Black and indie filmmakers. Its free-to-stream model combined with a high level of exposure creates a rare lane for projects made with heart, hustle, and cultural relevance to reach massive audiences.

He gave props to innovators like Dame Dash and Vicky of New Generation for breaking down doors and creating new models of success in film and media.

🛠️ From Blackballed to Boss Moves

Reflecting on the fallout from the Murder Inc. trial, Chris talked about how the blackballing they experienced pushed him to create new systems. That pain led to platforms like Adventure Music, which now empowers independent artists to own and monetize their work.

He's also behind Arc Films, a new production company founded with Andy Estrada and Rich “Black” Walker, continuing his mission to build what the industry never wanted to give him.

🏀 Enter: Clash Pro Basketball League

Chris is also stepping into the sports world with Clash Pro, an influencer-driven basketball league designed to give opportunities to overlooked or undrafted talent. Cities like New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Baltimore are all in the plan for expansion.

Team owners include heavyweights like French Montana, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, and Rob from Baller Alert. The message? “If you want to get paid to play basketball, go get it. No excuses.”

This interview wasn’t just about remembering Irv or celebrating a film release—it was about resilience. Chris Gotti laid out a blueprint for what it means to turn pain into purpose and keep building when the odds are stacked against you.

And for anyone who’s ever felt counted out? This one’s for you.