VH1’s “Gotti’s Way,” which centers on The Inc. CEO Irv Gotti, is currently filming for the reality show’s second season, which is set to begin in November.
The show will again feature The Inc’s artists, including the newly signed six person band, the Thundercats (best described as a new Black Eyed Peas) and new MC, News.
“News is my new rapper from Brooklyn,” says Gotti. “He’s got this movement called Black Gang and his vibe is really back to the essence of hip-hop. It’s something that I’m really, really excited about and Hot 97’s Funkmaster Flex and Power 105’s DJ Clue are already playing their first single, ‘Hater-Proof.'”
Staple Inc. artist Ja Rule, however, is having a harder time finding radio play. His last album, “The Mirror,” was postponed last year after his single “Uh Oh” featuring Lil’ Wayne peaked at No. 69 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
“We’re making some new music right now,” says Gotti. “What I’ve learned with Ja is that he needs a special type of record. He’s got so many people watching that if he releases a street record, it’s too street. People say he should go back to his old formula. But if he releases a female-friendly record, they say it’s not street enough. Ja’s got to have a unique hip-hop record that can hit all demographics.”
This season’s “Gotti’s Way” will play out over eight episodes and will run at 9 p.m., instead of last season’s 10:30 p.m. start.
“VH1 stuck me at the bottom of the barrel but I still had five million people watching,” says Gotti. “Imagine if they would’ve really promoted the show?”
