Hip-hop producer/entrepreneur Irv Gotti played a strong role in Carlton's unlikely leap to The Inc. Records, becoming his first new signing since inking a deal with Universal Motown Records. Although he and Carlton seemed cut from vastly different cloth in light of his legendary string of urban successes for Ashanti, Ja Rule, DMX, Jay Z and others the union proved solid. He was so positive and spontaneous, says Carlton. I began to realize we were alike in a lot of ways. Along with his rare passion and vision, he has a finely tuned ear which made me believe he could guide any type of musical project.