"NEW YORK — Rap moguls Irv and Chris Gotti pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of laundering more than $1 million in drug proceeds through their record label, the Inc. (formerly Murder Inc.), in federal court in Brooklyn.

The brothers, who surrendered to authorities Wednesday morning (January 26), were released after a $1 million bond was posted for each. They face up to 20 years in prison.

The convicted drug lord they are alleged to be in partnership with, Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, and several of his associates face the death penalty for homicide. The brothers' next court date is scheduled for March 18.

After the hearing, Irv Gotti made a brief statement. "I'm gonna give you guys one comment. I want to make it very crystal clear that I don't look [badly] at the government in any way, shape or form for them thinking I'm doing anything wrong. I call myself Gotti, I made my label Murder Inc., I grew up poor, from the street. But I don't look bad at them for thinking ill things of me. In no way have I done anything wrong except make great music that people seem to love. That's all I'm guilty of."

"They don't call it gangsta rap for nothing — the thug image isn't accidental," New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said at a press conference Wednesday afternoon, before adding "this is not an indictment of rap music. If you're involved with money laundering or drug dealing or committing murder, we're coming after you, irrespective of [the music]. That's our business."

The brothers, both wearing jeans and puffy overcoats, pleaded not guilty through their respective lawyers. While being questioned briefly by the judge, Irv stood with his hands in pockets until his lawyer nudged him, after which he assumed the more conventional stance of holding his hands behind his back. He turned to smile at his family — including his parents, his wife, his sisters and his brothers-in-law — some of whom joined him before the judge later in the hearing.

The bond was secured through property that Irv and his parents own and live in.

Restrictions were placed on the brothers' bail: They are prohibited from leaving the Tri-State area (of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) without giving prior notice to pretrial services; they may apply through their attorneys for permission to travel overseas. They must surrender their passports by February 4. Irv also must undergo random drug-testing evaluations and possible treatment; he is responsible for the cost of any treatment. Both must report once a week by phone to pretrial services.

This story was updated at 5:29 p.m. ET.

— Jennifer Vineyard and Jem Aswad" [Via mtv.com]