Producer and music industry mogul, Irv Gotti, who co-founded Murder Inc. Records and helped launch the careers of Ja Rule and Ashanti, has died at the age of 54.
The somber news, shared and confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, stated that while “the cause of death has not been announced… the music mogul did suffer a number of strokes in recent years and had also battled diabetes-related issues.”
Addressing Gotti’s passing, his family shared a statement on his Instagram writing, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving ‘Irv Gotti’ Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025. Surrounded by family and friends, he departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched. Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the Hip-Hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike. His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many, and his contributions will continue to influence future generations.”
The statement continued, “As we navigate this difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy while we grieve the loss of our dad, son, brother, uncle, and friend. We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through his music and the love he shared with all of us. Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time. With love, Angie, Sonny, and JJ.”
After news broke of his death, the Hip-Hop world flooded the internet with tributes to Gotti, including one from the label where it all began, Def Jam, that expressed the label was “deeply saddened” by Gotti’s death. See the post below.
Ja Rule, also reacted to the news, posting a broken heart emoji on X. While 50 Cent, in true fiddy fashion, posted a photo of himself smoking hookah next to a headstone that reads “RIP” alongside, “I’m smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him LOL.” The post also had a second photo — a red-carpet pic of the late mogul, who had a contentious relationship with the G-Unit rapper over the years.
Other tributes came from Ruff Ryders, and outlets like BET and XXL, as well as Loud Records founder Steve Rifkind, Empire’s Tina Davis, and more.
Before launching Murder Inc. in New York City in 1998 in partnership with his brother Chris, Gotti worked as an A&R at Def Jam, where he helped bring DMX, JAY-Z, and Ja Rule to the label. Also producing the song “Can I Live” from JAY-Z’s 1996 debut, Reasonable Doubt, under the moniker DJ Irv.
As an imprint of Def Jam, Murder Inc.’s first release was Ja Rule’s 1999 debut album Venni Vetti Vecci. In addition to Ja Rule, Gotti also discovered Ashanti as a teenager, both of whom benefited from his signature production style of blending Hip-Hop beats with melodic hooks. Creating a wave of Rap and R&B crossover hits that were inescapable from 2001 to 2004. Some of those smashes include the Ja Rule and Jennifer Lopez collabs “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny,” as well as “Always on Time,” with Ashanti. She, as a solo artist, charted with hits like “Foolish,” “Rain on Me” and “Mesmerize.”
Later as The Inc., Gotti’s label singed Vanessa Carlton, and he co-produced her 2007 album, Heroes and Thieves, with Rick Rubin and Third Eye Blind’s Stephan Jenkins. Gotti’s production credits also extend to records by Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Fat Joe and Christina Milian. He also released several albums under his own name.