Irv Gotti Of Murder Inc. Record Label Passes Away At Age 54

Irv Gotti, Founder of Murder Inc. and Influential Hip-Hop Producer, Dies at 54

Irv Gotti, the pioneering record executive, music producer, and entrepreneur who shaped the sound of hip-hop and R&B in the late 1990s and early 2000s, has passed away at the age of 54. The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed his death along with other outlets, though the exact cause remains undisclosed. Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., had previously suffered a stroke last year.

As the founder of Murder Inc. Records, Gotti played a pivotal role in the careers of artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, helping to define an era of hip-hop with his signature blend of hard-hitting beats and melodic hooks. His work dominated the airwaves from 2001 to 2004, producing multi-platinum hits such as Ja Rule and Jennifer Lopez’s “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny,” as well as Ashanti’s chart-topping singles “Foolish,” “Rain on Me,” and “Mesmerize.”

Before establishing Murder Inc. in 1998, Gotti was instrumental in shaping Def Jam’s roster as an A&R executive, playing a key role in signing DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule. Under the name DJ Irv, he produced Jay-Z’s “Can I Live” from the rapper’s 1996 debut album Reasonable Doubt. In later years, Murder Inc. rebranded as The Inc., broadening its scope by signing artists like Vanessa Carlton, whose 2007 album Heroes and Thieves Gotti co-produced alongside Rick Rubin and Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind.

His influence extended beyond Murder Inc., contributing production to records by Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Fat Joe, and Christina Milian. Additionally, he released several albums under his own name, further cementing his presence in the industry.

Reflecting on Gotti’s impact, former Def Jam executive Lyor Cohen shared, “Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop. When we were on bended knee, he brought the heat and saved our asses. He comes from a very tight, beautiful family from Queens, and it’s an honor and a privilege to have known him. Irv, you will be missed.”

Gotti’s career faced turbulence in the mid-2000s due to an FBI investigation and a raid on Murder Inc.’s offices over alleged connections to drug kingpin Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. Though he was ultimately acquitted, the legal battle took a toll on Murder Inc.’s reputation. However, Gotti remained resilient, reinventing himself in recent years through television, notably creating the BET anthology series Tales, which merged hip-hop with scripted storytelling.

His legacy as a visionary producer and mogul continues to shape the sound and business of hip-hop, leaving an indelible mark on the industry he helped define.

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Irv Gotti always believed in DMX 🙏

In 2015, we sat down with the legendary record producer and executive for a conversation about his influential career, working with artists like DMX, Ja Rule, and Ashanti.

He passed away today at the age of 54. May he rest in peace 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/NnWq6WuEBy

— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) February 6, 2025

RIP Irv Gotti🌹🕊️💐

Nicki Minaj on Irv Gotti playing a big part in her signing to Young Money:

“The reason why I never made stupid decisions in terms of my record deal & don’t have a 360 is because Irv called up top lawyers in the game & said she’s gonna be big please rep her” pic.twitter.com/d3FwbSxXgZ

— Chris (@RealDealChris) February 6, 2025