Irv Gotti, renowned music producer, and Murder Inc. Records founder has passed away at the age of 54. The death was caused by a stroke, as reported by the Hollywood Reporter. Gotti had been dealing with health complications from diabetes and had suffered multiple strokes in recent years.
Gotti’s family shared an Instagram statement expressing their grief and paying tribute to his influential career. The post read, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving ‘Irv Gotti’ Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025.”
The statement continued, saying he was “surrounded by loved ones” at the time of his passing and leaves behind a “cherished legacy.” His children, Angie, Sonny, and JJ, requested privacy during this time, affirming that his spirit will continue to live on through his music and the love he shared.
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti emerged as a key figure in the hip-hop and R&B genres in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His production style helped shape the sound of Murder Inc. Records, where he collaborated with artists such as Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX. His work on Jennifer Lopez’s “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny,” as well as Ashanti’s “Foolish” and “Always on Time,” marked his significant influence on the music industry.
Before founding Murder Inc. in 1998, Gotti was an A&R executive at Def Jam Records, instrumental in signing artists like Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule. Under DJ Irv’s alias, he produced “Can I Live” for Jay-Z’s 1996 album “Reasonable Doubt.” His production credits also include artists such as Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Fat Joe, and Christina Milian. In 2007, Gotti co-produced Vanessa Carlton’s album “Heroes and Thieves” alongside Rick Rubin and Stephan Jenkins.
Gotti’s career experienced some turbulence when Murder Inc. was investigated by the federal government for alleged connections to drug lord Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. In 2005, federal agents raided the label’s offices, accusing Gotti of laundering drug money. Although he was acquitted of all charges, the scandal negatively affected the label’s image, leading to its rebranding as The Inc.
Lyor Cohen, a former Def Jam executive and current global head of music at YouTube, paid tribute to Gotti, describing him as “one of its most creative soldiers.” Cohen acknowledged Gotti’s significant influence even during challenging times, and praised his strong family ties and his roots in Queens, New York. He expressed his honor at having known Gotti and said he would be sorely missed.
In his later years, Gotti diversified his career into television, creating the BET series “Tales,” an anthology combining hip-hop music and storytelling. Despite past difficulties, his resilience and ability to reinvent himself kept him active within the entertainment industry.
The news of Gotti’s passing prompted immediate responses from the hip-hop community, with many acknowledging his contributions. However, the reaction from longtime rival 50 Cent was controversial. The rapper, who had been feuding with Gotti and Ja Rule for over two decades, posted a provocative image of himself next to a mock headstone with a caption that drew mixed reactions.
The feud between 50 Cent and Gotti originates from a history of confrontations, including a 1999 robbery incident involving Ja Rule, a 2000 fight at Hit Factory Studio, and continuous diss tracks. In 2005, federal investigators speculated that the attempted murder of 50 Cent in 2000 was connected to Murder Inc. and Kenneth McGriff, but no charges were ever filed about the shooting.
Despite the controversies, Gotti’s influence on the music industry is undisputed. He played a significant role in defining the sound of early 2000s hip-hop and R&B, shaping the path for future artists and producers.
Gotti is survived by his children, Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson; his mother, Nee Nee Lorenzo; his sisters, Tina and Angie; and his brother, Chris Lorenzo, with whom he co-founded Murder Inc.