Irv Gotti, a renowned record executive, music producer, and entrepreneur, who made his mark as the founder of Murder Inc. Records, has passed away, according to confirmation by The Hollywood Reporter. He was 54 years old. While the specific cause of his demise remains undisclosed, the music mogul had battled numerous strokes in recent times and struggled with diabetes-related complications.
Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., better known as Gotti, soared to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He played a pivotal role in shaping the hip-hop and R&B landscape of that era, collaborating with artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, each of whom achieved immense commercial success under his guidance. His distinctive production style, which seamlessly blended hip-hop beats with melodic hooks, sparked a wave of rap and R&B crossover hits that dominated the charts from 2001 to 2004. Notable collaborations include several multi-platinum smashes with Ja Rule and Jennifer Lopez, such as “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny.” Together with Ashanti, Ja Rule delivered another hit with “Always on Time,” while Ashanti, as a solo artist, charted with songs like “Foolish,” “Rain on Me,” and “Mesmerize.”
Prior to establishing Murder Inc. in New York City in 1998, Gotti served as an A&R executive at Def Jam, where he played a crucial role in bringing artists like DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule to the label. Under the moniker DJ Irv, he produced the track “Can I Live” from Jay-Z’s 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Later, as The Inc., the label signed Vanessa Carlton, and Gotti co-produced her 2007 album, Heroes and Thieves, alongside Rick Rubin and Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind.
Gotti’s production credits extend to works by renowned artists such as Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Fat Joe, and Christina Milian. He also released several albums under his own name.
“Def Jam has lost one of its most creative and hip-hop-inclined soldiers,” said Lyor Cohen, who served as the label’s chief executive from 1988 to 2004 and witnessed its inception (he currently holds the position of global head of music at YouTube). “When we were in dire straits, he brought the heat and bailed us out. He hailed from a tight-knit and beautiful family in Queens, and it is both an honor and a privilege to have known him. Irv, you will be sorely missed.”
In the mid-2000s, his career faced setbacks due to an FBI investigation and a raid on Murder Inc.’s offices, amidst allegations of ties with drug kingpin Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. Although he was ultimately acquitted, the case tarnished Murder Inc.’s reputation. However, in recent years, Gotti reinvented himself, venturing into television with the creation of BET’s Tales, an anthology series that beautifully blends hip-hop and storytelling.
Gotti is survived by his three 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.
The music world quickly reacted to the news of his passing, with tributes pouring in on social media. 50 Cent posted a photo on Instagram of himself smoking next to a grave headstone inscribed with “RIP.” He captioned it, “I’m smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah, God bless him LOL.”
