A hip-hop music legend best known for his work with DMX, Ja Rule and Ashanti is dead at age 54.
Irv Gotti, the producer and record executive behind Murder Inc. Records, died Wednesday in New York, according to TMZ and The Hollywood Reporter. A cause of death was not announced, but Gotti reportedly suffered a stroke last year and had been using a cane, among other health problems like diabetes.
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., he and his brother Chris Gotti co-founded Murder Inc. under the Def Jam Records umbrella in 1998 and worked with big names like Jay-Z, DMX, Ruff Ryders, Kanye West, Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Ashanti, nd Eve. Irv Gotti also released several albums featuring all-star collaborations, including 2000’s “Irv Gotti Presents The Murderers” and 2002’s “Irv Gotti Presents The Inc.”
As a producer, Gotti’s credits include DMX’s first album, “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot,” Ja Rule’s debut album “Venni Vetti Vecci,” Ashanti’s “Foolish” and “Always on Time,” Eve’s “Gangsta Lovin’” Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv,” Ye’s “Brothers,” and Jay-Z’s “Can I Live” (as DJ Irv on Jay-Z’s debut album “Reasonable Doubt”) and “Can I Get A…” Gotti also produced “Murder Remix” versions of songs by Jennifer Lopez (“I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny,” both with Ja Rule) and signed Vanessa Carlton in 2007 to release her third album under The Inc. Records.
“Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees, are deeply saddened at the loss of Irv Gotti,” Def Jam said in a statement. “His contributions at Def Jam, as both an A&R executive and in partnership with Murder Inc., helped pave the way for the next generation of artists and producers, a force that reshaped the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B. His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture birthed countless hits, defining an era of music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his work.”
According to the New York Post, Gotti was also well-known for Murder Inc. Records’ public feud with 50 Cent and G-Unit Records.
“I’m smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him LOL,” 50 Cent wrote on social media Wednesday.
Ye reacted to news of Gotti’s death with a single dove emoji on social media. (His post has since been removed.)
Ja Rule tweeted an image of a broken heart.
(L-R) Ja Rule and Irv Gotti attend the 2023 City Of Hope Spirit Of Life Gala at Pacific Design Center on October 18, 2023 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)Getty Images
Gotti’s life and career were chronicled in the 2022 BET documentary, “The Murder Inc. Story.” It also highlighted relationships that had soured with artists like Ashanti and Pete Rock.
“Im posting you up because we were friends at one point,” Pete Rock wrote on Instagram. “Regardless of where our friendship ended up we both had the same dreams and ended up in the same place or places. My condolences to your family and children ❤️ rest easy!”
