Prominent music producer and Murder Inc. Records founder Irv Gotti passed away at 54. Hollywood Reporter confirmed his death. However, the exact cause is yet to be publicly disclosed. Gotti had a history of health problems, including multiple strokes and diabetes-related complications.
The family of Irv Gotti shared their loss through an Instagram post, stating, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving ‘Irv Gotti’ Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025”.
His children, Angie, Sonny, and JJ, surrounded him as he passed away, leaving behind a cherished legacy. They requested privacy during this challenging time, taking comfort that his spirit continues to resonate through his music and the love he shared.
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti gained prominence during the late 1990s and early 2000s, significantly influencing the hip-hop and R&B genres with his unique production style. As the primary influence behind Murder Inc. Records, he worked with renowned artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, producing numerous multi-platinum hits. His work on songs such as “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny” with Jennifer Lopez, and on Ashanti’s hits “Foolish” and “Always on Time” further solidified his position in the music industry.
Before establishing Murder Inc. in 1998, Gotti played a pivotal role at Def Jam Records as an A&R executive, aiding in signing artists such as Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule. DJ Irv contributed to Jay-Z’s 1996 album “Reasonable Doubt” by producing “Can I Live.” His production portfolio includes artists like Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Fat Joe, and Christina Milian. In 2007, he co-produced Vanessa Carlton’s album “Heroes and Thieves” with Rick Rubin and Stephan Jenkins.
Gotti’s career experienced a rough patch in the mid-2000s when Murder Inc. was federally investigated for alleged connections to drug lord Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. In 2003, federal agents raided the record label’s offices, accusing Gotti of money laundering. He was acquitted of all charges, but the incident tarnished the label’s reputation. Consequently, Murder Inc. changed its name to The Inc. to avoid negative associations.
Lyor Cohen, former Def Jam executive and current global music head at YouTube, paid tribute to Gotti, praising him as “one of its most creative soldiers.” Cohen lauded Gotti’s impact, his roots in Queens, and the strong family ties he maintained throughout his life. He expressed his honor in knowing Gotti and acknowledged that he would be greatly missed.
In his later years, Gotti ventured into the television industry, launching the BET anthology series “Tales,” creatively combining hip-hop music with storytelling. Despite past setbacks, his ability to reinvent allowed him to remain active in entertainment.
The news of Gotti’s death elicited immediate responses from the hip-hop community, many honoring his contributions. However, longtime adversary 50 Cent, who had a longstanding feud with Gotti and Ja Rule, reacted controversially. 50 Cent posted a contentious image and caption on social media, eliciting mixed reactions from the public.
The tension between 50 Cent and Gotti has deep roots, with events such as a 1999 robbery involving Ja Rule, a 2000 conflict at Hit Factory Studio, and a series of diss tracks. In 2005, federal investigators suggested a link between the attempted murder of 50 Cent in 2000, Murder Inc., and Kenneth McGriff, although no charges were ever filed relating to the shooting.
Despite controversies, Gotti’s mark on the music industry is unquestionable. He was instrumental in shaping the sound of hip-hop and R&B in the early 2000s, influencing subsequent generations of 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.