Irv Gotti, a prominent music producer and founder of the hip-hop label Murder Inc., has died at the age of 54.
While the specific cause of death has not been disclosed, Gotti had experienced multiple strokes in recent years and faced complications related to diabetes.
His family shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram, stating, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving ‘Irv Gotti’ Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025. Surrounded by family and friends, he left this world, leaving behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and the many lives he influenced. Our dad was an extraordinary man, a true visionary who revolutionized the hip-hop industry and transformed opportunities for both artists and fans. His profound passion for music and commitment to his work inspired countless individuals, and his legacy will continue to shape future generations.
Gotti rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s, playing a vital role in creating hit hip-hop and R&B tracks during that era. He worked with artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, all of whom achieved considerable commercial success. His distinctive production style effectively blended hip-hop beats with memorable melodic hooks, inspiring a wave of rap and R&B crossover hits that dominated the music charts from 2001 to 2004.
Before founding Murder Inc. in New York City in 1998, Gotti served as an A&R representative at Def Jam, where he was instrumental in bringing artists like DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule to the label. Under the name DJ Irv, he produced the track “Can I Live” from Jay-Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt, released in 1996.
Later rebranded as The Inc., the label also signed Vanessa Carlton, and Gotti co-produced her 2007 album, Heroes and Thieves, alongside Rick Rubin and Third Eye Blind’s Stephan Jenkins.
Gotti is survived by his three children: Angie, Sonny, and JJ.
