Irv Gotti, the influential music producer and founder of Murder Inc. Records, has died at 54. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed his passing, though the cause of death has not been officially announced. Gotti had suffered from multiple strokes in recent years and battled diabetes-related health issues.
His family released a statement on Instagram, expressing their grief and honoring his legacy. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving ‘Irv Gotti’ Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025.
Surrounded by loved ones, he “departed this world, leaving a legacy” that will be cherished. His children, Angie, Sonny, and JJ, asked for privacy, finding solace in knowing his spirit lives on through his music and the love he shared.
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, shaping hip-hop and R&B with his signature production style. As the driving force behind Murder Inc. Records, he worked with artists such as Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, producing a string of multi-platinum hits. His collaborations with Jennifer Lopez on “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny” and Ashanti’s chart-topping singles “Foolish” and “Always on Time” cemented his influence in the music industry.
Before launching Murder Inc. in 1998, Gotti played a crucial role at Def Jam Records as an A&R executive, helping sign Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule. Under the moniker DJ Irv, he contributed to Jay-Z’s 1996 album “Reasonable Doubt” by producing “Can I Live.” Over the years, his production credits extended to artists such as Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Fat Joe, and Christina Milian. In 2007, he co-produced Vanessa Carlton’s album “Heroes and Thieves” alongside Rick Rubin and Stephan Jenkins.
His career faced turbulence in the mid-2000s when Murder Inc. came under federal investigation for alleged ties to drug kingpin Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. In 2005, federal agents raided the label’s offices, accusing Gotti of laundering drug money. Ultimately, he was acquitted of all charges, but the legal battle tainted the label’s reputation. To distance itself from negative connotations, Murder Inc. was rebranded as The Inc.
Lyor Cohen, former Def Jam executive and current global head of music at YouTube, honored Gotti, calling him “one of its most creative soldiers.” He reflected on Gotti’s impact during difficult times, praising his Queens roots and the strong family bond he carried throughout his life. Cohen described it as an honor to have known him, adding that he will be deeply missed.
In later years, Gotti expanded into television, creating the BET anthology series “Tales,” which blended hip-hop music with storytelling. Despite past challenges, his resilience in reinventing himself kept him active in the entertainment industry.
Reactions from the hip-hop world were swift, with many paying homage to his contributions. However, longtime rival 50 Cent, who had an infamous feud with Gotti and Ja Rule for over two decades, took a controversial stance. The rapper posted an image of himself next to a mock headstone with the caption, “I’m smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him 🕊️ LOL.” The post drew mixed reactions, with some laughing at the jab while others criticized his remarks’ timing.
The animosity between 50 Cent and Gotti stems from a history of conflicts, including a 1999 robbery incident involving Ja Rule, a 2000 altercation at Hit Factory Studio, and ongoing diss tracks. In 2005, federal investigators suspected that the attempted murder of 50 Cent in 2000 was linked to Murder Inc. and Kenneth McGriff, though no charges were filed about the shooting.
Despite controversies, Gotti’s impact on the music industry remains undeniable. He played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of early 2000s hip-hop and R&B, influencing future 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.
