Irv Gotti, a noted record executive, music producer and entrepreneur best known as the founder of Murder Inc. Records, has died. He was 54. The cause of death has not been announced, but the music mogul did suffer a number of strokes in recent years and had also battled diabetes-related issues.
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00:00Irv Gotti, a noted record executive, music producer, and entrepreneur,
00:04best known as the founder of Murder, Inc. Records, has died. He was 54.
00:09The cause of death has not been announced, but the music mogul did suffer a number of
00:13strokes in recent years, and had also battled diabetes-related issues.
00:17His family shared a statement on his Instagram. They wrote in part,
00:21It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father,
00:24Irving Irv Gotti Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025.
00:28Surrounded by family and friends, he departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will
00:33forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched.
00:37The statement continued,
00:38Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the
00:41hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike.
00:45His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many,
00:49and his contributions will continue to influence future generations.
00:52His family also asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
00:56Gotti rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
01:00As a producer, he played a key role in the hip-hop and R&B records of the time,
01:04working with artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX.
01:07Before launching Murder, Inc., later called The Ink, in New York City in 1998,
01:12Gotti worked as an A&R at Def Jam, where he helped bring DMX, Ja Rule, and Jay-Z to the label.
01:18Under the moniker DJ Irv, he produced the song
01:21Can I Live from Jay-Z's 1996 debut, Reasonable Doubt.
01:24Gotti's production credits extend to records by Kanye West, Memphis Bleak,
01:28Fat Joe, Christina Milian, and Vanessa Carlton.
01:31He also released several albums under his own name.
01:34Reaction to news of his death from across the music world was swift.
01:37Among the many tributes, Ja Rule shared this photo, writing simply,
01:41Love you.
01:42Fat Joe also paid his respects.
01:43He wrote on Instagram,
01:45What a genius. God bless you, Irv. Thank you for all you've done for hip-hop.
01:49You changed my life and I will always love you. Rest in peace.
01:52In a now-deleted post, Ye shared the news of Gotti's death with a white dove emoji.
01:56For more on the life and career of Irv Gotti, and for more tributes,
01:59go to THR.com.
02:01This is The Hollywood Reporter News.