DMX, Ashanti, Ja-Rule and Kanye producer Irv Gotti dies aged 54Irv Gotti, the renowned music producer and co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, has died at the age of 54, The Hollywood Reporter confirms. No official cause of death has been revealed.
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. in Queens, New York, Gotti’s death follows a period of health struggles. Earlier in 2024, the hip-hop mogul experienced what his representatives described as a “minor stroke” but had reportedly recovered after making significant dietary adjustments.
Co-founding Murder Inc. Records – a Def Jam subsidiary – in 1998 alongside his brother Chris, Gotti played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of early 2000s hip-hop and R&B. The label, named after a notorious crime syndicate, was instrumental in launching the careers of multi-platinum artists like Ja Rule and Ashanti.
Ja Rule, the label’s flagship artist, made his debut with the 1999 album Venni Vetti Vecci, which featured his first top 40 Billboard Hot 100 hit Holla Holla. This album, certified Platinum in the US, helped establish both Ja Rule and Murder Inc. as major forces in the industry.
Gotti’s influence extended far beyond his own label. He began his career as a DJ and producer, earning production credits on Jay-Z’s 1996 debut album Reasonable Doubt with the track Can I Live.
His success also opened the door for collaborations with stars like Jennifer Lopez (I’m Real and the Ain’t It Funny remix), as well as Eve and Alicia Keys (Gangsta Lovin). In 2003, he earned a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album for his executive production of Ashanti’s self-titled debut album.
Despite their success, both Murder Inc. and the Gotti brothers faced their share of controversies over the years. In the early 2000s, Irv and Chris were investigated – with Murder Inc.’s offices raided – for alleged money laundering connections to American drug lord, Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff.
This legal battle, while ultimately resolved in their favour, had a profound impact on the label’s operations and public image.
Tributes from around the world have poured in following news of Gotti’s passing. Def Jam, the label where Gotti got his start, described the producer as “a force that reshaped the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B”.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”

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Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), who worked with Gotti on the 2019 track Brothers, also acknowledged the loss by posting the news along with a white dove emoji on Instagram.

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Read more tributes below.

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Rest In Peace Irving “Irv Gotti” LorenzoThank You for your contributions and all the inspiration you gave. pic.twitter.com/cfTH8fY7cF
— Rob Markman (@RobMarkman) February 6, 2025

Ja Rule, Ashanti, Vita & Charli Baltimore – Down 4 U
Irv Gotti really built that house.
pic.twitter.com/aat5ZcxFTi
— ❂ Yübbîę Umoh ❂ (@Yubbie007) February 6, 2025

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