Irv Gotti, Music Mogul and Founder of Murder Inc. Records, Passes Away at 54
Irv Gotti, the influential record executive, producer, and founder of Murder Inc. Records, passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 54. His death was confirmed by his family, who shared a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of the music mogul. While the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, Gotti had faced significant health challenges in recent years, including multiple strokes and complications related to diabetes.
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, shaping the sound of hip-hop and R&B with his signature production style. He played a pivotal role in launching the careers of artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, producing chart-topping hits such as Ja Rule and Jennifer Lopez’s “I’m Real” and Ashanti’s “Foolish.” His work at Murder Inc. Records, which he co-founded with his brother Chris Lorenzo in 1998, became synonymous with the era’s crossover hits, blending hip-hop beats with melodic hooks.
Before founding Murder Inc., Gotti worked as an A&R executive at Def Jam Recordings, where he helped sign and develop artists like Jay-Z and DMX. His contributions to the music industry earned him a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album for his work on Ashanti’s debut album. Despite facing setbacks in the mid-2000s due to an FBI investigation into alleged ties with drug kingpin Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, Gotti reinvented himself in later years, venturing into television with BET’s Tales series.
Tributes poured in from across the music world following his passing. Def Jam Recordings praised Gotti as a “creative genius” whose work reshaped hip-hop and R&B. However, his longtime rival, rapper 50 Cent, sparked controversy with a mocking social media post, reigniting their decades-long feud.
Gotti is survived by his three children, Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson; his mother, Nee Nee Lorenzo; and his siblings. His legacy as a visionary in the music industry will continue to influence future generations.
Irv Gotti, Murder Inc. Records Founder Who Worked With Ashanti and Ja Rule, Dies at 54
“Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop,” says YouTube’s Lyor Cohen.
www.hollywoodreporter.com
Irv Gotti, Grammy-winning producer for Ashanti and Ja Rule, dies at 54
Murder Inc. Records founder Irv Gotti has died at 54. He helped launch careers for talent such as Ashanti, DMX and Ja Rule.
www.usatoday.com
50 Cent brutally mocks Murder Inc. co-founder Irv Gotti’s death after their bitter feud
50 Cent trolled Irv Gotti after hearing the news that the music exec died at age 54.
nypost.com
Irv Gotti, Co-Founder of Murder Inc. Records, Dies at 54
Irv Gotti -- who co-founded Murder Inc. Records and helped make superstars out of Ja Rule and Ashanti -- has died after suffering a stroke.
www.billboard.com
Irv Gotti, Murder Inc. Records Cofounder, Dies at 54
Irv Gotti has died, PEOPLE has confirmed. The famed producer and Murder Inc. Records cofounder was 54 years old.
people.com
Irv Gotti, hip-hop mogul who co-founded Murder, Inc., dead at 54
Irv Gotti, the famed hip-hop music executive from NYC, has died at the age of 54, Def Jam confirms.
www.cbsnews.com
Irv Gotti, Music Producer and Murder Inc. Records Co-Founder, Dead at 54
Irv Gotti, the famed music producer and co-founder of Murder Inc. Records has died at age 54.
www.rollingstone.com
Irv Gotti, music producer and Murder Inc. founder, dies at 54
Def Jam said Gotti's creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture birthed countless hits and defined an era of music that continues to res
www.nbcnews.com
Irv Gotti, Music Executive Behind Ja Rule and Ashanti and Co-Founder of Murder Inc., Dies at 54
Irv Gotti, the producer and music mogul who launched the careers of Ja Rule and Ashanti, has died. He was 54.
variety.com