Irv Gotti, Murder Inc. Records Founder, Dies at 54

By Staff

NEW YORK, February 6, 2025, 2 a.m. ET — Hip-hop mogul and Murder Inc. Records founder Irv Gotti has passed away at the age of 54. The cause of death remains unknown, but the celebrated record executive had previously suffered a stroke and battled diabetes-related health issues.

Gotti, whose real name was Irving Lorenzo, rose to fame in the late '90s and early 2000s. His influence reshaped hip-hop and R&B, forging chart-topping hits with iconic artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX. His knack for producing platinum records with crossover appeal catapulted Murder Inc. to legendary status, boasting collaborations with industry titans such as Jennifer Lopez and Jay-Z.

Before founding Murder Inc., Gotti worked as an A&R at Def Jam, where he signed and produced for heavyweights DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule. One of his standout contributions was producing Jay-Z’s track "Can I Live" from the critically acclaimed 1996 album Reasonable Doubt.

In the mid-2000s, Gotti faced legal challenges when the FBI investigated his alleged connections to drug lord Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. Despite these setbacks, Gotti redefined himself, branching into television with BET's Tales, a series that blended music with narrative storytelling.

Gotti leaves behind his three children, mother, siblings, and his brother Chris Lorenzo, his co-founder at Murder Inc. The music world mourns his loss, with heartfelt tributes pouring in from notable figures, including 50 Cent, BET, Rob Markman, and Marc Lamont Hill.

His death marks the end of an era in hip-hop, but his legacy continues to resonate with the beats and rhythms that once dominated the airwaves.