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Irv Gotti, the celebrated co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, has passed on at the age of 54. The music producer’s death was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter and a source close to the family on February 5, 2025. While the exact cause of death remains undisclosed, his history of health complications has drawn renewed attention.
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti played a pivotal role in shaping the hip-hop and R&B landscape of the early 2000s. Alongside his brother Chris, he launched Murder Inc. in 1998 as a Def Jam imprint, catapulting artists like Ja Rule and Ashanti into stardom. Their first major release, Venni Vetti Vecci, featured the hit single “Holla Holla,” marking the beginning of a string of chart-topping successes.
Despite his professional triumphs, Gotti faced persistent health challenges. In August 2024, talent manager Wack100 revealed that Gotti had suffered a stroke and was seen walking with a cane. Reports at the time suggested significant weight loss and ongoing struggles with diabetes, a condition Gotti had battled for years. Speaking candidly on the Drink Champs podcast in 2023, he acknowledged that diabetes had deteriorated his health, exacerbated by inconsistent insulin use.
“He's been struggling with diabetes for years,” a representative told TMZ. "But after making lifestyle changes, he was enjoying life at home with his family."
Gotti's influence extended beyond chart dominance. He co-produced numerous hits, including Ashanti's Grammy-winning debut album and collaborations with artists such as DMX, Jay-Z, and Jennifer Lopez. His signature production style reshaped R&B-infused hip-hop, earning him widespread acclaim. Tracks like “Always On Time,” “I’m Real,” and “Foolish” remain timeless staples in modern music history.
Legal troubles, however, shadowed Gotti’s career. In 2003, Murder Inc. faced a federal investigation linking the label to alleged drug operations led by Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff. Though acquitted in 2005, the ordeal left a lasting impact on the label’s reputation. In July 2024, Gotti faced a sexual assault lawsuit, marking another turbulent chapter in his life.
Fans and industry peers continue to express their grief and pay tribute to Gotti’s enduring legacy. As Ashanti once remarked, "He had the gift of hearing something special before anyone else did." Indeed, his impact on the music world remains irreplaceable.