Irv Gotti, Famed Music Exec Known For Signing Ashanti And Ja Rule, Has Died At Age 54

Irv Gotti, a respected music producer, entrepreneur, and record executive, has died at the age of 54.

Although his cause of death has yet to be revealed, the music mogul reportedly suffered through multiple strokes in recent years while dealing with diabetes-related issues.

Widely known for founding the successful record label Murder Inc., Irv — born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. — helped build the careers of some of the biggest names in music, including Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX.

It was impossible to turn on the radio between the late '90s and mid-'00s without hearing one of his produced singles-turned-smash hip-hop, R&B, or crossover hits. "Foolish" by Ashanti, "I'm Real" by Ja Rule ft. J.Lo, "Always On Time" by Ja Rule ft. Ashanti, "Gangsta Lovin'" by Eve ft. Alicia Keys, "What's Luv?" by Fat Joe ft. Ja Rule and Ashanti, and "Southside" by Lloyd ft. Ashanti don't even begin to cover it.

Before launching his prominent label, Murder Inc., in 1998, Irv worked as an A&R at Def Jam, where he helped sign Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule.

Irv is survived by his three children, Angie, Sonny, and JJ; his mother, Nee Nee Lorenzo; sisters, Tina and Angie; and his brother, Chris Lorenzo, with whom he co-founded Murder Inc.

When news of his death broke, tributes began to pour in acknowledging the impact he made on music and the lives of many:

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