Irv Gotti: Legendary hip-hop music producer and record label exec dead at 54

Irv Gotti, who was best known as the founder of Murder Inc. Records, has passed away at the age of 54. The music industry titan suffered a stroke in 2024, however, it is unknown if that is related to his cause of death.

Gotti, real name, Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr, worked with some of the biggest hip-hop and RnB artists of the 1990s and 2000s, including Ja Rule, Ashanti and the late DMX. Before launching Murder Inc., Gotti worked for the famed hip-hop label Def Jam, where he worked with the likes of Jay-Z and Vanessa Carlton.

Some of the most successful RnB tracks of the 1990s and 2000s were produced by Gotti, including Ja Rule's 'Always On Time', Jennifer Lopez's 'I’m Real', and Ashanti’s 'Foolish' and 'Mesmerize'.

What was Irv Gotti's cause of death?

It was reported by several outlets that the music producer was unresponsive and on life support after suffering a second stroke.

His exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed, but TMZ reported that Gotti died on Wednesday, February 5th, in New York City.

Tributes for Irv Gotti after death at 54

Tributes began pouring in for the late hip-hop icon, with many fans taking to X to pay their respects.

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"Damn... hate him or love him you have to respect who and what he brought to the music scene and game without Murder Inc there was no Ashanti or Ja Rule hits Rip Irv Gotti," one wrote.

"Hate him or love him Irv Gotti help put a lot of artists on and create some of the greatest songs ever. RIP," another added.

"Rip Irv Gotti .. murder inc was def an era," another wrote.

"Irv Gotti was instrumental in the careers of Ja Rule, Jay-Z, DMX, Ashanti and others. He was not only a legendary producer, but he also saved Def Jam from bankruptcy and was responsible for the label’s resurgence in the late 90s. RIP, IG.," read another tribute.

Irv Gotti's legal issues and feud with 50 Cent

Despite being hailed as an important pioneer in the RnB scene, Gotti's life and career were not without its controversies.

The Queens-born mogul was involved in a money laundering investigation after it was suspected that cash was being illegally filtered through Murder Inc by American drug lord Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff. The case was ultimately acquitted.

Gotti also had a long-standing feud with rapper 50 Cent, dating back to 1999. The pair have had numerous altercations over the years and have also verbally attacked each other through "diss tracks."

In May 2000, 50 Cent was shot nine times outside his grandmother’s home in Queens with a federal investigation later suggested that Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff orchestrated the attack, although he, nor anyone from Murder Inc. were ever formally charged.

McGriff was sentenced to life in prison for murder conspiracy and drug trafficking in an unrelated case in 2007.

50 Cent posted a response to Gotti's death on Instagram, seemingly making light of the situation with a caption reading, "I’m smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him 🕊️LOL."

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