Renowned music producer and Murder Inc. Records founder Irv Gotti has passed away at age 54. Although the official cause of death has not been disclosed, the Hollywood Reporter notes that Gotti had been dealing with health complications from diabetes and recent strokes.
In an Instagram post, Gotti’s family shared the news of his passing on February 5, 2025, stating that Irving ‘Irv Gotti’ Lorenzo had left behind a cherished legacy. The family requested privacy as they grieve, stating that comfort is found in his music and the love he exhibited.
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti’s influential career began in the late 90s and early 2000s, when he significantly impacted the hip-hop and R&B genres with his unique production style. He collaborated with prominent artists such as Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX through Murder Inc. Records, producing numerous multi-platinum hits.
Gotti’s successful collaboration with Jennifer Lopez on “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny,” and Ashanti’s “Foolish” and “Always on Time,” had a substantial impact on his career. Prior to establishing Murder Inc. in 1998, Gotti was instrumental at Def Jam Records as an A&R executive, where he signed Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule. He also contributed to Jay-Z’s 1996 album “Reasonable Doubt” as DJ Irv.
However, Gotti’s career faced significant turbulence in the mid-2000s when Murder Inc. was federally investigated for alleged connections with drug lord Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. Following a 2005 raid on Murder Inc.’s offices and the subsequent money laundering accusations against Gotti, the label rebranded as The Inc. after Gotti was acquitted.
Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s current global head of music and former Def Jam executive, honored Gotti, describing him as a creative force in the music industry. Despite the controversies, Gotti successfully ventured into television, creating the BET series “Tales,” which integrated hip-hop music with storytelling.
The news of Gotti’s death elicited swift reactions from the hip-hop community. However, 50 Cent, Gotti’s longtime rival, posted a controversial reaction on social media. The ongoing feud between 50 Cent and Gotti, which included physical altercations and diss tracks, was further fueled by a 2005 federal investigation linking an attempt on 50 Cent’s life to Murder Inc. and Kenneth McGriff.
Despite the controversies, Gotti’s influence on the music industry is significant, having shaped early 2000s hip-hop and R&B, and inspiring future generations of artists and producers. Gotti is survived by his three children, Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson; his mother, Nee Nee Lorenzo; sisters, Tina and Angie; and brother, Chris Lorenzo, with whom he co-founded Murder Inc.
