Irv Gotti, the influential co-founder of Murder Inc. Records and a key figure in shaping the sound of hip-hop in the late 90s and early 2000s, has died at the age of 54.
The news of his passing on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, leading to a flood of tributes and condolences on social media.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Gotti suffered his second stroke in under a year.
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. on June 26, 1970, in Hollis, Queens, Gotti’s journey began in a neighborhood rich with hip-hop talent.
He gained recognition as an A&R executive at Def Jam Recordings, where he was pivotal in signing DMX in 1997 and played a significant role in Jay-Z’s early career.
In 1998, he and his brother Chris founded Murder Inc. Records, which quickly became a powerhouse in hip-hop during the early 2000s, helping to launch the careers of multi-platinum artists like Ja Rule and Ashanti.
Gotti’s influence went beyond just discovering talent; he was instrumental in producing and co-producing iconic tracks such as Ja Rule’s “Always on Time” featuring Ashanti, Jay-Z’s “Can I Get A…” featuring Ja Rule and Amil, and DMX’s “What’s My Name.”
Def Jam Recordings recognized his vital contributions, noting that Gotti’s role as an A&R executive and his collaboration with Murder Inc. helped shape the future of artists and producers, transforming the landscape of hip-hop and R&B.
Even though he faced legal troubles, including a trial in the early 2000s where he and his brother were found not guilty of charges linked to an alleged drug kingpin, Gotti continued to be a respected figure in the music scene.
At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be around $25 million. Tributes flooded in from fellow artists and industry leaders, including Ye (Kanye West), Ja Rule, and Fat Joe, all expressing their sorrow and gratitude for Gotti’s impact on hip-hop.

Fat Joe praised Gotti as a genius, recognizing the deep influence he had on his life and the genre. The Game also recounted a story highlighting Gotti’s early support and mentorship.
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