Nationwide — Irv Gotti, the influential music producer, record executive, and television show creator, has passed away at the age of 54. His death was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, though the cause remains undisclosed.Born Irving Lorenzo in Queens, New York, Gotti played a significant role in shaping early 2000s hip-hop and R&B. In early 2024, he reportedly suffered a minor stroke but was said to have recovered after adopting a healthier lifestyle. His sudden passing has left fans and industry peers mourning the loss of a figure who helped define an era of music.
Gotti co-founded Murder Inc. Records, a dominant force in hip-hop that introduced multi-platinum stars like Ja Rule and Ashanti. Under his leadership, the label produced chart-topping hits, including Ja Rule’s “Always On Time” and Ashanti’s “Foolish.” Before launching his own imprint, Gotti worked at Def Jam, where he was instrumental in securing deals for Jay-Z and DMX. His production and executive oversight helped shape albums like Reasonable Doubt and It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, the latter of which sold millions and catapulted DMX to stardom.
The success of Murder Inc. extended beyond hip-hop, with Gotti collaborating with major artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Eve, and Alicia Keys. His work on Ashanti’s self-titled debut album earned him a Grammy Award in 2003. However, his career faced turbulence in 2005 when he and his brother, Chris Lorenzo, were accused of money laundering in connection to alleged drug trafficker Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. After a high-profile trial, both were acquitted, but the controversy affected the trajectory of his label.
In later years, Gotti shifted his focus to television. He starred in the VH1 reality series Gotti’s Way and later created Tales for BET, a show that transformed hip-hop songs into scripted narratives. In 2022, he executive-produced The Murder Inc. Story, a documentary that revisited the rise and fall of his record label. The project reignited discussion about his past, including claims of a relationship with Ashanti, which she later refuted. In 2023, he was sued by a woman who alleged an abusive relationship, accusations he denied.
Despite the controversies that surrounded his later years, Gotti’s contributions to music remain undeniable. In a 2017 interview on Drink Champs, rapper N.O.R.E. praised his legacy, suggesting that his influence was so strong that modern trends like mumble rap might not have emerged if he were still at the helm. His impact on hip-hop culture and the artists he helped elevate will be remembered for generations.