Irv Gotti, the renowned record executive, music producer, and visionary behind Murder Inc. Records, has passed away, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. While the exact cause of death remains unknown, the influential music mogul had suffered a stroke last year.
Irv Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., rose to fame in the late ’90s and early 2000s, shaping the sound of hip-hop and R&B during a pivotal era. As the mastermind behind Murder Inc. Records, he collaborated with major artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, creating chart-topping hits that dominated the music scene. His unique production style, merging hip-hop beats with catchy melodies, sparked a wave of unforgettable rap and R&B crossover anthems from 2001 to 2004. Iconic tracks like “Always On Time” and “I’m Real” with Ja Rule and Jennifer Lopez, as well as Ashanti’s “Foolish” and “Rain on Me,” became timeless classics, cementing Gotti’s legacy in the industry.
Before founding Murder Inc. Records in 1998, Irv Gotti made his mark in the music industry as an A&R at Def Jam, where he played a pivotal role in bringing icons like DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule to the label. Under his DJ Irv alias, he produced the standout track “Can I Live” on Jay-Z’s groundbreaking 1996 debut Reasonable Doubt. After rebranding to The Inc., Gotti expanded his influence beyond hip-hop, co-producing Vanessa Carlton’s 2007 album Heroes and Thieves alongside legends Rick Rubin and Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind.
Irv Gotti’s impressive production resume includes collaborations with a wide array of artists such as Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Fat Joe, and Christina Milian. In addition to his work behind the scenes, Gotti also released multiple albums under his own name, showcasing his versatility and further solidifying his place in the music industry.
Lyor Cohen, former CEO of Def Jam, expressed deep admiration for Irv Gotti, calling him “one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop.” Reflecting on their close relationship, Cohen shared, “When we were on bended knee, he brought the heat and saved our asses. He comes from a beautiful, tight-knit family in Queens, and it’s been an honor and privilege to know him. Irv, you will be missed.” Cohen, now the global head of music at YouTube, emphasized the significant impact Gotti had on the label and the industry.
Irv Gotti’s career faced significant challenges in the mid-2000s when Murder Inc. became entangled in an FBI investigation linked to alleged connections with drug kingpin Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. The raid on Murder Inc.’s offices and subsequent legal battles tarnished the label’s image, though Gotti was ultimately acquitted. Despite the setback, he made a powerful comeback in recent years, reinventing himself by expanding into television. His creation of Tales, an anthology series that blends hip-hop with storytelling, showcased his adaptability and creative vision in a new medium.
