Hip-Hop Icon Irv Gotti Passes Away at 54

Hip-hop legend Irv Gotti, the mastermind behind Murder Inc. Records and a producer for some of rap’s biggest names, has passed away at the age of 54. Sources close to his family confirmed that he died on Wednesday in New York City. The exact cause of death remains unknown.

Gotti, whose real name was Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., had been battling health issues in recent years, particularly after suffering a stroke last year. He also struggled with diabetes and admitted to having difficulty managing his insulin and diet.

A Legacy in Hip-Hop

Gotti played a crucial role in shaping hip-hop, producing Can I Live on Jay-Z’s debut album Reasonable Doubt. While working at Def Jam, he signed DMX and served as the executive producer for the rapper’s first studio album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot.

In the late '90s, Gotti launched Murder Inc. Records under the Def Jam umbrella, bringing Ja Rule to stardom with his debut album Venni Vetti Vecci. The label became a powerhouse, producing chart-topping hits and launching the careers of artists like Ashanti.

Beyond hip-hop, Gotti also worked with Vanessa Carlton, signing her to a record deal and producing her 2007 album Heroes & Thieves.

Feud with Ashanti

In recent years, Gotti made headlines for his fallout with Ashanti. He opened up about their past on the Drink Champs podcast, describing what he claimed was a relationship. Ashanti denied his version of events, accusing him of being bitter over losing control of her career. The tension resurfaced in 2022 when she chose not to participate in The Murder Inc Story, a BET documentary on the rise of his label.

A Lasting Impact

Despite controversies, Irv Gotti’s influence on hip-hop is undeniable. His work helped shape the careers of some of the biggest names in the industry, and his legacy will live on through the music he helped create.

Rest in peace, Irv Gotti.