Murder Inc. Records founder and music producer, Irv Gotti has reportedly died at age 54.
The Grammy winner reportedly died on Wednesday in New York City, his family has told multiple media outlets. He has faced health issues in the past, most recently suffering a stroke last year. The cause of death was not revealed.
In his early days, Irv Gotti worked as an A&R at Def Jam Recordings, where he signed DMX in 1997.
Throughout his career, Gotti produced multiple hits with Ja Rule, Ashanti, DMX and Jennifer Lopez, including “Always On Time,” “I’m Real,” “Ain’t It Funny,” “Foolish,” “Rain on Me” and “Mesmerize.” He has production credits on records by Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Fat Joe and Christina Milian. He produced “Can I Live” on Jay-Z’s debut album, “Reasonable Doubt.” The list goes on..
Gotti shared in the past that diabetes started “deteriorating” his body and he didn’t have his condition under control despite having it “forever.”
“Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop,” says Lyor Cohen, who held chief executive roles at the label from 1988 to 2004 and was a presence from its nascent days (he currently serves as global head of music at YouTube). “When we were on bended knee, he brought the heat and saved our asses. He comes from a very tight beautiful family from Queens and it’s an honor and a privilege to have known him. Irv, you will be missed.”
“Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees, are deeply saddened at the loss of Irv Gotti,” the statement reads. “His contributions at Def Jam, as both an A&R executive and in partnership with Murder Inc., helped pave the way for the next generation of artists and producers, a force that reshaped the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B. His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture birthed countless hits, defining an era of music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his work.
Def Jam’s thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his work. pic.twitter.com/0NmBQTlyQ5
— Def Jam Recordings (@defjam) February 6, 2025
The post Murder Inc. Records Founder, Irv Gotti Dies at 54. first appeared on Rap Industry: New Hip Hop, Rap Videos, Music, News, & more..
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