A Legacy in Hip-Hop and R&B
Irv Gotti, the influential record executive, music producer, and founder of Murder Inc. Records, has passed away at 54. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, Gotti had previously suffered multiple strokes and battled diabetes-related health issues. His impact on hip-hop and R&B, particularly in the late 1990s and early 2000s, cemented his legacy in the music industry.
Building a Hip-Hop Empire
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti launched Murder Inc. Records in 1998, shaping the careers of Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX. His signature production style, fusing hip-hop beats with melodic hooks, helped create a wave of crossover hits. Tracks like “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny” with Jennifer Lopez, “Always on Time” with Ja Rule and Ashanti, and Ashanti’s solo hits like “Foolish” and “Rain on Me” defined an era.
Before founding Murder Inc., Gotti worked as an A&R at Def Jam, where he played a crucial role in signing DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule. Under his DJ alias, DJ Irv, he also produced “Can I Live” from Jay-Z’s debut album Reasonable Doubt in 1996.
Expanding Beyond Music
Murder Inc. rebranded as The Inc. in the mid-2000s, adding artists like Vanessa Carlton, whose 2007 album Heroes and Thieves Gotti co-produced alongside Rick Rubin and Stephan Jenkins. His production credits also include work with Kanye West, Fat Joe, Memphis Bleek, and Christina Milian.
Despite an FBI investigation in the mid-2000s into alleged ties with drug kingpin Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff—which led to a raid on Murder Inc.’s offices—Gotti was acquitted. However, the case impacted the label’s reputation. In recent years, he transitioned into television, creating BET’s Tales, an anthology series blending hip-hop and storytelling.
It’s a sad day for Hip Hop as we’ve lost one of its greatest visionaries according to The Hollywood Reporter and TMZ. 💔
— BET (@BET) February 6, 2025
As the co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, Irv Gotti shaped an era—delivering timeless hits, iconic anthems, and launching legendary careers that left an… pic.twitter.com/srhYmOPBf2
Remembering Irv Gotti
Gotti is survived by his children, Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson, his mother Nee Nee Lorenzo, his siblings Tina, Angie, and Chris Lorenzo, who co-founded Murder Inc. His influence on music and culture remains undeniable, leaving behind a catalog of timeless hits and a lasting impact on hip-hop and R&B.
