Murder Inc. Founder Irv Gotti Passes Away at 54—A Legacy of Hits and Controversy

Influential record executive and producer Irv Gotti has passed away at the age of 54.

The cause of Gotti’s death, confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, remains undisclosed. However, the Murder Inc. Records co-founder (born Irving Lorenzo Jr.) suffered a “mild stroke” in 2024, approximately 11 months before his passing.

In August 2024, it was revealed that he had suffered a stroke six months earlier, linked to complications from diabetes. At the time, he was seen walking with a cane, raising concerns about his health.

Despite initial fears, his representative stated that Gotti was on the road to recovery, had embraced a healthy lifestyle, and had “fully recovered successfully.”

Tributes from the Hip-Hop Community

“Def Jam has lost one of its most creative warriors, a true icon of hip-hop,” said Lyor Cohen, former CEO of Def Jam, in a statement.

“When we were on our knees, he brought the heat and saved us. He came from a tight-knit and beautiful family in Queens, and it was an honor and privilege to know him. Irv, we will miss you.”

The Rise of Murder Inc. and Commercial Success

Best known for co-founding Murder Inc. Records with his brother Chris Gotti in 1998, Irv Gotti became one of the most sought-after producers in hip-hop and R&B. He crafted hits for Jennifer Lopez, Ja Rule, the late DMX, and Ashanti, among many other top-tier artists.

Gotti’s signature production style—melding radio-friendly melodies with traditional hip-hop beats—proved commercially successful throughout the early 2000s.

He was behind some of the most notable remixes of the era, including Jennifer Lopez’s 2001 hit “I’m Real (Murder Remix),” featuring Ja Rule, which he co-wrote and co-produced.

He also co-produced and co-wrote the 2002 remix of Lopez’s “Ain’t It Funny (Murder Remix),” which was a completely different song from her 2001 solo hit of the same name.

With Gotti’s help, Ja Rule achieved massive success with the 2001 smash single “Always On Time,” featuring Ashanti. The duo collaborated again in 2002 on “Mesmerize.”

Gotti also played a crucial role in Ashanti’s solo career, producing major hits such as “Foolish” (2002) and “Rain On Me” (2003).

At the height of its success, Murder Inc. sold over 30 million records worldwide.

Early Career: Def Jam and Breakthrough Collaborations

Before launching Murder Inc., Gotti worked in A&R at Def Jam Records, where he was instrumental in signing Jay-Z and DMX—the latter of whom passed away in 2021.

Before Jay-Z officially joined Def Jam, Gotti produced “Can I Live” from the rapper’s classic 1996 debut album Reasonable Doubt.

He also served as executive producer for DMX’s breakout debut album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot (1998), further cementing his reputation in the hip-hop world.

The success of these projects gave Gotti the influence he needed to co-found Murder Inc. as a subsidiary of Def Jam in 1998.

Legal Troubles and Career Shift

Gotti faced serious legal battles in 2005, when he and his brother Chris Gotti (born Chris Lorenzo) were federally indicted on money laundering charges. After a high-profile trial, both were acquitted in December 2005.

Following the trial, Gotti stepped back from music and turned his focus to television.

From 2007 to 2009, he led VH1’s reality TV show Gotti’s Way, offering fans an inside look at his personal and professional life.

A decade later, he developed the BET scripted series Tales, which blended hip-hop culture with dramatic storytelling.

The Murder Inc. Story and Controversies

In 2022, Gotti produced and was the executive producer of the five-part docuseries The Murder Inc. Story, chronicling the rise and fall of his record label.

During the documentary, he claimed to have had a relationship with Ashanti while still married, though she later clarified that she was never officially “his girlfriend.”

Scandals and Final Years

In 2024, Gotti faced renewed controversy when an anonymous woman sued him, alleging that he had sexually abused her during a violent relationship from 2020 to 2022.

Gotti denied all allegations, calling them “completely false.”

The Decline of Murder Inc.

In 2007, Gotti rebranded Murder Inc. as The Inc., hoping for a less controversial name.

That same year, he signed Vanessa Carlton and co-produced her album Heroes And Thieves (2007). However, the label failed to maintain its former dominance.

Aside from Ashanti, Ja Rule, Lloyd, and Carlton, no major artists were signed under the new brand.

With declining record sales, Ashanti and Ja Rule eventually left the label, leading to The Inc.’s downfall.

A Lasting Influence

Despite the ups and downs of his career, Gotti remained a key figure in hip-hop production. He worked with artists such as Kanye West, Fat Joe, and Christina Milian, further proving his versatility in the industry.

Though his later years were marred by controversy, Irv Gotti’s impact on hip-hop and R&B remains undeniable. His legacy as a producer, record executive, and visionary who helped shape the sound of the early 2000s will not be forgotten.

Rest in peace, Irv Gotti. Hip-hop will remember.