Irv Gotti, legendary music executive and founder of Murder Inc. Records, has died at 54. Known for shaping hip-hop and launching stars like Jay-Z and Ja Rule, Gotti's passing follows past health struggles. The cause remains unconfirmed, but tributes pour in honoring his lasting impact on the music industry.
Irv Gotti, the renowned music executive and founder of Murder Inc. Records, has died at the age of 54. His passing follows previous reports of health struggles, including a stroke last year.
The cause of his death has not been officially confirmed, but sources close to the industry had previously disclosed that Gotti battled diabetes for years. Reports from 2024 indicated he suffered a minor stroke and had since been focusing on improving his health.
Gotti, whose real name was Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., played a pivotal role in shaping hip-hop, helping launch the careers of superstars like Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule. Under his leadership, Murder Inc. became a powerhouse in the early 2000s, producing numerous chart-topping hits.
Beyond hip-hop, Gotti expanded his influence into R&B, working with artists such as Ashanti and producing records for major names like Fat Joe and Kanye West. He later ventured into television, creating the BET series Tales, which blended music and storytelling.
