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Irv Gotti, Def Jam hip-hop exec and Murder Inc. co-founder, dies at 54

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Irv Gotti, the Def Jam record executive behind the Murder Inc. label, has died. He was 54.

With great sadness, we share the news that our treasured father, Irving ‘Irv Gotti’ Lorenzo, passed away on February 5, 2025. He left this world peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a lasting impact that will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him and countless lives he touched. Our dad was an extraordinary individual, a trailblazer in the hip-hop industry who revolutionized music and transformed it for artists and fans alike. His unwavering love for music and commitment to his craft inspired numerous people, and his impact will endure, shaping future generations.

The cause of Gotti’s death wasn’t specified, however, he had experienced multiple strokes and health complications related to diabetes in the past few years.

A post shared by Irving Lorenzo (@irvgotti187)

Born on June 26, 1970 as Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti was a significant influencer in the ’90s and early 2000s hip-hop scene, where bold lyrics and larger-than-life personas harmoniously merged with catchy pop melodies and soulful R&B tones.

Gotti, a key figure in the music industry, first gained recognition working as an A&R representative at Def Jam. During his tenure there, he played instrumental roles in the signings and development of iconic artists such as Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule. In 1998, he established Murder Inc., his own label imprint. With a distinct style that combined raw rap vocals with softer R&B harmonies, Gotti’s approach resulted in several successful collaborations. These included remixed versions of “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny” by Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule; the duo’s “Always on Time,” and Ashanti’s hits like “Rain on Me,” “Foolish,” and “Mesmerize.

On social media, Def Jam expressed that he significantly influenced Def Jam as both an A&R executive and in collaboration with Murder Inc. His impact paved the path for future generations of artists and producers, shaping the hip-hop and R&B soundscape in a powerful way. His extraordinary creativity and unwavering commitment to the music culture resulted in numerous hits that defined an era of music which still echoes strongly among fans globally.

A post shared by Def Jam Recordings (@defjam)

Gotti himself was responsible for producing tracks such as “Can I Live” on Jay Z’s debut album “Reasonable Doubt” in 1996, as well as songs by Kanye West, Fat Joe, Memphis Bleek, and Christina Milian. His taste in music wasn’t limited to hip-hop; in fact, he also released the singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton’s album “Heroes and Thieves” in 2007 after rebranding his label as “Inc.

In the mid-2000s, there were questions about his successful career following an FBI investigation that led to a search of Murder Inc.’s headquarters. The FBI was investigating potential links between him and drug lord Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. However, Gotti was found not guilty, and he later transitioned into TV production, creating “Tales,” a BET series focusing on hip-hop history.

Gotti’s family members who carry on after him include his daughters Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson; his brother and partner in Murder Inc., Chris Lorenzo; their mother, Nee Nee Lorenzo; and his sisters Tina and Angie.

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2025-02-06 21:31

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