Irv Gotti, the influential music producer and co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, has died at the age of 54. Known for working with stars like Ashanti and Ja Rule, his death was confirmed by PEOPLE, though the exact cause has not been disclosed.
A source close to Gotti told PEOPLE that he had experienced several strokes in recent years and was diabetic. The news of his passing was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Gotti had been open about his health challenges in the months leading up to his death. In August, TMZ reported that Gotti had suffered a stroke. Wack 100, a hip-hop record executive, mentioned that he had spoken to someone at a stroke recovery facility about Gotti’s condition.
“Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago,” a representative for Gotti told TMZ. “He has since changed his diet to eating more healthily. He has made a full recovery and is at home with his family, enjoying life.”
On Revolt TV’s Drink Champs in August 2023, Gotti discussed his battle with diabetes. “It runs rampant with Black people,” he said of the condition, noting its effects on the body. When asked if he had the disease “under control,” Gotti admitted, “No,” and explained it was hereditary.
In July 2024, Gotti faced accusations of sexual assault and abuse from a woman who claimed he raped and abused her between 2020 and 2022.
Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., started his music career in the late ’90s. He worked in A&R for Def Jam Recordings, where he signed iconic artists like DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule. He also produced Jay-Z’s track “Can I Live” from the album Reasonable Doubt (1996).
In 1998, Gotti co-founded Murder Inc. Records, a subsidiary of Def Jam, which helped launch the careers of Ja Rule, Ashanti, Lloyd, and more. Later, he renamed the label to The Inc. and shifted towards pop music by signing Vanessa Carlton. He co-produced her 2007 album Heroes and Thieves alongside Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind and Rick Rubin.
Throughout his successful career, Gotti worked with top artists such as Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, and Jennifer Lopez. He produced Ashanti’s hit songs “Foolish” and “Always On Time,” as well as Lopez and Ja Rule’s tracks “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny.”
Gotti is survived by his three children: Angie, Sonny, and JJ.
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