Irv Gotti, the renowned music producer and founder of the influential Murder Inc. label, has passed away at the age of 54. The announcement was made by Def Jam Recordings, although no cause of death has been disclosed.
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. in Hollis, Queens, in 1971, Gotti’s career took off after working on Jay-Z’s iconic album, Reasonable Doubt. He was pivotal in A&R at Def Jam, where he signed DMX and executive produced the artist’s groundbreaking debut, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot. Gotti also produced hits for artists such as Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Foxy Brown, leading to the establishment of his own record label.
Murder Inc.’s flagship artist was Ja Rule, known for collaborations that fused rap and R&B, bringing notable mainstream success. Gotti’s work with Ashanti, who initially served as an in-house songwriter, launched her career with chart-topping singles like “Always on Time.” Her debut album earned Gotti a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album. However, the label faced significant challenges due to a federal indictment, from which Gotti and his brother were eventually cleared.
Throughout his career, Gotti faced scrutiny regarding his business practices. Ashanti had to re-record her debut album to regain control of her masters, a situation she later described as manipulative. Furthermore, he faced legal challenges, including a lawsuit for sexual assault, which he denied.
The announcement of Gotti’s passing elicited strong reactions from the music community, with tributes highlighting his impact on hip-hop and R&B. Ja Rule expressed his sorrow with a heartfelt message, while others shared their condolences, acknowledging his significant contributions to the music industry.
Def Jam recognized Gotti’s legacy, stating that he ‘reshaped the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B,’ marking his departure as a profound loss for the genre.
