Bronx, NY–Irv Gotti, the influential figure behind Murder Inc. and a key record executive at Def Jam, has passed away at 54.
In a heartfelt message shared on Gotti’s Instagram, his family confirmed his death, stating, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving ‘Irv Gotti’ Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025. Surrounded by his loved ones, he departed this world, leaving behind a lasting legacy. His impact will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and in the lives of those he touched. Our dad was an extraordinary visionary who reshaped the hip-hop industry and brought a new era to music. His dedication, passion for his craft, and influence will inspire generations to come.”
The statement did not mention the cause of death, but Gotti had faced health challenges in recent years, including multiple strokes and complications related to diabetes.
Born on June 26, 1970, as Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti was pivotal in the evolution of hip-hop during the ‘90s and 2000s. His innovative approach to blending raw rap with smooth pop and R&B hooks helped define the sound of an era. Gotti made a name for himself as an A&R executive at Def Jam, where he played a crucial role in discovering and shaping the careers of major artists like Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule.
In 1998, he launched his own label, Murder Inc., and quickly became known for his signature style of merging gritty rap verses with melodic R&B choruses. The mastermind behind collaborative smash hits such as Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule’s “I’m Real”, “Ain’t It Funny” remixes, Ja Rule and Ashanti’s “Always on Time,” along with Ashanti’s Grammy Award winning self-titled debut album and numerous colossal tracks “Rain on Me,” and “Mesmerize,” solidified his place as a key architect of the early 2000’s crossover sound.
In addition to his label work, Gotti produced tracks for a variety of artists including Jay-Z’s “Can I Live” from Reasonable Doubt, as well as songs by Kanye West, Fat Joe, Memphis Bleek, and Christina Milian. His musical taste and creativity was not just confined to the Hip-Hop genre. In 2007, he signed Pop-Inde pianist Vanessa Carlton and released her third album Heroes and Thieves after rebranding his label as simply “The Inc.”
Gotti’s career took a hit in the mid-2000’s after a high-profile FBI investigation into alleged connections between Murder Inc. and drug lord Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. Although he was eventually acquitted, the controversy threatened his business empire. He later transitioned into TV production on BET’s anthology series Tales, while continuing to work in various entrepreneurial projects.
Def Jam also paid tribute to Gotti in a statement: “His contributions at Def Jam, alongside his work at Murder Inc., were foundational in shaping the future of hip-hop and R&B. His creative genius and tireless commitment to music helped pave the way for future artists and producers, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape that still echoes today.”
Irv Gotti is survived by his children Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson, his brother and Murder Inc. co-founder Chris Lorenzo, his mother Nee Nee Lorenzo, and his sisters Tina and Angie.
