Irv Gotti, the founder of Murder Inc. Records, and an acclaimed producer has passed away at 54, reports The Hollywood Reporter.
A cause of death has not been revealed.
Launching his career in the 1990s, Gotti made a name for himself as an up-and-coming producer under the moniker DJ Irv. He produced Mic Geranomo’s debut album “The Natural” and “Can I Live” from JAY-Z’s classic debut album Reasonable Doubt.
Gotti went on to become an A&R executive at Def Jam where convinced the label to sign DMX. He served as executive producer on DMX’s groundbreaking debut album It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot in 1998. and the soundtrack for the 1998 film Belly. Following his success, Gotti started his own imprint, Murder Inc. Records, in partnership with his brother Chris which was distributed by Def Jam.
The label signed Ja Rule as its flagship artist and enjoyed massive success with his platinum-selling debut album Venni Vetti Vecci with Gotti producing every track, serving as the executive producer.
Along with Ja Rule, Gotti discovered Ashanti and produced her self-titled, number-one debut album in 2002. He also produced her Billboard Hot 100 number-one smash “Foolish” which spent 10 consecutive weeks at the top spot on the Billboard chart.
Murder Inc. began to lose momentum after federal agents raided its offices on suspicion of drug money laundering in Jan. 2003. Gotti was charged with racketeering and money laundering as part of an investigation that also involved his brother Christopher and Kenneth McGriff, a convicted drug lord
After his acquittal in 2005, Gotti rebranded the label as The Inc., releasing successful albums by Lloyd and Ashanti.
Turning to TV, Gotti created and produced Tales, a drama series that reimagined classic rap songs, and The Murder Inc. Story which chronicled his journey in the industry. Both series aired on BET.
In June 2022, he sold 50 percent of his Murder Inc. masters after signing a $300 million deal with brand management company Iconoclast.
In 2024, his health began to decline after suffering a stroke as a result of a diabetes diagnosis.
“Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago. He has since changed his diet to eating more healthy. He’s been successful in making a full recovery. Irv is not in a rehab facility. He is at home with his family, enjoying life” his rep said at the time.
We at HOT97 extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Irv Gotti.