Music executive Irv Gotti, founder of Murder Inc. Records, has died at 54.

Irv Gotti, the influential music mogul and founder of Murder Inc. Records, has passed away at 54. Known for shaping the sound of early 2000s hip-hop and R&B, Gotti was instrumental in launching the careers of major artists like Ashanti and Ja Rule.

Def Jam Recordings, the parent company of Murder Inc., confirmed Gotti’s passing late Wednesday, but no cause of death was given.

Born Irving Lorenzo, Gotti co-founded Murder Inc. with his brother in the late 1990s, quickly rising to fame with a roster of platinum-selling artists. Beyond Ashanti and Ja Rule, he worked with hip-hop icons like DMX, Fat Joe, and Jay-Z, producing some of the most memorable hits of the era.

“His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture produced countless hits that continue to resonate with fans around the world,” said Def Jam in a statement.

Murder Inc. got its name after Gotti watched a documentary on the infamous mob group Murder, Inc. However, the label faced serious challenges in the early 2000s when it was investigated for allegedly laundering money for a notorious drug kingpin. Though Gotti was ultimately acquitted, the negative press prompted him to drop “Murder” from the label’s name, rebranding it simply as “The Inc.”

“All these big records, and people still focused on the word ‘murder,’” Gotti said at the time.

Despite the label’s name change, Gotti never dropped the nickname “Irv Gotti,” a nod to the late Gambino family boss John Gotti, which was given to him by Jay-Z. “I’m not changing it,” he once said.

Lyor Cohen, former Def Jam executive and now global head of music at YouTube and Google, remembered Gotti fondly. “Irv was pure hip-hop. He came from a beautiful, tight-knit family in Queens. When we were down, he brought the fire and saved us. Irv, you will be deeply missed,” said Cohen in a heartfelt tribute.

About Irv Gotti:

Irv Gotti (born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr.) is an American music executive, producer, and founder of Murder Inc. Records, a label that became a powerhouse in hip-hop and R&B during the early 2000s. Known for his work with top artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, DMX, and Jay-Z, Gotti helped shape the sound of mainstream hip-hop with his unique blend of street-inspired beats and catchy hooks.

Early Life

Born: June 26, 1970
Hometown: Queens, New York
Gotti grew up in a tough neighborhood in Queens and initially pursued DJing before transitioning into music production. His love for hip-hop and determination to succeed in the music industry helped him land opportunities at Def Jam Recordings, where he worked with artists like DMX and Jay-Z in the early stages of their careers.

Murder Inc. Records

In 1997, Gotti founded Murder Inc. Records with backing from Def Jam. The label quickly rose to prominence, driven by Ja Rule’s string of hits and Ashanti’s chart-topping success. Murder Inc. became known for its smooth mix of R&B hooks and gritty rap verses, dominating the charts with songs like:

Always on Time (Ja Rule ft. Ashanti)
Foolish (Ashanti)
Put It on Me (Ja Rule)

At its peak, Murder Inc. was a dominant force in the music industry, earning multiple platinum albums and Grammy nominations.

Legal Troubles & Rebranding

In the early 2000s, Murder Inc. faced significant legal trouble when Gotti was investigated for money laundering, allegedly connected to a known drug dealer. Although he was acquitted in 2005, the controversy took a toll on the label’s reputation. Gotti later rebranded the company as The Inc. to distance it from its negative associations.

Later Career

After stepping back from the mainstream spotlight, Gotti worked on independent projects and created “Tales,” a TV series on BET that brought hip-hop songs to life in cinematic form. He continued producing music and exploring opportunities in television and film.

Personal Life

Irv Gotti has three children and has always been vocal about his close ties to family. Despite his ups and downs, he remains an influential figure in hip-hop, admired for his resilience, business acumen, and undeniable impact on the culture.

Want more details on his discography or life outside music? Just let me know!