Irv Gotti, one of the most renowned record executives and music producers, has passed away at the age of 54.
Born in 1970 and raised in Queens, New York City, Gotti, whose real name was Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., co-founded Murder Inc. Records in 1998 with his brother, Chris Gotti, as an imprint of Def Jam Records. Over the years, he worked with several prominent artists, including DMX, Ashanti, and Ja Rule.
Def Jam Records paid tribute to Gotti in an Instagram statement on Thursday, extending their condolences to his inner circle.
“Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees are deeply saddened at the loss of Irv Gotti [sic],” the statement read. “His contributions at Def Jam, as both an A&R executive and in partnership with Murder Inc. helped pave the way for the next generation of artists and producers, a force that reshaped the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B. His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture birthed countless hits, defining an era of music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.”
Find out more about his passing and health below.
The exact cause of Gotti’s death has yet to be disclosed.
Although the exact cause of Gotti’s death is unclear at the moment, The Hollywood Reporter reported that he experienced strokes in his final years.
