American music executive Irv Gotti, known for shaping the careers of Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, has died at 54.
Irv Gotti, co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, passed away on Wednesday in New York City. The cause of death has yet to be revealed.
On Thursday, Def Jam, the parent label of Murder Inc., released a statement expressing its “deep sadness” over Gotti’s passing.
“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,” the statement reads.
Representatives for the Grammy winner revealed in August 2024 that he had suffered a “minor stroke” but was “making a full recovery.” The music mogul had also been dealing with health issues related to diabetes.
Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. in the Hollis neighbourhood of Queens, New York City, was of Filipino and African-American descent.
He gained prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, playing a pivotal role in the music industry and collaborating with artists such as Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, all of whom enjoyed massive commercial success.
Before founding Murder Inc. in New York City in 1998, Gotti worked as an A&R at Def Jam, where he was instrumental in signing DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule to the label.
The first album released by Murder Inc. was Ja Rule’s debut Venni Vetti Vecci, which dropped in June 1999.
He was credited on Jay-Z’s 1996 debut album, appearing as DJ Irv on the track “Can I Live.” Gotti also earned production credits on several tracks by Kanye West.
Tributes have begun pouring in for the late music executive.
Apologies for the oversight. Here’s a rephrased version:
Gotti is survived by his mother, Nee Nee Lorenzo, along with his siblings Tina, Angie, and Chris Lorenzo, who co-founded Murder Inc. with him. He is also survived by his three children: Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson.
