Hip-hop lost a general today, with Irv Gotti, co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, passing at 54. His contribution to the culture has not been measured, having shaped the ’90s and early 2000s hip-hop and R&B soundscapes.
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo, Jr., in Queens, New York, Gotti entered life initially as a producer and a DJ, working his way into the record industry through hustling. Def Jam Records stint played a significant part; he signed DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule to Def Jam Records—artists who re-shaped hip-hop. Gotti’s contribution to Jay-Z’s “Can I Live” off of album Reasonable Doubt was a career-breaker showcasing his individual skillset.
In 1998, with his brother Chris, Gotti founded Murder Inc. Records, a juggernaut that conquered the streets and the Billboard charts. With an ear for blending raw hip-hop edge with seductive R&B hooks, the label produced such evergreen smashes such as Ja Rule’s “Always On Time” and Ashanti’s “Foolish.” Gotti’s sound helped shape a blueprint for rap and R&B fusions that resonate even now.
Beyond Ja Rule and Ashanti, Gotti’s influence extended to collaborations with Jennifer Lopez, DMX, Fat Joe, and Christina Milian. His work on Lopez’s “I’m Real (Murder Remix)” exemplified his knack for crossing over into the mainstream without losing street credibility. His production style has left an indelible mark on the industry, influencing today’s melodic rap wave.
However, Gotti’s journey wasn’t without challenges. In the mid-2000s, he faced an FBI investigation accusing him of ties to Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. Although acquitted, the case tarnished Murder Inc.’s reputation and strained industry relationships. Undeterred, Gotti rebranded the label as The Inc. and ventured into television with BET’s Tales, an anthology series that kept his storytelling legacy alive.
On February 5, 2025, Irv Gotti died in a shock to the hip-hop community. In 2024, Gotti had a stroke, and it was a result of his long-standing battle with diabetes, a disease about which, publicly, he confessed,
“was deteriorating my body.”
No cause of death is confirmed, but no one can dispute its contribution to society.
Reflecting on his legacy, it’s clear that Irv Gotti shaped an entire era of hip-hop and R&B crossovers. His innovative production style paved the way for future artists, and despite controversies, his influence remains untouchable.
Tributes have poured in from across the industry. Former Def Jam CEO Lyor Cohen described Gotti as one of the label’s “most creative soldiers,” adding,
“He comes from a very tight, beautiful family from Queens, and it’s an honor and a privilege to have known him.”
Fans have taken to social media to mourn, share memories, and celebrate his contributions.
