Irv Gotti, Murder Inc. Co-Founder and Legendary Producer, Dies at 54
Irv Gotti, the co-founder of Murder Inc. and a notable producer behind classic hits from Ja Rule, DMX, and JAY-Z, has passed away at the age of 54. Hollywood Reporter confirmed Gotti’s death on February 5, 2025, shortly after reports emerged that he had suffered a second stroke. His first stroke had occurred just six months earlier, adding to the tragic circumstances surrounding his passing.
Born Irving Lorenzo Jr., Gotti co-founded the influential hip-hop label Murder Inc. in 1998 alongside his brother Chris. Under their leadership, the label became a powerhouse in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with Ja Rule emerging as its flagship artist. Ja Rule’s albums like Rule 3:36 and Pain Is Love were major commercial successes, with many of his most iconic tracks, such as “Holla Holla” and the Ashanti duet “Always on Time,” produced by Gotti.
Murder Inc. was also home to successful projects by artists like Ashanti, Lloyd, and even Vanessa Carlton. As a producer, Irv Gotti played a significant role in shaping the sound of an era, contributing to hits like Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv?” (featuring Ashanti and Ja Rule), the “Murder Remix” of Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule’s “I’m Real,” JAY-Z’s “Can I Live,” and DMX’s “What’s My Name.” His production expertise spanned genres, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop.
Despite his success in the music industry, Gotti’s career was not without controversy. In 2003, federal agents raided Murder Inc.’s offices as part of an investigation into money laundering linked to notorious drug kingpin Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. Gotti and his brother Chris faced charges of money laundering in 2005 but were ultimately acquitted after a trial.
Last year, in August 2024, Gotti suffered a minor stroke, from which he was reportedly recovering. However, news of his second stroke and his subsequent passing has deeply saddened the hip-hop community.
Gotti’s cause of death has yet to be officially confirmed. His legacy, however, remains firmly entrenched in hip-hop history as a pioneering figure whose influence shaped the sound of a generation.
