00:00Irv Gotti, a noted record executive, music producer, and entrepreneur,
00:04best known as the founder of Murder, Inc. Records, has died. He was 54.
00:09The cause of death has not been announced, but the music mogul did suffer a number of
00:13strokes in recent years, and had also battled diabetes-related issues.
00:17His family shared a statement on his Instagram. They wrote in part,
00:21It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father,
00:24Irving Irv Gotti Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025.
00:28Surrounded by family and friends, he departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will
00:33forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched.
00:37The statement continued,
00:38Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the
00:41hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike.
00:45His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many,
00:49and his contributions will continue to influence future generations.
00:52His family also asked for privacy as they navigate this difficult time.
00:56Gotti rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
01:00As a producer, he played a key role in the hip-hop and R&B records of the time,
01:04working with artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX.
01:07Before launching Murder, Inc., later called The Ink, in New York City in 1998,
01:12Gotti worked as an A&R at Def Jam, where he helped bring DMX, Ja Rule, and Jay-Z to the label.
01:18Under the moniker DJ Irv, he produced the song
01:21Can I Live from Jay-Z's 1996 debut, Reasonable Doubt.
01:24Gotti's production credits extend to records by Kanye West, Memphis Bleak,
01:28Fat Joe, Christina Milian, and Vanessa Carlton.
01:31He also released several albums under his own name.
01:34Reaction to news of his death from across the music world was swift.
01:37Among the many tributes, Ja Rule shared this photo, writing simply,
01:41Love you.
01:42Fat Joe also paid his respects.
01:43He wrote on Instagram,
01:45What a genius. God bless you, Irv. Thank you for all you've done for hip-hop.
01:49You changed my life and I will always love you. Rest in peace.
01:52In a now-deleted post, Ye shared the news of Gotti's death with a white dove emoji.
01:56For more on the life and career of Irv Gotti, and for more tributes,
01:59go to THR.com.
02:01This is The Hollywood Reporter News.
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