Irv Gotti, music producer and Murder Inc. founder, dead at 54

NBC News

06-02-2025

Irv Gotti, a famed music producer and founder of the hip-hop label Murder Inc., died, the record label's distributor Def Jam said in a statement. He was 54.
"Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees, are deeply saddened at the loss of Irv Gotti," the music company said in a post on Instagram.
Murder Inc. produced superstars Ashanti and Ja Rule, the label's first artist. Ja Rule landed his first top 40 Billboard Hot 100 with "Holla Holla" from his 1999 debut album "Venni Vetti Vecci," Billboard.com reported. The label's success skyrocketed, and between 1999 and 2005 Ja Rule had 17 total Hot 100 hits.
In 2002, Ashanti's hit "Foolish" exploded, spending 10 weeks at the top of the Hot 100 chart, according to Billboard. Ja Rule's "Always on Time" and Fat Joe's "What's Luv?" — both of which featured Ashanti — also became chart toppers.
Gotti produced nearly 30 Hot 100 hits for artists including Ashanti, Ja Rule, Ye, DMX, Fat Joe, Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z, Billboard reported. In 2003, he won a Grammy for co-producing Ashanti's debut studio album.
Def Jam said Gotti's contributions "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," Def Jam said. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his work."