Irv Gotti, renowned music producer and founder of Murder Inc. Records, passes away at 54
Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., played a major role in shaping hip-hop and R&B in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was instrumental in the success of artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, helping craft a signature blend of hip-hop beats and melodic hooks that dominated the charts from 2001 to 2004.
His production work contributed to several multi-platinum hits, including "I'm Real" and "Ain't It Funny" with Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule, as well as "Always on Time", "Foolish", "Rain on Me", and "Mesmerize" with Ashanti.
Before launching Murder Inc. in 1998, Gotti worked as an A&R executive at Def Jam, where he was responsible for bringing DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule to the label. Under his early moniker DJ Irv, he produced "Can I Live" from Jay-Z's 1996 album Reasonable Doubt.
His production credits also include projects with Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Fat Joe, and Christina Milian. Additionally, Gotti ventured into television, creating BET's Tales, an anthology series combining hip-hop and storytelling.
Despite his success, Gotti faced setbacks in the mid-2000s due to an FBI investigation into alleged ties with drug kingpin Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff. Though acquitted, the legal battle hurt Murder Inc.'s reputation.
Gotti is survived by his three children—Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson—his mother Nee Nee Lorenzo, sisters Tina and Angie, and his brother Chris Lorenzo, with whom he co-founded Murder Inc.
Following the news, tributes from the music industry quickly surfaced online including Kanye West.
However, rapper 50 Cent took a controversial approach, posting a photo on Instagram of himself smoking beside a grave headstone with the caption:
"I'm smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him LOL."
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