Latest news with #IrvGotti
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Record producer Irv Gotti dies aged 54 as Kanye West and 50 Cent lead tributes
Record producer Irv Gotti has died aged 54. The Murder Inc. Records co-founder's cause of death is not yet known, according to The Hollywood Reporter, who confirmed his passing. Irv - who worked with the likes of Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Ja Rule, Ashanti and DMX - suffered a "minor" stroke early last year, and he had battled diabetes-related issues. Following the tragic news, the music world has paid tribute to Irv, including label Def Jam, where he got his big break. A statement on the company's Instagram account reads: "Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees, are deeply saddened at the loss of Irv Gotti. "His contributions at Def Jam, as both an A R executive and in partnership with Murder Inc., 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. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his work." Kanye West also paid tribute to Irv. Ye shared the story about the record producer's passing on his Instagram account, and he added a white dove emoji. In tribute to Irv, 50 Cent posted a picture of himself smoking next to a grave headstone, which had "RIP" on, and he wrote: "I'm smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him [white dove emoji] LOL (sic)" Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr, the star worked as an A and R at Def Jam, where he was a catalyst in the likes of Jay-Z, Ja Rule and DMX joining the label. Irv also produced Jay's tune 'Can I Live' from the rapper's 1996 record 'Reasonable Doubt'. He went on to launch Murder Inc in New York City in 1998, and later in his career he co-produced Vanessa Carlton's 2007 album 'Heroes and Thieves' alongside Rick Rubin and Stephan Jenkins.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Absolutely legendary': New Yorkers reflect on Irv Gotti's local roots
HOLLIS, Queens (PIX11) — Such well-known figures as Jennifer Lopez, JayZ, DMX, and Ashanti are not only household names because they were catapulted to fame by hip-hop mogul Irv Gotti. They were also local, New York talents that Gotti found close to home, intentionally, and then developed them as worldwide brands. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Gotti's strategy of recruiting from a geographic radius centered around his home neighborhood in Queens was being lauded by his many admirers both at home and abroad, following his passing. One example of Irv Gotti's reach was evident at a local sound recording institution near the neighborhood where he grew up, at VP Records, in Jamaica, Queens. The store's manager, Ramon Jones, said that he was born and raised in rural Jamaica — the Caribbean country. Still, he said, as he grew up, he knew and listened to artists produced by Gotti and his record label, Murder, Inc., which Gotti founded with his brother, Chris. 'Love the music, and the production, and the work ethic,' said Jones. The store he manages is half a mile from Hollis, Queens, where Irv Gotti grew up. As a DJ there, starting in his teens, Gotti sought out artists who'd come into his social and cultural orbit, and over time, he figured out how to make them big. Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar led one of the best Grammys in years. Has the awards show transformed? Tarsha Jones, the radio and television personality known as Miss Jones, summed up Gotti's approach. 'One concept,' she said, in an interview, 'and he believed in it — local, homegrown talent.' Miss Jones knew Irv Gotti, and still interacts with artists he had produced. His impact, Jones said, is enduring. 'The truth is that the talent and the songs were right for that time,' she said. 'It's timeless music. We're still playing it today.' That was the case at an insurance office in Hollis on Thursday, near the corner of Jamaica Avenue and Francis Lewis Boulevard. There, office staffers Yaneke Arrington and Shana Heath Prophete were busy at work, but on Thursday they curated their background music to serve as a tribute to the fallen impresario from their neighborhood. 'We were playing the 90s R&B hits, and hip hop records and stuff,' Heath Prophete said. They were well aware that many of the songs that they'd chosen to pipe into their office were produced by Irv Gotti, who they said is gone, but by no means forgotten. 'Too young, yes, too young,.' said Arrington. Gotti was 54 years old. It's a loss that the women, who said that neighbors and friends tell stories about many encounters with Gotti over the years in the community, felt personally. 'Absolutely legendary,' Heath Prophete said about her hero. 'It cannot be denied the impact he had on music.' Gotti's family has not provided a cause of death. He had been open about having cardiac issues in relation to diabetes. The family is now planning his memorial service and funeral. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Irv Gotti, hip-hop mogul who co-founded Murder, Inc., dead at 54
NEW YORK -- Irv Gotti, the famed hip-hop music executive from New York City, has died at the age of 54. Def Jam Recordings shared a message on social media late Wednesday night confirming his death, saying the label is "deeply saddened." "His contribution to Def Jam, as both an A&R executive and in partnership with Murder, Inc., helped pave the way for the next generation or artists and producers, a force that reshaped the soundscape of hip hop and R&B," the message read, in part. "His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture birthed countless hits, defining an era of music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide." By early Thursday morning, the post had more than 100 comments and thousands of likes from people sharing their regards. Among those paying tribute, Fat Joe posted a photo with the caption, "What a Genius, God bless you Irv, [thank you] for all you've done for Hip Hop. You changed my life and I will always love you RIP." Irv Gotti, the man behind Murder, Inc. Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. in Queens, got his start as a talent scout in the mid-1990s, bringing future superstars DMX and Jay-Z to Def Jam. He was an executive producer on DMX's debut album, and he co-founded the record label Murder, Inc., which helped launch the careers of Ja Rule and Ashanti. Shelley Wade, a radio host for 94.7 The Block, said Gotti's body of work continues to resonate with fans. "Ja rule, Ashanti, I mean, when I'm on air, those are not just the songs I'll be playing today in tribute to Irv Gotti, but those are songs we play every day," Wade said. Chuck Creekmur, who co-founded said Gotti cared deeply for the genre and the artists. "And he poured into the artists he dealt with. He poured into the music that he produced. And he created an empire from that. So I think that his legacy is really and truly a man who had really pushed very hard from humble beginnings in Hollis, Queens to the highest, highest echelons in music," Creekmur said. Gotti remains an inspiration to generations of hip-hop artists, including Amadeus, a multi-platinum producer and musician. "When you make and create timeless music and music that's from your heart and soul, that's not gimmicky, that's not something trendy. It lasts forever," Amadeus said. Gotti and his brother, Christopher, stood trial in the early 2000s over their ties to a known drug kingpin, but they were both cleared of the charges. The case was closely watched by some of the music industry's biggest stars, and Ja Rule called it a "war against hip-hop."
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Irv Gotti's Children Honor His Legacy With Heartfelt Tribute Following Music Mogul's Passing
Irv Gotti, creator of the musical powerhouse Murder Inc., sadly passed away on Wednesday night (Feb. 5). Today (Feb. 6), his three children Angie, Sonny, and JJ (Jonathan), have broken their silence in a heartfelt joint statement shared on their father's Instagram account. Sharing a nostalgic photo of a young Gotti playing with a DJ board, they reflected on his 'incredible' impact on both their lives and the industry. 'It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving 'Irv Gotti' Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025,' the statement reads. 'Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike. His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many, and his contributions will continue to influence future generations.' While speculation has circulated that Gotti's passing was due to a second stroke, his children did not disclose a cause of death. Instead, they emphasized that he was surrounded by loved ones in his final moments and asked for privacy while they grieve. 'Surrounded by family and friends, he departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched' they revealed. 'As we navigate this difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy while we grieve the loss of our dad, son, brother, uncle, and friend. We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through his music and the love he shared with all of us.' The 54-year-old had publicly battled health issues in recent years. In August 2024, his representative confirmed he had suffered a minor stroke six months prior due to complications from diabetes. At the time, the rep assured fans that Gotti had fully recovered, crediting lifestyle changes and a new focus on his health. As the industry comes to terms with his passing, tributes have poured in from fellow artists and colleagues, including Ja Rule, Fat Joe, The Game, Jamie Foxx, Russell Simmons, Ye and many more. Gotti's family has yet to announce whether a public or private memorial service will be held. However, his children have thanked everyone for their 'understanding and support during this challenging time.' See their statement below. More from 50 Cent Trolls Irv Gotti After Learning He Reportedly Suffered Another Stroke Ye, Ja Rule, And Hip-Hop Community React To Irv Gotti's Death 50 Cent Goes Full Villain With Reaction To Irv Gotti's Passing
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Yahoo
Man taken to hospital after being hit by car in Baton Rouge
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A man was injured after being hit by a car in Baton Rouge early Thursday morning. The Baton Rouge Police Department said the man was hit a little before 5:40 a.m. in the 2100 block of Scenic Highway after running in front of a car. Emergency medical services personnel responded to the scene and transported one person to the hospital in critical condition. East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner's Office identifies woman killed in crash Irv Gotti, producer and Murder Inc. Records founder, dies at 54 Why you should never challenge the shirtless Old Spice Guy to a QB challenge Sanders: 'What Musk is doing is illegal' Second type of bird flu found in US dairy cows Former LSU star Jayden Daniels named NFL Rookie of the Year Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
