Irv Gotti, famed music producer and founder of Murder Inc. Records, who helped launch the careers of artists like Ashanti, Ja Rule and DMX has passed away. He was 54.
The record executive passed away on Wednesday "surrounded by family and friends," his family said in a statement on Instagram on Thursday morning. "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."
"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," the statement continued. "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."
Def Jam Recordings, Murder Inc.'s parent label, confirmed Gotti's passing on Wednesday night saying that they were "deeply saddened" by the loss.
"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," the post on Instagram read. "His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture birthed countless hits, defining an era of music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide."
The legendary label said its "thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his work."
The cause of Gotti's death has not been confirmed, but sources told PEOPLE that he had suffered a series of strokes in recent years and was diabetic.
Back in August of 2024, TMZ reported Gotti had suffered a stroke, after music manager Wack100 claimed in a podcast that he spoke with someone at a stroke recovery center.
Gotti's team told the outlet that he had "been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago." They said the record executive had "since changed his diet to eating more healthy" and that he had been "successful in making a full recovery." They slammed claims that he was in a rehab facility and said he was "home with his family, enjoying life."
The New York native, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., first worked for Def Jam in the late '90s and signed artists like Jay-Z, DMX and Ja Rule before launching Murder Inc. with his brother Chris Lorenzo. There he signed artists like Ashanti and Charli Baltimore.
The Grammy-winning producer ruled the late '90s and early '00s. His credits include numerous Ashanti and Ja Rule collaborations like "What's Luv?" "Always on Time," "Mesmerize" and more. He also produced Jennifer Lopez's remixes with Ja Rule like "I'm Real (Murder Remix)" and "Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix)." Gotti is also known for hits like "What's My Name?" "Can I Get A.." and "Gangsta Lovin" among many others.
He later rebranded the label as The Inc. and moved the label to Universal Motown where he signed Vanessa Carlton and helped produce her 2007 album "Heroes and Thieves" with Third Eye Blind's Stephan Jenkins and Rick Rubin. The label left Universal around 2013, that's when it relaunched as Visionary.
Over the years, he had his hands on hits involving Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Kanye West and many more.
Ja Rule took to social media to honor Gotti.
"Love you," he wrote alongside an emoji of a broken heart and a white dove on Instagram.
He is survived by his three children, Angie, Sonny and Jonathan Wilson, along with his mother Nee Nee Lorenzo, sisters Tina and Angie and his brother Chris.