Irv Gotti, the influential figure who shaped 1990s hip-hop, has died at 54

Irv Gotti, the influential music producer behind hits for Ja Rule, Ashanti, DMX, and Jennifer Lopez, has passed away at 54. Known for founding Murder Inc. Records, Gotti was pivotal in shaping the sound of the late ’90s and early 2000s by blending hip-hop beats with smooth R&B melodies. His chart-topping collaborations included the J-Lo and Ja Rule duets “Ain’t It Funny” and “I’m Real,” as well as Ashanti’s “Foolish” and “Always On Time.”

Although the cause of death has not been confirmed, Gotti had battled diabetes-related issues and suffered a “minor stroke” in early 2024, from which he had reportedly made a full recovery after changing his diet.

Born Irving Lorenzo in Queens in 1971, Gotti began his career as a producer and gained recognition for his contributions to Jay-Z’s debut album Reasonable Doubt. His big break came when he signed DMX to Def Jam, helping the label regain its footing with DMX’s It’s Dark and Hell is Hot—a multi-platinum success that included the iconic “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem.”

Gotti later co-founded Murder Inc., which produced hits for Ja Rule, Ashanti, and Jennifer Lopez, and earned Gotti a Grammy for co-producing Ashanti’s debut album. His work earned him credit on 28 US chart hits from artists including Mary J. Blige, Fat Joe, and Kanye West.

Despite a major setback in the mid-2000s following an FBI raid and legal troubles, Gotti continued his career with rebranding and releasing albums, but the label never reached its previous heights.

Survived by his three children, mother, siblings, and brother Chris, Gotti leaves behind a legacy as a creative force in hip-hop. Lyor Cohen, former CEO of Def Jam, expressed deep respect, saying, “Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop.”