Irv Gotti, the music label executive and co-founder of Murder Inc. Records who helped major superstars, such as Ja Rule, DMX and Ashanti, has passed away following a stroke.
TheNewsGuru reports that Gotti’s passing comes after rumours claimed he had suffered another stroke and brain bleed. He was 54.
Confirming his death, the parent record label of Murder Inc., released via a statement noted that it was “deeply saddened” by Gotti’s death.
“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 statement reads.
Gotti was born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., and is famous for co-founding the record label Murder Inc. Records in 1998, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings. He gained producer credits for hip-hop stars like Jay-Z, DMX, Kanye West, Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Eve and more.
Although, circumstances surrounding Gotti’s last moments have not been disclosed sources told AllHipHop that he was “declared dead” on Wednesday morning.
Gotti, who had a history of health issues, including diabetes, opened up about his battle with the disease back in 2023.
“It’s rampant with Black people,” he said on Drink Champs at the time. “What it does is, it starts deteriorating your body. No, [it’s not under contol]. I’ve been diagnosed with diabetes forever; it’s hereditary. When my [blood sugar] gets too high,shot [of insulin]. It’s reversible but you gotta change the way you eat, all that. But you know what’s f–ked up with diabetes? So anything that you’re gonna like or tastes good, horrible for you. Now what’s some nasty s–t? Broccoli… you supposed to eat some leaves or s–t like that.”