Irv Gotti (born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr.), the hip-hop mogul, producer, and founder of Murder Inc. Records, passed away on Wednesday.
Irv’s death comes just over a year after he suffered a minor stroke, which he had previously revealed was connected to his long-standing battle with diabetes.
The news of his passing was confirmed by close family sources and occurs just two days after Gotti experienced a second stroke that resulted in bleeding in the brain.
Gotti’s representatives stated last year that his health was improving following his last health scare, noting that he had made lifestyle changes after his first stroke.
“Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago,” a statement from Gotti’s rep said. “He has since adopted a healthier diet and has been successful in making a full recovery. Irv is not in a rehab facility; he is at home with his family, enjoying life.”
All was perceived to be well until rumors of Gotti’s latest hospitalization this week spread rapidly then word of his death came on Wednesday. His peers took to social media to share their condolences, including Jamie Foxx and Lyor Cohen.
“Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers in hip-hop,” said Cohen, who led Def Jam from 1994 to 2004. “When we were on bended knee, he brought the heat and saved us. He came from a tight-knit, beautiful family in Queens, and it was an honor and a privilege to have known him. Irv, you will be missed.”
Before launching Murder Inc., Gotti worked as an A&R at Def Jam, where he played a crucial role in bringing artists like DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule to the label, significantly shaping a new era for the hip-hop institution.
He later went on to break acts such as Ashanti and Lloyd and produced hits for artists including Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Lopez, among many others.
After stepping back from the music scene, Gotti transitioned into television and film. In 2017, he created “Tales,” an anthology series on BET, and recently was featured in the 2022 BET documentary, ‘The Murder Inc. Story.’
Irv also went viral a few years ago for his controversial ‘Drink Champs’ interview alongside Ja Rule.
RIP Irv Gotti!
