Irv Gotti, hip-hop mogul who co-founded Murder, Inc., dead at 54

NEW YORK — Irv Gotti, the famed hip-hop music government from New York Metropolis, has died on the age of 54. 

His three youngsters shared a message on his social media, writing, “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving ‘Irv Gotti’ Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025. Surrounded by household and buddies, he departed this world, forsaking a legacy that may endlessly resonate within the hearts of those that knew him and the numerous lives he touched.”

“Our dad was an unbelievable man, a real visionary who reworked the hip-hop trade and altered the sport for artists and followers alike. His ardour for music and dedication to his craft impressed many, and his contributions will proceed to affect future generations,” the assertion continued. 

Def Jam Recordings confirmed Gotti’s dying in a social media submit late Wednesday evening, saying the label is “deeply saddened.”

“His contribution to Def Jam, as each an A&R government and in partnership with Homicide, Inc., helped pave the way in which for the subsequent era or artists and producers, a power that reshaped the soundscape of hip hop and R&B,”  the message learn, partially. “His inventive genius and unwavering dedication to the tradition birthed numerous hits, defining an period of music that continues to resonate with followers worldwide.”

By early Thursday morning, the submit had greater than 100 feedback and 1000’s of likes from folks sharing their regards. Amongst these paying tribute, Fats Joe posted a photograph with the caption, “What a Genius, God bless you Irv, [thank you] for all you have carried out for Hip Hop. You modified my life and I’ll at all times love you RIP.”

At this level, no particulars have been launched about how or when Gotti died.   

Irv Gotti, the person behind Homicide, Inc.

Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. in Queens, obtained his begin as a expertise scout within the mid-Nineties, bringing future superstars DMX and Jay-Z to Def Jam. He was an government producer on DMX’s debut album, and he co-founded the document label Homicide, Inc., which helped launch the careers of Ja Rule and Ashanti.

Shelley Wade, a radio host for 94.7 The Block, stated Gotti’s physique of labor continues to resonate with followers.

“Ja rule, Ashanti, I imply, once I’m on air, these are usually not simply the songs I will be enjoying at this time in tribute to Irv Gotti, however these are songs we play every single day,” Wade stated.

Chuck Creekmur, who co-founded Allhiphop.com, stated Gotti cared deeply for the style and the artists.

“And he poured into the artists he handled. He poured into the music that he produced. And he created an empire from that. So I feel that his legacy is de facto and really a person who had actually pushed very arduous from humble beginnings in Hollis, Queens to the best, highest echelons in music,” Creekmur stated.

Gotti stays an inspiration to generations of hip-hop artists, together with Amadeus, a multi-platinum producer and musician.

“While you make and create timeless music and music that is out of your coronary heart and soul, that is not gimmicky, that is not one thing stylish. It lasts endlessly,” Amadeus stated.

Gotti and his brother, Christopher, stood trial within the early 2000s over their ties to a recognized drug kingpin, however they had been each cleared of the costs. The case was intently watched by among the music trade’s greatest stars, and Ja Rule known as it a “struggle in opposition to hip-hop.”