Irv Gotti, music executive who created Murder Inc. Records, dies at 54

Irv Gotti, the legendary music executive and founder of Murder Inc. Records, passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 54. His family confirmed his passing, though the exact cause has not been disclosed. Gotti had battled health issues in recent years, including diabetes and a minor stroke in 2024.

Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. in Queens, New York, Gotti became a major force in hip-hop and R&B. In 1998, he co-founded Murder Inc. Records alongside his brother, Chris Gotti, under Def Jam Recordings. The label skyrocketed to fame with artists like Ja Rule and Ashanti, producing multi-platinum albums and Grammy-nominated hits.

Beyond his record label, Gotti helped shape the careers of legends like DMX and Jay-Z. His influence extended into television, with the BET series Tales.

Despite facing legal battles, including a high-profile acquittal in 2005, Gotti remained a dominant figure in the music industry.

Tributes have flooded in from the hip-hop community. Def Jam called him a creative visionary who defined an era of music. Ja Rule expressed his heartbreak, writing, Love you… 💔 🕊️.

Irv Gotti’s legacy endures through his groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop, leaving a lasting impact on music and culture.