Irv Gotti, the renowned music producer behind hits for Ja Rule, Ashanti, DMX, and Jennifer Lopez, has passed away at 54. Recognized as the founder of Murder Inc. Records, his signature fusion of hip-hop beats and R&B melodies shaped the late 90s and early 2000s music scene.
Through his prolific career as a writer and producer, Gotti produced several multi-platinum hits, including J-Lo and Ja Rule's duets Ain't It Funny and "I'm Real," Ashanti's "Foolish" and "Always on Time," and Fat Joe's What's Luv?
While the cause of death remains undisclosed, Gotti had faced health challenges related to diabetes and recovered from a reported "minor stroke" in early 2024.
Born Irving Lorenzo in 1971 in Queens, he initially worked as a producer for New York's Mic Geronimo before gaining prominence for his contributions to Jay-Z's debut album and subsequently signing DMX to Def Jam Records.
Under his leadership, Def Jam rebounded with DMX's debut album, "It's Dark and Hell is Hot," which revitalized the label's standing in the industry.
Gotti's success led to the founding of Murder Inc., where he propelled the careers of Ja Rule, Ashanti, and Jennifer Lopez through chart-topping hits and Grammy-winning productions.
Despite legal challenges, Gotti's influence on the music industry and his innovative approach to blending genres and talent remain undeniable.