Los Angeles, Feb 6 (UNI) Renowned music producer and co-founder of Murder Inc. Records Irv Gotti, a driving force behind some of the most iconic hip-hop hits of the late '90s and early 2000s, died in New York on Wednesday, US media reports said.
Gotti, 54 is survived by his three children, Angie, Sonny and JJ.
The Hollywood Reporter was the first to report of Gotti's death. While the exact cause of his demise has not been confirmed, sources indicate that he had suffered multiple strokes in recent years and battled diabetes.
"Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago," Gotti's representative told TMZ in August. "He has since changed his diet to eating more healthy. He's been successful in making a full recovery. Irv is not in a rehab facility. He is at home with his family, enjoying life."
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo, Gotti was the man behind some of the landmark hip-hop and Rhythm & Blues hits of the late last century and early 2000s. His early career saw him play a crucial role in signing hip-hop legends such as Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule, cementing his reputation as a visionary. His work on Jay-Z's 1996 debut album "Reasonable Doubt", particularly the track 'Can I Live', marked the beginning of his illustrious production career, according to a report by PEOPLE.
In 1998, Gotti launched Murder Inc. Records turning it into a powerhouse that delivered countless chart topping hits. With artists like Ja Rule and Ashanti, he crafted a signature blend of hip-hop and R&B, producing hits like "Foolish", "Always On Time" and Jennifer Lopez's "I'm Real". His production style helped redefine mainstream hip-hop, blending street narratives with commercial appeal.
However, Gotti's career was marred by legal troubles. In July 2024, he was accused of sexual assault and abuse by a woman who alleged he raped and abused her between 2020 and 2022, allegations that je has denied.
In his later years, Gotti was candid about his declining health. He openly discussed his struggles with diabetes and admitted that lifestyle choices had exacerbated the condition. Gotti also spoke about his journey with diabetes on an episode of Revolt TV's Drink Champs in August 2023.
After renaming the label The Inc., Gotti entered the pop scene when he signed Vanessa Carlton. He co-produced her 2007 album Heroes and Thieves alongside Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind and Rick Rubin. UNI XC SSP