Irv Gotti, Founder of Murder Inc. Records, Dies at 54
NEW YORK (AP) — Irv Gotti, the charismatic music mogul who founded Murder Inc. Records and played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of major hip-hop and R&B artists, has passed away at the age of 54. Def Jam Recordings, the parent company of Murder Inc., confirmed his death in a statement late Wednesday night, though the cause of death has not been revealed.
Born Irving Lorenzo, Gotti established Murder Inc. Records in the late 1990s alongside his brother. The label gained worldwide recognition through platinum-selling artists like Ashanti and Ja Rule, with Gotti serving as a driving force behind their success. He also worked with legendary rap artists such as Jay-Z, Nas, and DMX, helping to produce some of the most iconic tracks of the era.
Def Jam’s tribute to Gotti described him as a “creative genius” who had an “unwavering dedication to the culture,” producing timeless hits that continue to resonate with fans globally. During its peak in the early 2000s, Murder Inc. was known for a series of massive crossover hits, often featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti. Notable tracks included “Always On Time” (Ja Rule and Ashanti), “I’m Real” (Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule), “Foolish” (Ashanti), and “What’s Luv” (Fat Joe featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti).
Gotti also produced “Can I Get A…” by Jay-Z, Amil, and Ja Rule, as well as DMX’s “We Don’t Give A (expletive)” with Jadakiss and Sheek Louch. In 2004, he won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for Ashanti’s “Rock Wit U (Awww Baby).”
Murder Inc. was originally named after the notorious Murder, Inc. crew of mob hitmen, a name that later came under scrutiny during an investigation into alleged money laundering for a notorious drug kingpin. Gotti faced criminal charges but was ultimately acquitted. Following the investigation, the label dropped the word “Murder” from its name, rebranding as The Inc. to move past the negative connotations. Despite this, Gotti kept the nickname “Gotti,” which he said was given to him by Jay-Z and refused to change.
In addition to his music achievements, Gotti became a central figure in one of hip-hop’s most infamous feuds—between Ja Rule and 50 Cent. The long-running beef, which spanned over 25 years, included diss tracks and even physical confrontations, but it was never fully resolved.
In recent years, Gotti faced controversy for discussing an alleged relationship with Ashanti in interviews, a claim that Ashanti has denied.
Lyor Cohen, a former Def Jam executive who now serves as the global head of music at YouTube and Google, paid tribute to Gotti, saying, “Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers.” Cohen praised Gotti for his contributions to hip-hop, describing him as a key figure who “saved our asses” during challenging times. Cohen also remembered Gotti fondly as someone who came from a “tight, beautiful family from Queens.”
Gotti’s legacy in the music industry, particularly in shaping the sound and success of hip-hop and R&B in the late ’90s and early 2000s, will continue to impact fans and artists for years to come.
