Irv Gotti — the famed music producer and record executive — has died.
He was 54.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed his passing on Wednesday, February 5, following rumors he had suffered another stroke and brain bleed.
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti was known for co-founding the record label Murder Inc. Records in 1998, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings, gaining producer credits for hip-hop legends like Jay-Z, DMX, Kanye West, Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Eve and more.
News of Gotti’s death first spread on social media, with sources telling AllHipHop he was “declared dead” on Wednesday morning; however, the circumstances surrounding his last moments were not revealed.
Gotti had a history of health issues, including diabetes.
In 2023, he discussed his battle with the decease.
“It’s rampant with Black people,” he said on Drink Champs at the time. “What it does is, it starts deteriorating your body. No, [it’s not under contol]. I’ve been diagnosed with diabetes forever; it’s hereditary. When my [blood sugar] gets too high, shot [of insulin]. It’s reversible but you gotta change the way you eat, all that. But you know what’s f–ked up with diabetes? So anything that you’re gonna like or tastes good, horrible for you. Now what’s some nasty s–t? Broccoli… you supposed to eat some leaves or s–t like that.”
In 2024, he spoke about how his diabetes had taken over his life.
“Diabetes is deteriorating my body,” he admitted, adding he struggled stay healthy and consistently take his insulin.
In August, Gotti’s rep revealed he had a “minor stroke” after Wack 100 leaked photos of the record executive using a cane to walk.
“Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago,” the rep. told TMZ at the time. “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.”
Days later, Gotti spoke about his health in a statement to The Shade Room.
“I’m getting older. That’s all. Only thing worse than getting old is not getting old,” he explained.
Gotti was a pioneer in the rap community.
He’s credited as a producer on several hits, including DMX’s first studio album, “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot” (1998), Ja Rules’ “Between Me and You,” Ashanti’s “Foolish,” Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv,” and more.
Gotti’s Murder Inc. publicly feuded with 50 Cent’s G-Unit Records.
