Irv Gotti’s brother Chris Lorenzo said he watched the rap mogul “suffer” for years before his death due to his diabetes diagnosis.
“He’s 54. I believe he was diagnosed in his late 40s. But Irv doesn’t go to the doctor so that’s why he’s so late being diagnosed,” the entrepreneur said on the “2Way” podcast Feb. 20.
“And when he finally did go get a real physical and a check-up, they were like, ‘You’re diabetic,’ and he didn’t believe it.”
Lorenzo, 58, said his late younger brother had Type I diabetes and that their father, who died at age 86, was also diabetic.
“And when we talk about this topic, I watched him suffer the least three years of his life. So it’s about quality of life,” he added.
“We all have to go at one point in time we just really wanna go on our terms. And Irv, sadly enough, he did go on his terms … he just didn’t believe it.”
Lorenzo also revealed that the Murder Inc. record label co-founder had a “massive hemorrhagic stroke” while eating Chinese food and playing poker.
As Page Six previously reported, Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., died on Feb. 5. He was 54.
The music producer’s children confirmed his passing in a joint statement shared on their father’s Instagram.
“Surrounded by family and friends, he departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched,” his children, Angie, Sonny and JJ, wrote on Feb. 6.
“Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike. His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many, and his contributions will continue to influence future generations.”
Gotti’s rep told TMZ that his client had been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke last year.
During a 2023 interview on “Drink Champs,” Irv admitted he wasn’t consistent with taking his insulin.
