The world of hip-hop is reeling from the sudden loss of Irv Gotti, the iconic producer and founder of the legendary Murder Inc. record label, who passed away at the age of 54.
His death comes just days after a celebratory evening at the 2025 Grammy Awards, leaving fans and colleagues in mourning over the unexpected loss of a true music pioneer.
His death was confirmed in a statement by Def Jam Records where he worked as an executive. The statement however fails to mention the cause of death or how he died. However several reports on his failing health have dominated the headlines in the last few months.
In August 2024, hip-hop manager and executive Wack100 revealed in an interview with TMZ that Gotti had experienced significant health setbacks, including a stroke. Wack100 described seeing a photo of the producer using a cane and noted he had “lost a lot of weight.”
A representative for Gotti later clarified that the influential producer had been battling diabetes for years, which contributed to the stroke. However, the representative reassured fans that Irv had made a remarkable recovery, adopting a healthier diet and spending time with family. “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,” they stated.
Irv Gotti, along with his brother Chris Gotti, founded Murder Inc. Records in 1998, forever changing the landscape of hip-hop and R&B. The label was behind the meteoric rise of some of the genre’s most beloved stars, including Ja Rule, Ashanti, the late DMX, and Jennifer Lopez.
