Famed music producer Irv Gotti passed away on Wednesday at the age of 54.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father,” Gotti’s kids Angie, Sonny, and JJ announced Thurday on
Instagram, showing a picture of their father as a young teen at a mixing desk.
“We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through his music and the love he shared with all of us.”
Gotti passed away surrounded by family and friends, but the cause of death was not revealed, according to the statement. However, Gotti was known to suffer from diabetes. In August 2024, a representative told
TMZ that Gotti had suffered a stroke earlier in the year but was recovering successfully.
The Grammy winner’s death was first announced late Wednesday night by Def Jam Recordings, the record company where Gotti’s career took off.
“Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees, are deeply saddened at the loss of Irv Gotti,” a
statement on social media read.
As a talent scout, Gotti signed rapper DMX to Def Jam in 1997.
A year later, Gotti and his brother Chris launched their own record label, Murder Inc. Records, with Ja Rule as their flagship artist, later joined by Ashanti.
Artists from Gotti’s label dominated the charts in the early 2000s, as the label shifted from hard-core hip hop to more radio-friendly rap and R&B.
Gotti was also active as a producer.
“Our dad was an incredible man,” Gotti’s children said.
Def Jam lauded the producer’s “creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture.”
Fellow artists and producers shared their grief on social media.
“Irving Lorenzo!!! You creative genius…you!”
wrote record label executive Tina Davis, referring to Gotti’s real name. “You have gone home waaaay too soon! My prayers are with you all Lorenzo family! I know how close you all are. May God cover you all in your grief.”
“Love you…” wrote Ja Rula, the simple words followed by a broken heart icon, as he
shared an intimate profile picture of the producer who launched his career.
