Irv Gotti Passes Away at 54

Irv Gotti, the influential record executive, music producer and entrepreneur best known as the founder of Murder Inc. Records, has died.

The Hollywood Reporter, TMZ and other outlets confirmed the passing but the cause of death is as yet unknown. Gotti started as an A&R at Def Jam, before co-founding the dominating Murder Inc. imprint with his brother, Chris Gotti. In a statement posted to Instagram, Def Jam said the label was “deeply saddened” by Gotti’s death at age 54.

“Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees, are deeply saddened at the loss of Irv Gotti,” the statement reads. “His contributions at Def Jam, as both an A&R executive and in partnership with Murder Inc., helped pave the way for the next generation of artists and producers, a force that reshaped the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B. His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture birthed countless hits, defining an era of music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his work.”

— Ja Rule (@jarule) February 6, 2025

Before launching Murder Inc., Gotti as an A&R at Def Jam helped bring DMX, Jay-Z and Ja Rule to the label, which was considering one of the most successful imprints of Universal Music.

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In true 50 Cent style, the rapper posted a photo of himself smoking next to a grave headstone that reads “RIP” alongside the caption: “I’m smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him LOL.” The two had a very troubled and tense relationship over the years, as we all know.

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