Irv Gotti, the founder of Murder Inc. Records, has passed away.

Source: Dia Dipasupil / Getty

The record executive and entrepreneur has died at 54 years old, according to The Hollywood Reporter. His cause of death is currently unknown, though news of his passing comes following reports that he allegedly suffered a second stroke this week.

Gotti rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, playing a major role in hip-hop and R&B records of the time. He is best known for his work with artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti and DMX, launching each of them to massive commercial success. Some of his most well-known hits include the multi-platinum track “Always On Time” by Ja Rule featuring Jennifer Lopez, and Ashanti’s “Foolish.”

Prior to launching Murder Inc., Gotti worked as an A&R at Def Jam, helping bring DMX, Jay-Z and Ja Rule to the label. Under the moniker DJ Irv, he produced Jay-Z’s “Can I Live” from his 1996 debut, Reasonable Doubt. Later called The Inc., Vanessa Carlton signed with the label and Gotti co-produced her 2007 album, Heroes and Thieves, with Rick Rubin and Third Eye Blind’s Stephan Jenkins.

In early 2024, Irv opened up about the toll the diabetes had taken on his life, saying it was “deteriorating” his body. According to reports from TMZ at the time, he had a “minor stroke” over six months before the reveal as a result of diabetes complications.

“Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago,” Gotti’s rep said in a statement. “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.”

AllHipHop reported that the music mogul suffered a second stroke this week, though those reports were never confirmed by his team.

R.I.P., Irv Gotti.

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