Record executive and music entrepreneur Irv Gotti has died at the age of 54, according to The Hollywood Reporter and other outlets.
Regalrumination.com reached out to Universal Music Group via email for comment Wednesday night.
Why It Matters
Rumors of Gotti’s health swirled on social media Wednesday. The music mogul rose to fame after starting as a DJ, then a producer, then as Murder Inc. Records’ cofounder.
Gotti, a trailblazer in the rap world, worked alongside some of the biggest names in hip-hop, including Ja Rule and Ashanti.
What To Know
Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., had spoken about his health challenges, telling the Drink Champs podcast about his battle with diabetes in 2023.
A representative for Gotti also that the music executive suffered a stroke in 2024, saying, “Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago. 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.”
The cause of Gotti’s death was unknown to Regalrumination.com at the time of publication.
What People Are Saying
Television commentator Marc Lamont Hill on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday: “Rest in Peace, Irv Gotti. We’re losing our legends too soon!!!”
BET account on X on Wednesday: “It’s a sad day for Hip Hop as we’ve lost one of its greatest visionaries according to The Hollywood Reporter and TMZ. 💔
As the co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, Irv Gotti shaped an era—delivering timeless hits, iconic anthems, and launching legendary careers that left an undeniable mark on the culture.”
In a follow up post BET said, “His legacy will live on through the music, the artists he uplifted, and the movement he helped build. Sending our deepest condolences and love to his family and friends during this time. Rest in power. 🕊️🖤 “
Andrew Barber, founder of Fake Shore Drive, said on X: “Irv Gotti sold tens of millions of records as a producer, put out multiple platinum-plus artists on his label, dominated radio with Ja Rule & Ashanti, brought Jay-Z & DMX to Def Jam and beat the Feds in court. Legendary run. Rest in Peace.”
Rapper 50 Cent in a post on Instagram on Wednesday: “I’m smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him 🕊️LOL”
What Happens Next
Funeral services or celebration of life ceremonies for Gotti are immediately unknown to Regalrumination.com at this time.
Update 2/5/25 10:50 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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