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Irv Gotti, the founder of Murder Inc. Records and a key figure in late ‘90s and early 2000s hip-hop, has passed away, confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. The cause of death remains unknown, though he suffered a stroke last year.

Irv Gotti Dead at 54 | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/lYOfw60vcL

— TMZ (@TMZ) February 6, 2025

The Queens native was instrumental in the success of Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, producing multi-platinum hits like “Always On Time,” “I’m Real,” and “Foolish.” Before launching Murder Inc. in 1998, he worked at Def Jam, helping bring Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule to the label. His production credits also include work with Kanye West, Memphis Bleek, Fat Joe, and Christina Milian.

Despite legal troubles in the mid-2000s due to an FBI investigation, Gotti later pivoted to TV, creating BET’s Tales series.

Def Jam’s former exec Lyor Cohen paid tribute, calling Gotti “one of hip-hop’s most creative soldiers.”

"Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop. When we were on bended knee, he brought the heat and saved our asses. He comes from a very tight beautiful family from Queens and it’s an honor and a privilege to have known him. Irv, you will be missed."