On Wednesday (2.05,), editors at The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that the co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, Irv Gotti had passed away at the age of 54.
Born Irving Lorenzo Jr., the prolific music producer and record executive launched his music career when he signed Ruff Ryders artist DMX to Def Jam in 1997, subsequent to which he went on to executive produce DMX’s first studio LP, 1998’s It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, and started the Murder Inc. Records label under Def Jam alongside his brother Chris Gotti that year.
In the early 2000s, Gotti’s influence in the rise of rap and R&B crossover included such hits as Jennifer Lopez’s 2001 track ‘I’m Real’ featuring Ja Rule, as well as the rapper’s massive collaboration with Ashanti, ‘Always on Time.’ The New York City native also produced Ashanti’s self-titled 2002 debut studio LP which included the single ‘Foolish,’ and he also worked with the likes of Kanye West, Fat Joe, Jay-Z, and Eve.
In response to the sad news, a Def Jam representative took to Instagram with a post that likened Gotti to “creative genius,” adding:
“Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees, are deeply saddened at the loss of Irv Gotti,” they wrote. “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.”
Kanye West – who worked with Gotti on the 2019 song ‘Brothers,’ posted a photo of the producer on his Instagram page along with a dove emoji.
Irv Gotti is survived by his three children: Angie, Sonny, and JJ.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Timothy M. Moore at https://www.flickr.com/photos/photocology/