The family of the legendary producer and Murder Inc. Records founder Irv Gotti has spoken out following the news of his passing.
Gotti died Wednesday at age 54.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving ‘Irv Gotti’ Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025. Surrounded by family and friends, he departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched,” the statement read.
Gotti’s family described him as a visionary who transformed the hip-hop industry, crediting him for changing the game for artists and fans alike. They also requested privacy as they grieve, adding, “We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through his music and the love he shared with all of us.”
Gotti’s death follows complications from a stroke, just over a year after he suffered a minor stroke linked to his battle with diabetes. In early 2024, he spoke about how diabetes had severely impacted his health, admitting he struggled with insulin management and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti was raised in Hollis, Queens, a neighborhood deeply tied to hip-hop culture. He broke into the industry in the 1990s as a DJ and producer, later founding Murder Inc. Records in 1999. The label became a powerhouse, launching the careers of Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, and producing chart-topping hits like “Always On Time,” “Foolish,” and “What’s Luv?”
Despite legal battles and industry feuds, Gotti remained a major force in entertainment. He later transitioned into film and television, creating the BET series “Tales” and selling a majority stake of his music catalog for $300 million in 2022 to fund new ventures.
