Irv Gotti, Co-Founder of Murder Inc. Record Label, Died After Suffering a Stroke.

Irv Gotti/Shutterstock

Irv Gotti, (Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr.) record producer and former co-owner of Murder Inc. records, reportedly suffered from a stroke and died Wednesday after being placed on life support. He was 54 years old.

Russell Simmons, the co-founder of Def Jam Records [the former parent label for Murder Inc.], announced Irv's condition yesterday via Instagram.

Irv and his brother, Chris Lorenzo, created Murder Inc. in 1998. The label quickly exploded as an entertainment powerhouse after becoming the home for several musicians, such as Ashanti, Lloyd, Ja Rule, Charli Baltimore, Black Child, and others.

Irv was also responsible for the late rapper DMX's career and executively producing one of his more successful albums, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot. Gotti produced the hip-hop series Tales. He also worked with Jennifer Lopez, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Fat Joe, Memphis Bleek, Aaliyah, and Eve.

The Inc. sold over 30 million albums worldwide, generated $500 million, and is most remembered for cementing Ashanti and Ja Rule's legacy in hip hop. Ashanti's debut album was multi-platinum and simultaneously had three hit singles on the Billboard charts. The Guinness Book of World Records honored the singer in the categories for the 'Fastest-selling debut album by a female' and the 'First female to hold the top two spots on the Billboard Hot 100.' Ashanti also won a Grammy, Billboard Awards, several American Music Awards, and Soul Train Awards early in her career with The Inc.

While Ja Rule achieved the most success as the headliner for the label-he won multiple Grammys and topped several music charts, he also developed a feud with rapper 50 Cent, which brought a lot of negative attention to the label and his career.

In 2003, the Murder Inc. offices were raided after the label was accused of laundering money and selling drugs for a former New York drug lord, Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff. Irv and Chris were acquitted of all charges in 2005 after standing trial.

The label was eventually revamped to The Inc., yet after the 2005 federal trial, it didn't have the same commercial success. Ashanti and Lloyd eventually left the label, and Ja Rule's success declined. Rule served prison time for tax evasion, and The Inc. changed parent companies.

In 2022, Irv produced the documentary "The Murder Inc Story." The docuseries told the story of the rise and fall of the label. Ashanti declined to participate in the docuseries after Irv made unfavorable remarks on "Drink Champs" about her regarding a romantic affair they had at the beginning of her career.

The songstress told radio journalist Angie Martinez, "It's very unfortunate how Irv decided to handle his documentary. It's a little sad to see a grown man conduct himself in that manner...I feel like the Murder Inc. legacy is so much bigger, and we accomplished so much and made amazing history. And I feel like the way that he handled it tarnished and it cheapened the brand." "That's so selfish and it's so degrading."

His family released the following statement on Instagram (with the photo below): 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.

Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike. His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many, and his contributions will continue to influence future generations.

As we navigate this difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy while we grieve the loss of our dad, son, brother, uncle, and friend. We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through his music and the love he shared with all of us.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time.

With love,

Angie, Sonny, and JJ

May he rest in peace.

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