Irv Gotti, the influential music producer, industry executive, and TV producer, has died at the age of 54. The cause of his death is currently unknown.
Gotti, born Irving Lorenzo, was a key figure in the hip-hop and R&B industries, particularly in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He co-founded Murder Inc. Records, which was home to successful artists such as Ja Rule and Ashanti.
During his time at Def Jam, Gotti played a crucial role in the label’s late 1990s revival, helping to launch the careers of Jay-Z and DMX. He produced tracks for Jay-Z’s debut album “Reasonable Doubt” and served as executive producer on DMX’s album “It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot”.
Gotti’s success extended beyond music, as he transitioned into television production. He starred in the VH1 reality show “Gotti’s Way” and developed the BET series “Tales”, which based each episode on a rap song.
Despite facing controversy in his personal life, Gotti’s impact on hip-hop and R&B is undeniable. His legacy continues to be felt in the music industry, and his contributions will be remembered for years to come.