Music producer and Murder Inc. founder Irv Gotti dies at 54.

 Def Jam praised Gotti's "creative brilliance and steadfast commitment to the culture, which produced countless hits" and shaped "a musical era that still resonates today."

Irv Gotti in New York City in 2005.

Feb. 6, 2025, 8:37 PM GMT+6

Irv Gotti, the renowned music producer and founder of the hip-hop label Murder Inc., has passed away at the age of 54, according to a statement from Def Jam, the label’s distributor.

"Def Jam Recordings, along with our extended family of artists, executives, and employees, are deeply saddened by the loss of Irv Gotti," the company shared in an Instagram post.

Under Gotti's leadership, Murder Inc. launched the careers of superstars like Ashanti and Ja Rule, the label’s first signed artist. Ja Rule’s 1999 debut album, Venni Vetti Vecci, featured the hit single "Holla Holla," marking his entry into the Billboard Hot 100. Between 1999 and 2005, Ja Rule dominated the charts with 17 Hot 100 hits. In 2002, Ashanti's song Foolish became a massive success, holding the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100 for 10 weeks. Other chart-toppers from the label included Ja Rule’s Always on Time and Fat Joe’s What’s Luv?, both featuring Ashanti.

Throughout his career, Gotti produced nearly 30 Billboard Hot 100 hits, collaborating with artists such as Ashanti, Ja Rule, Ye, DMX, Fat Joe, Mary J. Blige, and Jay-Z. His work on Ashanti’s debut studio album earned him a Grammy Award in 2003.

"Irv Gotti’s contributions helped shape the future of hip-hop and R&B," Def Jam said. "His creative vision and dedication to the culture led to countless hits, defining an era of music that still resonates with fans worldwide. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and everyone impacted by his legacy."