Murder Inc. Record Label Founder Irv Gotti Dies At 54

UNITED STATES – Irv Gotti, co-founder of the Murder Inc. record label that launched stars like Ja Rule and Ashanti, has died at 54, Def Jam recordings announced Wednesday.

No cause of death was provided, though he suffered a minor stroke in spring 2024 due to diabetes complications.

Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti produced hits for Jay-Z, Fat Joe, and DMX before founding Murder inc. with his brother in 1998.

The label helped shape Hip Hop and R&B, a legacy Def Jam hailed as “A force that reshaped the soundscape.”