Irv Gotti, the visionary co-founder of Murder Inc. Records and influential hip-hop executive, has passed away at age 54 following complications from a stroke.

Photo Credit: Irv Gotti by 2C2K Photography / CC by 2.0

Gotti (born Domingo Lorenzo Jr.) established Murder Inc. Records with his brother Chris in 1998 under Def Jam's umbrella. As a former Def Jam A&R executive, he was instrumental in signing DMX and launching the careers of multiple platinum-selling artists.

His most notable achievements include:

• Discovering and developing Ja Rule, whose 1999 debut album "Venni Vetti Vecci" marked Murder Inc.'s first release
• Launching Ashanti's career, resulting in multiple chart-topping hits in 2002
• Co-producing Jennifer Lopez's collaborations with Ja Rule, including the #1 hits "I'm Real" and "Ain't It Funny"
• Winning a Grammy in 2003 for Ashanti's debut album
• Producing 28 Billboard Hot 100 hits for artists including DMX, Mary J. Blige, Fat Joe, and Kanye West

Lyor Cohen, former Def Jam executive and current global head of music at YouTube, praised Gotti's impact: "Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop. When we were on bended knee, he brought the heat and saved our asses."

Despite his success, Gotti faced legal challenges, including a 2003 federal investigation linking him to Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, though he was later cleared of money laundering charges. In 2022, he faced sexual assault allegations from a Jane Doe plaintiff, with the case pending at the time of his death.

Gotti's legacy in hip-hop remains defined by his ability to spot and develop talent, fundamentally shaping the sound of early 2000s hip-hop and R&B.

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