Irv Gotti, the pioneering figure behind Murder Inc. Records, has died at the age of 54. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the death, but the cause of death has not been revealed. However, it was noted that Gotti had suffered a stroke the previous year.
Born Lrving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. on June 26, 1970, Gotti significantly impacted hip hop. He founded Murder Inc. Records in 1988, a launching pad for artists like Ja Rule and Ashanti. Murder Inc.’s first release was his 1999 debut album Venni Vetti Vecci, which included the rapper’s first top 40 Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Holla Holla.”
That was the start of the commercial success of Murder Inc. Gotti discovered Ja Rule and Ashanti, who went on to find fame with melodic hooks in rap. Ashanti’s 3 biggest hits all came in 2002: Ja Rule’s “Always on Time,” featuring Ashanti, was a two-week Hot 100 No. 1; Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv,?” featuring Ashanti, packed at No. 2; and on her own, “Foolish” spent 10 weeks atop the Hot 100.
Before establishing his label, Gotti played a crucial role in promoting the careers of Jay Z and DMX, bringing all three of Def Jam Records. This move contributed to Def Jam’s resurgence in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Gotti’s production credits include platinum-selling songs as “Always On Time,” “I’m Real” and “Ain’t it Funny” by Ja Rule and Jennifer Lopez as well as “Foolish,” “Rain on Me” and “Mesmerize” by Ashanti. Murder Inc. achieved considerable success, selling over 30 million records a grossing over $500 million worldwide.
As a credited artist, Gotti scored a top 100 charting hit on the Hot 100 with “Down 4 U.”. It was ranked 6 in 2002 and credited to Irv Gotti Presents The Inc. featuring Ja Rule, Ashanti, Charli Baltimore, and Vita.
However, the label’s success was marred by legal issues. In 2003, Murder Inc.’s officers were raised, and Gotti was investigated for alleged connection to New York drug lord Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff.
Prosecutors alleged that McGriff used Murder Inc. to launder drug money, financing the film Crime Partners and other ventures with illicit funds.
In 2005, Gotti and his brothers Chris Lorenzo were charged with money laundering and conspiracy but were later acquitted.
In addition to his work with Murder Inc., Gotti produced television series like BET’s Tales, an anthology show inspired by hit hip-hop songs. He was involved in a DMX biopic.
Lyor Cohen, former Def Jam CEO and Global Head of Music at YouTube stated, “Def Jam has lost one of its creative soldiers who were hip-hop… He brought the heat and saved our asses…Irv, you will be missed.
In September 2013, Murder Inc. was relaunched as an umbrella label under Irv Gotti’s new label, Visionary.