Irv Gotti
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Irv Gotti, the longtime record label executive, and mogul, passed away from stroke complications on Feb. 5. The family of Irv Gotti has announced details of the funeral service for the Murder Inc. Records founder, which will take place in his native Queens.
As spotted in Vibe, Irv Gotti, real name Irving Lorenzo, suffered a stroke on Feb. 5, the second major stroke in under a year after revealing his struggles in handling his diabetes condition. Late last year, Gotti suffered a stroke with music insider Wack 100 sharing the news and claiming that Gotti needed walking assistance after the episode, although that account was never officially confirmed.
The funeral service for Gotti will take place in Jamaica, Queens at Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral and is expected to be a highly attended event considering Gotti’s music industry and entertainment connections.
Irv Gotti was instrumental in boosting the careers of DMX, Ja-Rule, Ashanti, Jay-Z, and fellow Queens native Mic Geronimo among others. He is survived by his children Angie, Sonny, and Jonathan Wilson, his brother Chris Gotti, sisters Tina and Angie, and mother Nee Nee Lorenzo.
Via Instagram, Gotti’s children shared a statement in honor of their father. We’ll share a portion of the statement below:
Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike. His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many, and his contributions will continue to influence future generations.
Irv Gotti was 54.
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Irv Gotti’s ex-wife, Debbie Lorenzo, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram after his untimely passing, reflecting on their complex but meaningful relationship. In a gallery of photos showing happy memories, Lorenzo wrote, “Irv, you will be greatly missed. I can’t believe I’m saying that! Married, divorced, great friends, and so many life lessons—everything we’ve been through, good and bad, has molded me into the woman I am today! God never wastes anything; He uses everything for His ultimate glory!”
She continued, honoring Irv’s lasting impact on the music world, “Irv the Icon, you ignited the music industry with your presence, vision, and talent. You shattered records and did it all on your own terms. You had a truly big heart. You fought long and hard, and now you’re resting.” Lorenzo expressed her pride in their children, saying, “Know that we raised three beautiful, compassionate young adults, and I’m honored that God chose us to be their parents. It brought me joy to see them take such great care of you.”
Her words are a testament to the deep bond they shared, beyond the ups and downs of life. Irv’s passing sent shockwaves through the hip-hop world, as the Murder Inc. co-founder played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of stars like Ja Rule and Ashanti. His energy and influence will be missed, but his legacy remains strong.
Irv Gotti — born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. — passed away on Wednesday (Feb. 5) at the age of 54, and the hip-hop community has been in mourning as heartfelt tributes have poured out in the hours since.
Former Def Jam president Lyor Cohen worked extensively with Irv Gotti, who co-founded Murder Inc. Recordings as an imprint under Def Jam with his brother Chris in 1998.
Cohen released a statement paying tribute to Gotti, who he called one of Def Jam’s “most creative soldiers.”
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“Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers,” Cohen said in a statement on Thursday (Feb. 6). “He was hip-hop, and when we were on bended knee he brought the heat and saved our asses. He comes from a very tight, beautiful family from Queens and it’s an honor and a privilege to have known him. Irv you will be missed.”
Gotti brought DMX to Def Jam in the late ’90s and played an integral role in convincing the label to sign him. The Queens native also engineered the lucrative careers of Murder Inc. titans Ja Rule, Ashanti and more.
Irv Gotti initially broke into the music industry as “DJ Irv” when he produced tracks from Jay-Z’s acclaimed Reasonable Doubt debut like “Can I Live?”
He went on to serve as a co-producer architecting hits such as Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv?,” Ashanti’s “Foolish,” Ja Rule’s “Mesmerize” and Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 “Always On Time,” Jennifer Lopez’s “I’m Real (Murder Remix)” and many more.
“How I got to Def Jam was because of Ja [Rule],” Gotti once told Complex in 2015. “Because Lyor [Cohen] wanted to sign Ja. First meeting I ever had I was like, ‘We have to sign DMX.’ And they laughed at me. I remember when I left the office Tina Davis said, ‘If DMX don’t sell, your a– is fired.’”
Irv Gotti has suffered from diabetes for years, but an official cause of death is yet to be revealed. Gotti’s children memorialized him with a statement on Instagram Thursday.
“Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike,” they wrote. “His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many, and his contributions will continue to influence future generations.”
The statement continues: “As we navigate this difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy while we grieve the loss of our dad, son, brother, uncle, and friend. We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through his music and the love he shared with all of us. Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time.”
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On February 5th, 2025, Hip-Hop lost a legend. Irv Gotti, the co-founder of Murder Inc., passed away at 54, and the news hit the culture hard. Gotti wasn’t just a mogul; he was the mastermind behind some of the biggest hits of the early 2000s. He helped launch the careers of Ashanti, Ja Rule, and more, with bangers like “Always On Time,” “Mesmerize,” and “Livin’ It Up” still playing heavy on playlists today. His sound, his vision, and his influence were unmatched.
When the news broke, the Hip-Hop world froze. Artists, producers, and fans were left in shock, as Irv wasn’t just a producer – he was the heartbeat of an era. Ye (Kanye West) posted a dove with a photo of Irv to pay tribute. While Ja Rule, who’d worked closely with him for years, kept it short and sweet with a broken heart emoji.
Russell Simmons, also expressed his sorrow, highlighting Irv’s unfiltered authenticity and the realness he brought to the culture. The streets are heavy right now, and our thoughts go out to Irv’s family, his friends, and the millions of fans who felt his impact. He left too soon, but his legacy is solid and will live on forever. Irv Gotti will always be a part of Hip-Hop’s foundation, and his music will live forever. Rest in peace, legend.
Take a moment to read some of the heartfelt reactions to Irv Gotti’s sudden passing below.
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According to The Hollywood Reporter, Irv Gotti, legendary co-founder of the influential Hip-Hop label Murder Inc., has reportedly passed away at the age of 54. According to sources, Gotti was recently placed on a ventilator in the ICU after suffering another stroke earlier this week. The shocking news has sent waves through the music community, as Gotti’s contributions to the genre were immense.
Throughout his career, Gotti became one of the most prominent figures in the early 2000s hip-hop and R&B scenes. His label, Murder Inc., helped launch the careers of major stars like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and more. Gotti’s unmatched talent as a producer and executive made him a key player in shaping the sound of that era. He is best known for hits such as ‘Always On Time,’ ‘Mesmerize,’ and ‘Livin’ It Up.’
Irv Gotti wasn’t just a music producer—he was a boss in the entertainment and business world. He made moves that turned Murder Inc. into a top label, signing big stars like Ja Rule and Ashanti. On top of that, Gotti got into TV, even having his own reality show, Gotti’s Way.
Even though he had his fair share of legal problems and drama, Irv Gotti’s mark on hip-hop can’t be denied. He helped shape the sound of an entire generation and left a legacy that’s still felt today.
More news to come as the story develops.
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Irv Gotti, the co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, has reportedly suffered another stroke, and unconfirmed reports state that he is on life support. 50 Cent, a rival of Irv Gotti, took what many are saying was a cheap shot toward his fellow Queens native in their decades-long beef.
Irv Gotti, 54, reportedly suffered a stroke last year, according to the audio account of Wack 100, who shared the news via a public audio group chat. Gotti, whose real name is Irving Lorenzo, has been open about his battles with diabetes and how it has reportedly damaged his health. According to Gotti’s rep, the mogul has changed his diet and was addressing the issues caused by his condition.
Despite this news, 50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, went to his usual route of social media to take a shot at Gotti and it isn’t resonating well with some. Sharing an image that read “Irv Gotti On Life Support Friends And Family Saying Their Goodbyes,” Fif added in the caption, “Damn I wanted him to see my new shows yo!” on Instagram.
In the comments, fans are letting 50 know that the jab was out of line while some are highlighting that his comments are true to his brand and infamous petty streak.
As this story develops, we’ll return with more details about Gotti’s health as they emerge.
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It seems Irv Gotti does not have the green light to produce a documentary on DMX. The rapper’s family has denied working with the mogul on any upcoming content.
As reported by Hypebeast, the late great MC’s estate has made it clear that they are not in business with the Murder Inc. Records founder to create a project based on Darkman X. His ex-wife Tashera Simmons took to Instagram to make a formal statement on the matter. “In light of the recent speculation, we want to clarify that we are not currently working with Irv Gotti, nor have we agreed to partner with him on any content related to Earl Simmons, including a biopic,” she wrote.
She went on to add that they will be very thoughtful and intentional on how they bring his story to life. “Earl Simmons, known professionally as DMX, is an iconic figure in the music industry whose life and story hold significant importance. As we move forward with any potential projects related to his legacy, we are committed to ensuring that they are handled with the utmost respect and integrity,” she added.
“We appreciate the support and interest from fans and the public regarding Earl Simmons’ story. Any official announcements regarding future projects will be communicated through our official channels.”
Last week, Irv Gotti confirmed that he had a “minor” stroke back in February. “Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago,” his representative said in an exclusive statement to the Shade Room. “He has since changed his diet to eating more healthy. He’s been successful in making a full recovery. Irv is not in a rehab facility. He is at home with his family, enjoying life.” In that same report the celebrity news site reported that Gotti revealed he was working on the DMX biopic. He has yet to formally respond to Tashera Simmons’ statement.
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Wack 100 is most known these days as one of the most outspoken personalities in the Hip-Hop media space, using his large platforms to stir up discussions that the culture can’t ignore. In a recent audio appearance, Wack 100 claims that Irv Gotti has suffered a stroke and is currently walking with the aid of a cane.
On Monday (August 26), Wack 100 appeared on the No Room For The Weak On 100Side ClubHouse show according to YouTuber FC The Truth, and discussed what he learned about Irv Gotti’s recent stroke and recovery.
In the clip, Wack said that he obtained several photos of Gotti, 54, allegedly walking outside of a recovery center using a walking cane. With Wack’s news about Gotti going wide on social media and beyond, the family of the Murder Inc. honcho stated to TMZ regarding the health condition of Gotti.
From TMZ:
A rep for Irv tells TMZ … “Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago. He has since changed his diet to eating more healthy. He’s been successful in making a full recovery. Irv is not in a rehab facility. He is at home with his family, enjoying life.”
In the aforementioned audio clip, Wack mentions Gotti’s diabetes diagnosis and asks fans and supporters to send prayers to the mogul. It wasn’t clear in any reporting we saw if Wack 100 or Irv Gotti’s family have been in contact with one another.
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Photo: Getty
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Irv Gotti, the Murder Inc. Records co-founder and longtime music executive, faces a lawsuit from a woman who claims she was raped by the New York native. The lawsuit was filed in Miami-Dade County and accuses Irv Gotti of sexually assaulting the woman over two years across several locales.
The Miami New Times reports that the lawsuit against Irv Gotti, 54, was filed on July 11 in Florida’s Miami-Dade County courts. The alleged victim, using the name Jane Doe, claims that Gotti, real name Irving Lorenzo, sexually assaulted her between 2020 and 2022 across Atlanta, Miami, and the island of Saint Martin.
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“As a result of this sexually abusive relationship, Plaintiff has suffered severe emotional and psychological harm for which she had to be committed to a psychiatric ward,” the lawsuit (attached at the bottom of this story) reads. “These injuries continue and affect Plaintiff to this day.”
The woman alleges that she and Gotti met through a mutual friend at a poker tournament in the summer of 2020, and Gotti invited her on a vacation to Saint Martin afterward. But upon arriving on the Caribbean island, Gotti allegedly coerced her into having sex with him, threatening to send her home if she didn’t.
The lawsuit states that Gotti and Jane Doe entered into a romantic relationship but claims that she was forced to perform sex acts against her will and verbally abused her. According to the filing, Jane Doe claims that Gotti would demand she perform sexual favors under the pressures of coercion.
Irv Gotti has yet to respond to the lawsuit and explosive allegations within.
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Any time Irv Gotti is on Drink Champs he is sure to go viral. The Queens native made a recent visit to the podcast and said that Jay-Z did not need Dame Dash to be successful.
The entertainment mogul sat down with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN for his third appearance on the popular podcast. The Murder Inc. Records founder spoke on several topics including the backlash he received after slandering Ashanti so excessively. Additionally, he addressed Dame Dash’s recent comments stating that Jay-Z’s “Super Ugly” response to Nas’ “Ether” was Irv Gotti’s fault. “The response, I wasn’t there for the response,” Dash said on the That’s F***ed Up Podcast. “I had landed… Irv Gotti f**ked that one up!”
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When asked about Dash, Irv said bluntly “I don’t think Jay likes Dame. Did I say something that people don’t know already?” He went on to allude that Damon gets too much credit for Hova’s success. “Jay didn’t need nobody. [Dame Dash] started Roc-A-Fella with Jay and Biggs, so he should get credited. I’m saying the making of the records, I don’t know what you want me to say. Jay didn’t need nobody. Jay was picking the beats, Jay was rapping over the beats, Jay was making things. It was all Hov. Dame was along for the ride. It was a great ride.”
Elsewhere in the interview he also revealed that he cut all ties with Fat Joe after Joe called him a sucker for talking bad of Ashanti. “Once you show me who you are or you speak negatively about me, it’s over. His defense and Ja’s defense is they do shows with Ashanti, but Rule will never come out and say, ‘Gotti’s a sucker.’ Fat Joe said, ‘Oh, Gotti’s a sucker.’ I got to pull back and regress from that. Because if I was to go respond or anything with that, it could get crazy. He was on some ‘If I’m your brother I should be able to tell you when you’re wrong.’ My thing is like, you don’t know what went on with me and Ashanti.”
You can see Irv discuss Damon Dash below.
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