Music producer and Murder Inc. founder, Irv Gotti, passes away at age 54

Irv Gotti, a renowned music producer and founder of Murder Inc., passed away at the age of 54. His family announced his death on February 5, 2025, describing him as an “incredible man” and a “true visionary” who transformed the hip-hop industry. The cause of his death was not disclosed. Gotti’s label produced stars like Ashanti and Ja Rule, with Ja Rule achieving chart success with hits like “Holla Holla” and “Always on Time.” Ashanti’s “Foolish” spent 10 weeks at the top of the Hot 100 chart, and Gotti produced nearly 30 hits for artists like DMX, Mary J. Blige, and Jay-Z. In 2003, he won a Grammy for co-producing Ashanti’s debut album. The music industry mourned Gotti’s passing, with Def Jam expressing deep sadness and stating that his contributions had a lasting impact on hip-hop and R&B. Def Jam praised Gotti’s creative genius and dedication to the culture, saying that his work defined an era of music that still resonates with fans worldwide. Gotti’s legacy will live on in the artists he nurtured and the hits he helped create.

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