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Irv Gotti, the famed record producer and co-founder of Murder, Inc. Records, has passed away at 54, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Reports about Gotti's condition began floating around on Wednesday night, February 5. However, his cause of death has not been confirmed. Gotti, born Irving Lorenzo, had been experiencing medical issues over the past year. His team confirmed he suffered from a "minor stroke" last spring due to his complications with diabetes. They released a statement about his condition after an alleged photo of him walking with a cane at a rehabilitation center was posted online.
"Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago," Gotti's rep said at the time. "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."
Prior to his stroke, Gotti, born Irving Lorenzo, had been open about his battle with diabetes. He spoke about his struggle to maintain a healthy diet during his appearance on Drink Champs in 2023.
Irv Gotti got his start in the music industry as a producer for the likes of JAY-Z, DMX, Fat Joe and more. He worked as an A&R for Def Jam before he co-founded Murder Inc. Records in 1998 with his brother Chris Gotti. After establishing the label, Irv Gotti helped launch the careers of Ja Rule, Ashanti, Lloyd and others. Following his success with Murder Inc., Lorenzo went on to produce TV series like "Tales" and his "Murder, Inc." docuseries for BET.
Rest in peace, Irv Gotti.