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Celebrity tributes are pouring in following news of the death of Murder Inc. Records co-founder Irv Gotti.
On Wednesday (February 5), news broke that Gotti, who got his start in A&R at Def Jam before co-founding his influential label Murder Inc. Records, had passed away at age 54.
“Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives and employees, are deeply saddened at the loss of Irv Gotti,” a statement from the label read. “His contributions at Def Jam, as both an A&R executive and in partnership with Murder Inc., helped pave the way for the next generation of artists and producers, a force that reshaped the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B. His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture birthed countless hits, defining an era of music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his work.
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, took to social media to mourn the loss of Gotti, who he worked with on the 2019 song "Brothers," sharing the news with a dove emoji.
50 Cent reacted to news of Gotti's death by sharing a picture of himself smoking next to a "RIP" headstone.
“I’m smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him LOL,” 50 wrote on Instagram. The rapper also shared a red-carpet photo of Gotti, whom he had a contentious relationship with over the years.
Jamie Foxx shared his condolences on Instagram, writing that Gotti's music and legacy "will never be forgotten."
"Irv you have spread a lot of love and and a lot of wisdom to everyone that you met rest up!" Foxx wrote.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Russell Simmons spoke out about Black men's and women's health in America while mourning the death of Gotti.
"Rest in peace Irv you’re such a beautiful soul but gone too soon," Simmons wrote in part.
Gotti's former artists, Vita, Kxng Crooked, and Caddillac Tah, also shared messages on social media following the death of the music mogul.
See more tributes to Gotti below.
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