Irv Gotti, the founder of Murder Inc. Records and producer, has passed away at the age of 54.

Over the last couple of years, Gotti had been battling multiple health challenges, including a stroke, and was rumored to have been placed on life support. However, an official cause of death has not been disclosed, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. in Queens, New York, Gotti emerged as a formidable force in hip-hop, first making his mark under the moniker DJ Irv. He produced Mic Geronimo’s debut album The Natural, which introduced the world to rising talents JAY-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule. One of his early production credits was Can I Live from JAY-Z’s iconic 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt.

Gotti’s industry influence extended beyond production. As an A&R at Def Jam, he played a pivotal role in signing DMX to the label, helping to shape the trajectory of the Ruff Ryders star’s career. He served as executive producer on DMX's groundbreaking debut album, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over four million copies in the U.S.

Building on his industry success, Gotti secured a distribution deal with Def Jam to launch his own imprint, Murder Inc. Records. Under his leadership, the label dominated the late ‘90s and early 2000s with anthems from Ja Rule and Ashanti. He was the mastermind behind hits such as Holla Holla, Between Me and You, Put It On Me featuring Lil’ Mo, Mesmerize, Livin' It Up featuring Case, and the chart-topping Always on Time. With Ashanti, he produced her breakout No. 1 hit Foolish, as well as Happy and Baby.

Beyond Murder Inc., Gotti’s production credits span collaborations with JAY-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Fat Joe, Memphis Bleek, Eve, and many more, cementing his legacy as one of hip-hop’s most influential architects.

His business acumen and creative vision made him one of the most revered moguls of his era, setting a blueprint that many aspiring executives have followed.

Gotti also found success in television. He created and produced BET’s hit anthology series Tales, which dramatized classic hip-hop songs. In 2022, he executive produced The Murder Inc. Story, a BET docuseries chronicling his decades-long journey in the music industry.

We at BET.com extend our deepest condolences to Irv Gotti’s family, friends, and the countless artists and fans who were impacted by his legacy.