Irv Gotti Dead at 54

Music industry icon Irv Gotti, known for his work with artists like DMX, Ja Rule, and Ashanti, has passed away. TMZ has confirmed the news.

Sources close to his family revealed that he died in New York City on Wednesday. The exact cause of his death remains unknown at this time.

Having recently suffered a stroke, Irv had been facing health challenges and required a cane for mobility.

Known for his struggles with diabetes, Irv openly admitted to not being consistent with his insulin regimen. Despite medical advice to improve his diet, he found it challenging to make significant changes.

Following his stroke, it was revealed that diabetes played a role in his health issues. Efforts were made to enhance his dietary habits in response to the medical scare.

Irv Gotti’s illustrious career in the music industry included producing tracks like “Can I Live” on Jay-Z‘s debut album “Reasonable Doubt.”

During his tenure at Def Jam, he signed DMX and served as the executive producer for DMX’s groundbreaking album, “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot.” Later, he founded Murder Inc. Records under the Def Jam umbrella, with Ja Rule’s debut album “Venni Vetti Vecci” as the label’s inaugural release.

Not limited to hip hop, Gotti also signed Vanessa Carlton and produced her album “Heroes & Thieves” in 2007.

In a publicized exchange, Irv Gotti and Ashanti engaged in a war of words following his revelations on a “Drink Champs” episode about their past dynamic. Ashanti disputed his claims, asserting that their relationship was not as significant as he portrayed it to be.

The rise of Murder Inc. Records was documented in the 2022 BET series “The Murder Inc Story,” a project that Ashanti opted out of participating in, leading to further tensions between her and Irv Gotti.

Irv Gotti leaves behind a lasting legacy in the music world. He was 54 years old at the time of his passing.