American music producer Irv Gotti has passed away at the age of 54.
The producer, known for founding the hip-hop label Murder Inc Records, was behind nearly 30 Hot 100 hits in the US charts for artists such as Ashanti, Ja Rule, Ye, DMX, Fat Joe, Mary J Blige, and Jay-Z.
His death was confirmed by his children – Angie, Sonny, and JJ – who announced on his official Instagram page that he passed away on 5 February “surrounded by his family and friends”.
In their tribute, they described their father as an “incredible man” and a “true visionary”, stating that he will “leave behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched”.
“As we navigate this difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy while we grieve the loss of our dad, son, brother, uncle, and friend. We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through his music and the love he shared with all of us,” the family statement added.
The cause of Gotti’s death has not been disclosed.
After establishing Murder Inc in 1998, Gotti signed Ashanti and Ja Rule as the label’s first artists.
Gotti posing with singer Ashanti in 2003. Pic: Reuters
Ja Rule achieved his first top 40 Billboard Hot 100 hit with Holla Holla from his 1999 debut album Venni Vetti Vecci, while his collaboration with Ashanti on the song Always On Time became his highest-charting single.
Additionally, Ashanti’s debut single Foolish in 2002 made her only the second artist to simultaneously occupy spots in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 with her first three charting singles.
The label’s success soared, and between 1999 and 2005, Ja Rule accumulated a total of 17 Hot 100 hits.
Gotti and Busta Rhymes. Pic: Startraks Photo/Shutterstock
Def Jam Recordings, another record label under Universal Music Group, paid tribute to Gotti, acknowledging that his work “reshaped the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B”.
The statement from Def Jam read, “Def Jam Recordings and the extended Def Jam family of artists, executives, and employees are deeply saddened at the loss of Irv Gotti. His contributions at Def Jam, both as an A&R executive and through his partnership with Murder Inc, played a significant role in paving the way for the next generation of artists and producers, ultimately reshaping the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B.
“His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture behind numerous hits defined an era of music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.”
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Irv Gotti photographed in New York in 2007. Pic: AP
Ja Rule also shared his condolences, posting two images including one of them together with the caption “Love you.”
50 Cent, in his tribute, referenced his past feud with Gotti, posting a picture of himself smoking next to a gravestone that read RIP.