Ja Rule has led stars paying tribute to Irv Gotti, following his death at the age of 54.
The American record executive and music producer worked with huge names, including Jay-Z, Kanye West, Jennifer Lopez and Ashanti, throughout his career.
His cause of death – confirmed by Hollywood Reporter – is unknown, although Gotti suffered a stroke last year and had battled diabetes-related issues for some time.
Taking to Instagram in the wake of the news, Ja Rule, real name Jeffrey Atkins, shared black and white photos of his late friend.
Alongside the post, he simply wrote: ‘Love you… 💔 🕊️.’
Gotti’s family also shared a lengthy message on his official Instagram page, which began: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving “Irv Gotti” Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025.
‘Surrounded by family and friends, he departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him and the countless lives he touched.
‘Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike. His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many, and his contributions will continue to influence future generations.
‘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.
‘Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time. With love, Angie, Sonny, and JJ.’
Christina Milian followed suit on her own page, looking back over their many years in the industry together.
‘I’m deeply saddened for the loss of Irv Gotti, a true visionary who played a pivotal role in shaping the music landscape of the late 90s and 2000s,’ she began. ‘His contributions went beyond producing hits; he was a catalyst for countless artists, turning dreams into reality, me included.
‘Everything Irv said he would do, he delivered. I can personally attest to the impact he had on my journey. If it weren’t for his belief in me and the opportunity he created with “Between Me & You,” I might have remained just another artist waiting for my chance to shine.
‘His call to @ChonitaFloyd led to a life-changing moment when I recorded what became one of @jarule’s many chart-topping singles. It all happened so fast and that attention propelled my music career forward in ways I could have only hoped for.
‘Irv’s laughter was unmistakable, a sound that could light up a room, and everything he put his energy into was nothing short of extraordinary—“bananas,” as he would say. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those he touched.
‘My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Irv Gotti. Your influence will never be forgotten. Thank you. CMili & Mom Dukes.’
‘Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop,’ said Lyor Cohen, global head of music at YouTube, who was chief executive at the label for 20 years until 2004.
‘When we were on bended knee, he brought the heat and saved our asses. He comes from a very tight beautiful family from Queens and it’s an honor and a privilege to have known him. Irv, you will be missed.’
Gotti – real name Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr – is best known for founding Murder Inc Records in New York in 1988 with his brother Chris Gotti, producing some huge hits over the years including Jay-Z’s Can I Live from the rapper’s 1996 Debut LP Reasonable Doubt.
He rose to prominence in the late 90s and early 00s, and became influential in hip-hop and R&B genres.
Many of the artists he worked with – including Ja Rule, DMX and Ashanti – found huge success with the help of his signature style, blending catchy melodies with traditional hip-hop beats.
His hits from the time include Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule’s 2002 collaboration Ain’t It Funny, as well as Ashanti and Ja Rule’s Always on Time, and the former’s solo work Foolish and Rain on Me.
Before founding Murder Inc, which was an imprint of Def Jam Records,Gotti worked for the latter, and was instrumental in getting Jay-Z and DMX to sign with the label.
Working with the two rappers made a name for Gotti in the industry, allowing him to branch out on his own into Murder Inc, which was renamed the more palatable The Inc in 2007.
Vanessa Carlton signed with the label around this time and Gotti co-produced her Heroes and Thieves album. His other producing credits include Memphis Bleek, Fat Joe and Christina Milian.
It was around this time that the label’s profits began to dwindle, with their releases underperforming compared to previous years.
While it shrank, Gotti continued to produce for a number of artists – including Kanye West – and worked on smaller hip-hop albums released under his own name.
After he and his brother Chris were charged for money laundering in 2005 – for which they were later acquitted – Gotti stepped back from the music industry, instead focusing on reality TV.
He developed the series Takes for BET Gotti in 2017 and led Gotti’s Way from 2007 for two years.
In 2024, Gotti was sued by an anonymous woman, who claimed he had sexually assaulted and abused her over the course of a two-year relationship from 2020 to 2022. At the time he ‘categorically denied’ the accusations.
Gotti is survived by his three children, Angie, Sonny and Jonathan Wilson; his mother, Nee Nee Lorenzo; sisters Tina and Angie; and his brother Chris.
The music world has taken to social media to pay tribute, with Ye taking to Instagram with the news of his death, and commenting with a dove emoji.
Fat Joe wrote: ‘What a Genius, God bless you irv ty for all you’ve done for Hip Hop. You changed my life and i will always love you RIP.’
Def Jam Records posted that they are ‘deeply saddened’ at the loss.
‘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,’ they continued.
‘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.’
One tribute that’s caused backlash was Gotti’s rival 50 Cent’s, with people branding it disrespectful.
Posting a picture of him smoking with a makeshirt gravestone next to him, 50 Cent wrote: ‘I’m smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him 🕊️LOL.’
Fans were not impressed, as mydream_ismyreality said: ‘I love you 50 but this is too far.’
sbyeezy added: ‘Beef or not don’t make a mockery of someone’s death. His death affects his children and grandchildren. Some s**t is funny but this isn’t funny at all to laugh at someone’s death.’
50 Cent and Gotti’s feud dates back to the early 2000s, when he and Ja Rule became industry rivals.
The beef was thought to have started between 50 Cent and Murder Inc. when Ja Rule was robbed for his chain at gunpoint in Southside Jamaica, Queens.
‘A friend of mine robbed Ja Rule,’ 50 Cent recounted in his 2005 biography From Pieces to Weight.
‘That’s how the beef originally started. My man robbed him for a chain, and then this guy named Brown came and got the chain back for Ja. Later, Ja saw me in a club with the kid who robbed him. I went over to say, “What’s up” to Ja, and he acted like he had a problem with me. But I’m not the one who robbed him.’
However Ja, who later confirmed the robbery did happen, denied that he saw 50 Cent with the robber. He claims the beef started after Murder Inc snubbed Fiddy during a video shoot for Murda 4 Lyf.
What followed was years of diss tracks and physical altercations, with the beef continuing to this day.
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