Irv Gotti, the famed hip-hop music executive from New York City, has died at the age of 54. Def Jam Recordings shared a message on social media late Wednesday night confirming his death, saying the label is "deeply saddened.

Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. on June 26, 1970, was a key figure in the sound of ‘90s and 2000s hip-hop, when brash lyricism and outsized personalities blended seamlessly with pop hooks and R&B tenderness.

A founder of Murder Inc. Records, he helped launch the careers of Ja Rule and Ashanti and was credited as a producer on 28 records that made the Billboard Hot 100.

The Queens native responsible for some of hip hop's biggest acts reportedly passed away Wednesday in New York City.

Irv Gotti sadly passed away Wednesday night (Feb. 5) after suffering a stroke, and the Hip-Hop community paid its respects to the Murder Inc. visionary.

Irv Gotti's signature production style was evident on hit songs including "I'm Real," "Always on Time" and "Foolish."

Influential music producer Irv Gotti has died at the age of 54. Rapper 50 Cent and the label Def Jam Records honored him on social media with their obituaries.

This story was originally published on Dec. 27, 2023. Murder Inc. co-founder Irv Gotti died Wednesday, joining the list of Black male hip-hop producers and artists who have passed away prematurely. While the cause of Gotti’s death is yet to be determined and was not listed in the official announcement of his passing,