Major record producer dies at 54: 'Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers'

Murder Inc. Records co-founder Irv Gotti, the man behind artists such as Ja Rule, has died at the age of 54.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the sad news, but the cause of death is not yet known.

However, the publication reports the late record executive had a stroke last year.

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"Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop," music industry executive Lyor Cohen said in a tribute, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

He had reportedly been diagnosed with diabetes before his death.

"Diabetes is deteriorating my body," he once reportedly said about the disease, according to The New York Post.

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His representative reportedly previously said to TMZ he suffered a stroke in 2024 related to his diabetes.

"Irv has been struggling with diabetes for years, which caused him to have a minor stroke over six months ago," they reportedly said at the time.

"He has since changed his diet to eating more healthy. He's been successful in making a full recovery. Irv is not in a rehab facility. He is at home with his family, enjoying life."

Following news of his death, Kanye West, now known as Ye, shared a tribute to his million of followers on Instagram to the late music executive, sharing a snap of a headline and commenting a white dove emoji underneath.

Murder Inc. was an imprint of Def Jam and Irv, whose full name was Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., worked with the likes of Ashanti, Ja Rule and DMX throughout his career.

Irv, who was born in New York, is survived by his three children: Angie, Sonny and JJ.

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