The music world is mourning the loss of iconic record producer Irv Gotti, who passed away on Wednesday, February 5, at the age of 54. The cause of death remains unknown, though reports indicate he had suffered a stroke last year and had been battling diabetes.
Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., was a trailblazer in the music industry, known for his work with some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B, including Ashanti, Ja Rule, Nas, DMX, Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton, and Mary J. Blige. He was instrumental in the rise of Ashanti, co-writing and co-producing her chart-topping hits like "What's Luv" and "Foolish." He also contributed to Ja Rule’s success with tracks like "Always on Time" and the "Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix)" featuring Jennifer Lopez.
In August, Gotti’s representatives revealed he had been struggling with diabetes, which had caused him to suffer a minor stroke. At the time, they assured the public that he was recovering, living at home with his family, and enjoying life.
Before his passing, close friend and fellow record producer Russell Simmons posted on Instagram, expressing his hopes for Gotti’s full recovery. Simmons, who had been praying for Gotti's health, called him a “good-hearted” and “beloved” person. However, after learning of Gotti’s death, Simmons returned to social media to honor his friend, describing him as a “talented, beautiful, happy, curious enthusiastic spirit" who left too soon.
Despite the heartfelt tribute, Simmons faced criticism for using Gotti's death to discuss the impact of poor diets and lifestyles on health. Some social media users felt his comments about diet were inappropriate given the circumstances, with one person noting it was “not the time” to discuss such issues, as the cause of Gotti’s death remained unclear.
Gotti’s influence on the music industry is undeniable. In 1998, he co-founded Murder Inc. Records with his brother, Chris Gotti, and helped shape the sound of the late '90s and early 2000s. The label also contributed to the success of soundtracks like "The Fast and the Furious" in 2001.
Gotti leaves behind three children—Sonny, JJ, and Angie—who, along with his friends and colleagues, will remember his significant impact on the music industry.