UB In Memoriam: Innovator Irv Gotti + Murder Inc.

Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., professionally known as Irv Gotti, label CEO and founder of Murder Inc., has passed away, yesterday February 5th, 2025 at the age of 54.

An official cause of death has yet to be released. Irv‘s children have released the following statement.

“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.”

The statement continues; “As we navigate this difficult time, we kindly ask for privacy while we grieve the loss of our dad, son, brother, uncle, and friend,” the statement continued. “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.” The trio signed the statement, “With love, Angie, Sonny, and JJ.”

Launched in 1999, following Irv’s remarkable success as a music executive at Def Jam, Murder Inc. Records played a vital role in launching the careers of some of the most influential voices in hip-hop, soul and R&B, including Ja Rule, Ashanti, Lloyd, and Charli Baltimore.

In the early 90’s a young DJ/Producer by the name of Irving Lorenzo, known then as “DJ Irv” to the people of New York, aligned himself with young and aspiring rap artists Mic Geronimo. The collective Cash Money Click originally launched Ja Rule. Together Irv got CMC a record deal with Blunt Records/TVT Records.

Irv put forth Mic Geronimo’s debut album “The Natural” in 1995 which included a historic collaboration between three stars of the future. The track “Time to Build” found Ja Rule front man of the CMC trading verses with two other New York MCs, Jay-Z from Brooklyn and DMX from Yonkers.

Irv’s dream was to create his own label, one that would simulate the type of image and success of rap power house labels before him. The problem was, his deal with Blunt/TVT Records showed a lack of enthusiasm and promotion, so the chance of his dream materializing was slim if he remained with his current label.

However Irv’s savvy and street sense attracted the eye of Lyor Cohen, CEO of Def Jam Records.

With Def Jam going downhill with lackluster sales (Sony had sold half of its stake to Universal), Lyor set up an interview with Irv for an A&R position at the label in an act of desperation to save not only his job, but the future of Def Jam.

Jay-Z was the first of Irv’s army of rappers to sign a deal with Def Jam and explode onto the music scene. Irv‘s production on Jay’s 1996 classic debut “Reasonable Doubt” garnered major buzz.

Upon hearing the other talents Irv had assembled over the years. Irv then brought Cohen another artist, DMX. To many peoples surprise, X’s debut album “It’s Dark and Hell is Hot” which catered solely for the streets with its eerie beats and dark themes, reached the #1 spot on the Billboard charts with the aid of the Irv.

“My life and Murder Inc. has been filled with many highs and lows. I got to work with my brothers and a lot of great people; from Jay Z, DMX, Fat Joe, Mary J Blige, to name a few.

Also, I got to start my record label, Murder Inc. Records, with Ja Rule by my side. My life was filled with great lows, but I’m not ashamed of those lows. It all helped make me the person I am today.”

Irv‘s dream of owning his own label finally came true when Russell Simmons (Owner of Def Jam) rewarded him for making over $100 million for Def Jam in the span of three years, ultimately saving Cohen’s position and the label. Simmons provided Gotti with around 2.5 million in start up money for his label “Murder Inc.”

Gotti decided to call his label Murder Inc. after the original crime organization that was paid to assassinate people. He would often state the word “murder” in regards to lyrically or money wise killing off the competition, not to be taken literally.

By 1999, Ja Rule had got out his contract and signed to Def Jam/Murder Inc. along with two other rappers Blackchild and Tah Murda. Ja had already appeared on a record under Murder Inc. on “Can I Get A….” He had written the record for Jay’s third album “Hard Knock Life Vol. 2” and the “Rush Hour” soundtrack, which had exploded on the radio and club scene, causing Jay’s album to sell over $6 million units (his highest selling album to date) and the soundtrack to also break the platinum mark.

So naturally when Ja’s first single “Holla Holla” was released, it created a similar effect. Even though X and Jay weren’t signed to Murder Inc., Irv Gotti shortly put together a super group called “The Murderers,” that included Ja Rule, DMX and JAY-Z.

Vita released her single “Vita Vita Vita” and The Murderers collective effort “We Don’t Give A Fuck” did little to catch mainstream attention. The album failed to gain any commercial success but it did reach the street audience and set up Ja Rules sophomore release “Rule 3:36” which was released in early 2000. The summer anthem “Between Me and You” which introduced the world to Christina Milian, whose first album was released via The Inc.

The follow-up, “Put it on Me (Remix)” feat. Lil’ Mo and Vita was the #1 song on the Billboard singles charts while “Between Me and You” came in at #2. A feat nobody had accomplished since The Beatles.

Emulating the formula for “3:36,” Rule readied his third album “Pain Is Love” in 2001. This was the year where Murder Inc. would step outside the hip hop world, and into R&B.

Ja Rule became hip hop’s most diverse songwriter penning remixes for Jennifer Lopez songs such as “I’m Real” and “Aint it Funny” both outdoing the originals and staying in the #1 position for weeks on end.

It didn’t stop there, Ja also penned songs for Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige and Brandy. The second single from “Pain is Love Pain is Love,” “Always on Time” broke the record for the number of times a record could be spun on radio and stayed #1 for over a month.

Not only was it good for Ja, but it also brought Murder Inc’s newest artist Ashanti into the spotlight. At the time Gotti wasn’t trying to do an R&B record, so he put her on the late great Big Pun’s “How We Roll” and on “The Fast and the Furious” soundtrack which he produced and helped sell over a million units. When “Always on Time” was being recorded, Ashanti happened to be in the studio at the time and Rule asked her to sing the hook.

Newly signed female MC Charli Baltimore also was creating a buzz for herself when she appeared on Ja Rule‘s third single form “Pain is Love,” “Down Ass Bitch.”

Ashanti’s self titled album dropped in 2001 with the massive single “Foolish” which also reached #1 and stayed there with the help of its Biggie assisted remix “Unfoolish.” Ashanti then made history by being the only solo artist to appear in three of the Top 10 songs on the Billboard charts.

With “Always on Time,” “Foolish” and the collaboration with Fat Joe, “What’s Luv?” all at the same time, as well as being the highest selling female artist in her first week sales, selling over $500,000 copies in the US alone.

“Happy” and “Baby” followed “Foolish” into the top of the charts and solidified Ashanti’s spot as the “Princess of Hip Hop/R&B”; the album went on to sell over $5 million units worldwide.

Ashanti‘s release, expanded a record-breaking relationship between Island Def Jam Music Group and Murder Inc., who then renewed their deal.

“Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc” followed, which included the hit “Down 4 U (Down Ass Bitch Remix)” which featured Ja alongside all the female artists on the label.

“When I produce outside artists, I give it my all, and I try and find a niche for them. As my brother describes it. When something is there, and I want to keep it flooded to the point where people are familiar with it. Then, along with that, I want to break new artists. A good way of doing that is by putting out these albums. The Remixes was spawned because I had a lot of remixes and I didn’t know what to do with them. I had a “Happy” remix. I had dudes..’,, let’s make it happen. – Irv Gotti”

Ja Rule’s “The Last Temptation” was said to be his last album, since he was turning to acting, Ashanti’s “Chapter 2” album was released but failed to reach the success of her first, but opened with strong sales. With singles like “Rain On Me” and “Rock With U.”

In 2003, 17 year old Lloyd was signed, an Atlanta crooner with a knack for making slow jams for the ladies and gangster hooks for the harder audience.

Lloyd did well with his first single of his debut album “Southside”, which features Ashanti.

The album titled track reached #1 on the 106 and Park countdown, as well as his follow-up single “Hey Young Girl.” The album reached gold status.

UB (T M H at the time) helped roll-out Lloyd in 2004, with an exclusive interview before his album release. We asked him then, what made him sign with Irv and The Inc.? “The fact that I have new energy behind me. It’s original and we all work as a team at The Inc. I feel my time has come and now it’s just time to see what’s ahead.” Lloyd went on to say; “Irv believes in me 100% and is real passionate about my talents, that’s the best thing.”

In 2005, Irv Gotti and his brother Christopher were found not guilty of using their label to launder $1 million in drug money — which the government had alleged was brought in by convicted Queens drug dealer Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff.

According to the charges — the result of a three-year federal investigation involving the FBI, IRS, and New York and Baltimore city police — The Inc. was part of a crack and heroin business run by McGriff. McGriff, a founder of the “Supreme Team” drug gang. The Inc. was founded under the name Murder Inc. that same year. The Lorenzos’ lawyer has stated that The Inc. is financed through cash from Island Def Jam.

In 2007, after many months being spun on radio and many remixes, Lloyd‘s collaboration with Lil’ Wayne “You” peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

The lead single from Lloyd‘s sophomore album “Street Love.” “You” helped propel the album to the debut spot of #2 on the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

The most surprising signing made in 2007, was Vanessa Carlton to Murder Inc. Irv had been in the Universal offices and heard Vanessa playing her music. Upon hearing “1000 Miles,” Gotti in an enthusiastic fit had the urge to sign her then and there. Having just left her previous label, Vanessa was looking for a new deal.

Irv Gotti also executive produced three television series; “Tales,” “Gotti’s Way” and “Growing Up Hip Hop: New York.”

Murder Inc., will go down as one of the most phenomenal record labels ever created. Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. had a vision as a child, that grew into a dream as an adult – and he accomplished it!

UB Sends Our Condolences To The Family, Friends and Fans of Irv Gotti!