Famed music executive Irv Gotti, founder of Murder Inc., has passed away at the age of 54, according to a statement from Def Jam Records. Gotti, whose real name was Lorenzo, worked with artists like DMX, Ja Rule, and Ashanti, helping define an era of music in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The cause of death was not provided, but reports suggest he had been battling health issues, including a stroke last year. Def Jam expressed sadness at the loss and extended condolences to Gotti’s family and friends.
