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.

Irv Gotti, the music producer who created hits for Ja Rule, Ashanti, DMX and Jennifer Lopez, has died at the age of 54. Best known as the founder of the record label Murder Inc., his signature style of blending hip-hop beats with smooth R&B melodies shaped the sound of the charts in the late 90s and early 2000s.

Irv Gotti, a music executive who founded Murder Inc. Records with his brother and built a hip-hop empire that produced some of the biggest rap and R&B albums of the early 21st century, has died at 54.

Records co-founder Irv Gotti on Wednesday (Feb. 5), tributes poured in from the hip-hop world, including from the label where he got his start, Def Jam. Gotti started out in A&R at the hip-hop label,

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

Irv Gotti, a noted record executive, music producer and entrepreneur best known as the founder of Murder Inc. Records, has died, THR has confirmed https://t.co/apFiEW5qSt pic.twitter.com/fKbQGTvf4L

Irv Gotti, co-founder of Murder Inc Records and renowned music executive, has passed away at 54, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the hip-hop landscape in the early 2000s, producing iconic albums for artists like Ja Rule and Ashanti.

Gotti, real name Irving Lorenzo, co-founded Murder Inc. records and was instrumental in the rise of DMX, Ja Rule and Ashanti, among other artists The post Irv Gotti, Hip Hop Producer and Exec Who Helped Define Early 2000s ,