Hip-hop icon and report government Irving “Irv Gotti” Lorenzo Jr., the mastermind behind Homicide Inc. Information, has died at 54.
The reason for demise has not been introduced, although Gotti had battled diabetes-related points and suffered a number of strokes in recent times.
Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons was among the many first to pay tribute, calling consideration to Gotti’s impression and the broader well being disaster affecting Black women and men.
“Brothers and sisters, please don’t let Irv Gotti go with out acknowledging the tragedy of his demise and the state of Black well being in America,” Simmons urged. “This proficient, lovely, completely satisfied, curious, enthusiastic spirit has left his physique manner too quickly. I’m certain God will obtain him with love. To the Black women and men of America nonetheless right here to face this disaster, the epidemic of power ailments and sicknesses is a results of America’s meals trade poisoning you and the normalization of unhealthy diets and lack of self-care. These following nice nutritionists like Dr. Sebi are strolling away from this cycle of illness. Assist your brothers and sisters take the identical path.”
Gotti rose to prominence within the late Nineteen Nineties and early 2000s, shaping the careers of Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX. His signature manufacturing fashion fused hip-hop beats with melodic hooks, creating crossover hits that dominated radio and tv from 2001 to 2004. He performed a pivotal position in crafting chart-topping singles comparable to “I’m Actual” and “Ain’t It Humorous” with Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule and “Silly” and “At all times on Time” with Ashanti.
Earlier than launching Homicide Inc. in 1998, Gotti labored as an A&R at Def Jam, the place he helped signal Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule. Below his DJ moniker, DJ Irv, he produced “Can I Dwell” from Jay-Z’s “Cheap Doubt” album. His affect prolonged past hip-hop, co-producing Vanessa Carlton’s “Heroes and Thieves” album alongside Rick Rubin and Stephan Jenkins.
Lyor Cohen, the previous Def Jam government now serving as YouTube’s world head of music, recalled Gotti’s contributions.
“Def Jam has misplaced one among its most inventive troopers who was hip-hop,” Cohen said. “After we have been on bended knee, he introduced the warmth and saved us. He got here from a really tight, lovely household from Queens, and it’s an honor and a privilege to have identified him. Irv, you can be missed.”
Gotti’s profession confronted challenges within the mid-2000s when an FBI investigation into alleged ties with drug kingpin Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff led to a raid on Homicide Inc.’s workplaces. Although acquitted, the case tarnished the label’s fame. Lately, Gotti pivoted to tv, launching the BET anthology collection “Tales,” mixing hip-hop and storytelling.
Steve Rifkind, founding father of Loud Information, recalled his longtime friendship with Gotti.
“I met Irv in 1993 when he had Mic Geronimo signed to him. We all the time laughed about what would have occurred if he had gone to Loud,” Rifkind reminisced. “After his case within the mid-2000s, we each ended up at Common, the place he had Lloyd and I had Akon. Doug Morris had a plan for us, however we by no means fairly found out what it was. We simply knew we had lunch with him and Mel Lewinter each Monday for a yr. We by no means discovered what the plan was, however boy, did we study rather a lot and have numerous laughs. To the Gotti, Lorenzo, and Homicide Inc. household, my coronary heart goes out to all of you.”
Gotti is survived by his kids, Angie, Sonny and Jonathan Wilson; his mom, Nee Nee Lorenzo; his sisters, Tina and Angie; and his brother, Chris Lorenzo, with whom he co-founded Homicide Inc.
“Relaxation in peace, Irv. You have been such a wonderful soul however gone too quickly,” Simmons mentioned.
