Irv Gotti, Famed Music Producer and Murder Inc. Cofounder, Dead at 54

The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of a mogul.

Irv Gotti—the famed music producer who worked alongside various artists including Ja Rule, Ashanti, Aaliyah, Jennifer Lopez, Jay-Z and DMX—has died at the age of 54, Def Jam Recordings has announced. In their message shared to social media, the label noted that they were “deeply saddened” by his passing.

“His contribution to Def Jam, as both an A&R executive and in partnership with Murder, Inc., helped pave the way for the next generation or artists and producers, a force that reshaped the soundscape of hip-hop and R&B,” the company’s message, shared to Instagram Feb. 5, read in part. “His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture birthed countless hits, defining an era of music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.”

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends,” they added, “and all those who were touched by his work.”

Though a cause of death is not yet known, according to The Hollywood Reporter, who was the first to report the news, Gotti’s passing comes after he suffered a number of strokes in recent years, as well as health issues relating to diabetes.