Irv Gotti, the famed hip-hop music executive from New York City, has died at the age of 54. His three children shared a message on his social media, writing, "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father,

Before launching Murder Inc. in New York City in 1998, Gotti worked as an A&R at Def Jam, where he helped bring DMX, Jay-Z and Ja Rule to the label. Under the moniker DJ Irv, he produced the song “Can I Live” from Jay-Z’s 1996 debut, Reasonable Doubt.

Gotti (born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr.) was known for co-founding the record label Murder Inc. Records in 1998, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings, gaining producer credits for hip-hop legends like Jay-Z, DMX, Kanye West, Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Eve and more.