Irv Gotti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Irv Gotti
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Gotti in 2005
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. |
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| Born | June 26, 1970 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | February 5, 2025 (aged 54) New York City, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1988–2025 |
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Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. (born June 26, 1970 – died February 5, 2025), known as Irv Gotti or DJ Irv, was an American music producer. He also worked as a record executive, helping artists make and release their music. In 1998, he helped start a record label called Murder Inc. Records. This label was part of Def Jam Recordings.
Irv Gotti is known for helping to find talented artists. He helped discover famous rappers like Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule. He also helped launch the career of singer Ashanti. He was a main producer for DMX's first album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot. He also produced Ja Rule's first album, Venni Vetti Vecci.
Early Life
Irv Gotti was born Irving Lorenzo in Hollis, a neighborhood in Queens, New York City. His birthday was June 26, 1970. His family background included both Filipino and African-American heritage. Irv had two sisters and a brother named Christopher, who is known as Chris Gotti.
Music Career
Irv's journey in music began when he was a teenager. He worked as a DJ at parties in Queens. During this time, he discovered a rapper named Mic Geronimo. This led Irv to become a talent scout for A&R at TVT Records. He also briefly worked as a DJ for Jay-Z when Jay-Z was just starting his career.
As DJ Irv, he produced a song called "Can I Live". This song was on Jay-Z's first album, Reasonable Doubt, released in June 1996. Irv's big break came when Jay-Z called him "The Don of Hip-Hop". This led to Irv getting his famous nickname, Irv Gotti. The name was inspired by a well-known person named John Gotti.
In 1997, Irv helped Def Jam sign the artist DMX. Irv Gotti was the main producer for DMX's first album, It's Dark and Hell is Hot. This album came out on May 12, 1998. It quickly became very popular, selling over 250,000 copies in its first week. The album went on to sell four million copies in the United States. It sold five million copies around the world.
After helping Def Jam with the success of DMX and Jay-Z, Irv was given a chance. Lyor Cohen, a music executive, gave Irv his own record label under Def Jam. Irv started this new label with his brother, Chris. They decided to name it Murder Inc. after seeing the name on a TV show.
The first album released by Murder Inc. was Ja Rule's debut album, Venni Vetti Vecci. It was released in June 1999. Irv helped produce all the songs on this album. He also oversaw the entire project as the executive producer. Irv also produced Ja Rule's second album, Rule 3:36. He helped produce hit songs from Rule 3:36, including "Between Me and You".
In 2002, Irv Gotti released an album called Irv Gotti Presents The Inc. This album featured many artists from his Murder Inc. label. Irv helped produce every song on the album. This included the popular hit single "Down 4 U".
Later, the label Murder Inc. changed its name to The Inc. Under this new name, Irv moved the label to Universal Motown. He also signed singer Vanessa Carlton. Gotti helped produce Vanessa Carlton's third album, Heroes and Thieves. This album was released on October 9, 2007.
In September 2013, Murder Inc. was brought back. It became a part of Irv Gotti's new label, called Visionary.
Passing Away
In early 2024, Lorenzo had a minor stroke. This caused him to change his diet. Irving Lorenzo Jr. passed away in New York City on February 5, 2025. He was 54 years old. He died from problems caused by multiple strokes and diabetes. He is survived by his three children.
