Celebrities who died in 2025

Irv Gotti, 54

In an era of hip-hop where the producers were as prominent as the artists, Irv Gotti was one of the shining stars of the late 1990s and 2000s.

Gotti, who was born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. and later went by DJ Irv, came on the scene as A&R for Def Jam. He brought in artists that would define the next generation of hip-hop to the label like Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule.

His coming out party was producing one of Jay-Z’s first hits, “Can I Live,” from his 1996 debut album “Reasonable Doubt.”

Soon after, his Irv Gotti persona was created when he founded the rap label Murder Inc. Records, bringing along artists like DMX and Ja Rule and signing others like Ashanti.

There he became the face of smash hits like Jay-Z’s “Can I Get A…,” DMX’s “What’s My Name,” Ja Rule’s “Holla Holla,” Fat Joe’s “What’s Luv?,” Jennifer Lopez’s “I’m Real,” and Ashanti’s “Foolish.”

In recent years, Gotti had suffered strokes and battled diabetes-related issues. He died on February 5. No cause was given.