Irv Gotti is an American hip-hop and R&B record producer worth $25 million. Irv Gotti is best known for being the CEO and co-founder of Murder Inc., a well-known hip-hop record label.
Nonetheless, Gotti has worked extensively as a DJ and record producer, contributing to several high-profile hits. He has collaborated with Ashanti, Ja Rule, Jennifer Lopez, Jay-Z, DMX, Kanye West, and many more. Irv is also a seasoned record executive who is well-versed in the music business.
In addition to these accomplishments, Gotti also works in the television industry, having created the well-known BET series “Tales.” Irv’s career probably peaked in the 1990s, but he still produces music today. Gotti also has a long history of legal problems.
Controversies
Like many other figures in the hip-hop community, he has had feuds with celebrities such as 50 Cent and others. He is also said to have a lengthy criminal history, and it appears that he could not stay out of trouble even after “making it big” as a record producer.
Irving’s Childhood Domingo Lorenzo Jr. was born in Hollis, New York City, on June 26, 1970. He grew up alongside his brother Chris, and two would co-found Murder Inc. Irving with seven other siblings. The family’s father worked as a cab driver, and was financially difficult.
After some convincing, Lorenzo Jr to begin drug dealing to make money. Thankfully, Irving’s foray into crime was cut short by the authorities, who apprehended him soon after he began selling crack and coke. Even after allegedly “going straight,” Lorenzeo Jr remained friends with several gangsters in his neighborhood.
Beginnings of a Career
Irv Gotti’s neighborhood was a breeding ground for upcoming artists in the burgeoning hip-hop scene in the early 1990s. Gotti rose to prominence as an up-and-coming producer. He eventually released “The Natural” with Mic Geronimo in 1995.
However, it truly broke through after assisting in the production of Jay-debut Z’s “Reasonable Doubt” album in 1996. The album launched Irv Gotti’s career, and he soon found himself working with some big names. Jay-Z suggested that Lorenzo Jr. change his stage name to “Irv Gotti” in honor of Irv Gotti. Notorious New York crime boss John Gotti.
During this time, Gotti began working as a talent scout, artist, and repertoire rep for several record labels.
With this experience, he was able to make significant progress toward his goal of becoming a successful record executive, despite admitting to Lyor Cohen. He intended to “become him and destroy him,” and soon began working for Def Jam Records. He immediately introduced Def Jam to up-and-coming rapper DMX, who became an absolute legend. Gotti also persuaded Jay-Z to sign with Def Jam.
Creating Own Label – Murder & Co
Irv, now a well-known figure in the hip-hop scene, finally realized his dream of launching his record label in 1999. Def Jam was enthusiastic, becoming 50% partners in Murder Inc. and lending Gotti $3 million to launch his new venture. Murder, Inc. had enormous success, releasing several top hits over the years.
He produced the smash hit “What’s Luv?” in 2001, which featured Fat Joe, Ashanti, and Ja Rule. He also collaborated with Jennifer Lopez on several hit songs, including “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny.” Despite significant legal issues after the millennium’s turn, Gotti continued to release music over the years. He collaborated with The Game on the single “Nice” in 2008. He collaborated extensively with Kanye West between 2018 and 2019.
Catalog Purchase
Irv Gotti revealed on social media in July 2022 (followed up with a series of interviews with music publications) that he had In a deal, Murder Inc.’s master recordings were sold to a music management firm called Iconoclast worth up to $300 million.
In subsequent messages, Irv explained that $100 million of the $300 million was being used to acquire the Murder Inc. masters, in which he had a 50% stake.
The remaining 50% was owned by Universal Music Group (which owns Def Jam, the original partner). It’s unclear whether Irv will receive the entire $50 million or whether he’ll split it with his brother and co-founder, Chris Gotti. In any case, the agreement included stipulating that Iconoclast would invest $200 million over time in various film and television productions by Irv Gotti.
Property Management
Irv Gotti paid $3.636 million for a home in Encino, California, in 2018. The house had only been built a year before and was described as having “farmhouse” aesthetics. The house is on a quarter-acre lot with a swimming pool, a covered patio, and a fire pit. The 6,600-square-foot residence includes five bedrooms, a walk-in closet, and a private balcony.
Controversy
Irv Gotti was being pursued by the authorities in 2003. Following an investigation, they raided Murder, Inc.’s offices and filed money laundering charges. Sources claimed that Lorenzo Jr. and his brother had ties to well-known drug lords in New York, including Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. It was later revealed that McGriff had made significant investments in “Crime Partners,” a film produced by Murder, Inc.
It didn’t help that Gotti had officially dubbed his SoHo studio “The Crackhouse” and attempted to portray himself as a drug kingpin in his own right. Several well-known songs contained lyrics that implied Gotti was heavily involved in criminal activities. However, as most hip-hop fans are aware, many figures in the industry like to create a fictional persona for themselves to help with self-promotion.
Gotti was facing a 20-year prison sentence for money laundering at one point. In 2005, he was found not guilty on all counts. Gotti and McGriff were later determined to be childhood friends who grew up in the same impoverished neighborhood, with little evidence pointing to actual criminal activity.