Irv Gotti, the boisterous, smiley music mogul who founded Murder Inc. Records and was behind major hip-hop and R&B artists, has died. He was 54.Def Jam Recordings, which was the parent company of Murder Inc.

Irv Gotti, the music producer who co-founded hip-hop label Murder, Inc., and signed stars such as Ja Rule, Ashanti and Lloyd, has died. He was 54.

Irv Gotti, who founded Murder Inc. Records and produced albums for Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, has died. He was 54. The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news on February 5. Def Jam Recordings also confirmed Gotti’s death,