Irv Gotti, the co-founder of the influential Murder Inc. Records, passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 54. Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti was a key figure in shaping the sound of hip-hop and R&B in the early 2000s. His record label, Murder Inc., was home to major artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and Lloyd, producing countless chart-topping hits.
Gotti’s passing has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with fans and artists alike mourning the loss of a legendary producer and executive. Reports indicate that he suffered a stroke that led to a brain bleed, though an official cause of death has not yet been confirmed. He had been open about his struggles with diabetes in recent years and suffered a minor stroke in early 2024.
50 Cent’s Controversial Response
As tributes poured in from the hip-hop community, 50 Cent (born Curtis Jackson) took a different approach. The rapper, known for his long-standing feud with Gotti and Murder Inc., made headlines with an insensitive Instagram post just moments after news of Gotti’s passing broke.
“I’m smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him. LOL,” 50 wrote to his 33.9 million followers.
The post quickly went viral, drawing backlash from fans, industry insiders, and fellow artists. Many social media users condemned his remarks as “disgusting” and deeply inappropriate, particularly in light of Gotti’s recent passing.
As of now, 50 Cent has not responded to the criticism, and his post remains on his social media accounts.
A Feud Decades in the Making
50 Cent’s animosity toward Irv Gotti and Murder Inc. is no secret. Their feud dates back to the early 2000s when 50 Cent was an up-and-coming rapper and Gotti was at the height of his career. The tension largely stemmed from 50’s conflict with Ja Rule, Murder Inc.’s biggest star.
Over the years, the rivalry escalated through diss tracks, public insults, and even alleged physical altercations. In 2021, 50 Cent publicly slammed Gotti for claiming that DMX had died from using fentanyl-laced crack cocaine, calling him an “idiot” for spreading misinformation.
Despite the animosity, some fans hoped that 50 would put aside their differences in light of Gotti’s passing. However, his latest remarks have only reignited tensions and further cemented his reputation for being unapologetically petty, even in moments of tragedy.
Gotti’s Legacy in Hip-Hop
While his life was not without controversy, Irv Gotti’s impact on music is undeniable. As a producer, he helped craft some of the most iconic songs of the early 2000s, including Ja Rule’s “Always on Time” and Ashanti’s “Foolish.” He was also instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous artists and bringing a signature blend of hip-hop and R&B to the mainstream.
Beyond music, Gotti was a savvy businessman who expanded his brand into television and film. He created the hit BET series Tales, which reimagined hip-hop lyrics as cinematic narratives, further proving his ability to innovate and influence culture.
Irv Gotti’s death marks the end of an era in hip-hop. As the industry mourns his passing, the controversy surrounding 50 Cent’s remarks serves as a reminder of the deep-seated rivalries that have shaped rap history. Whether or not 50 will address the backlash remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Gotti’s contributions to music and culture will not be forgotten.
For now, fans continue to honor his legacy, reflecting on the hits, the drama, and the undeniable impact of a hip-hop mogul gone too soon.
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