Irv Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo, Jr., is a well-known figure in the hip hop music industry. Gotti began his journey in the music industry in the 1980s. As a native of New York, his career in music began as a DJ in the borough of Queens.
In 1997, Gotti’s career took a significant leap when he co-founded The Inc. Records. Initially known as Murder Inc., the record label has significantly contributed to the rap industry, launching the careers of many notable artists. These include Ja Rule, Ashanti and Lloyd, among others.
Apart from being a record executive, Gotti also has considerable experience as a music producer. He has produced various songs and albums for a range of artists, such as Jay-Z in his album “Can I Live”, DMX in his debut single “Get At Me Dog”, and Vanessa Carlton in her album “Heroes and Thieves”.
Despite facing legal issues in 2005, when he and his brother Christopher were indicted for money laundering, Gotti’s reputation in the industry remained unscathed. After a trial that spanned two years, they were both acquitted in 2007.
Gotti has also proved successful in visual media with the launch of Tales, a television drama anthology series on BET in 2017. The series, produced by Gotti, uses hip hop songs as the foundation for each episode’s plot.
In recent years, Gotti has managed to maintain his relevance in a dynamic industry, becoming an influential figure among younger generations of artists. His contribution to hip hop continues to be acknowledged and many contemporary artists aspire to follow his path.
Last modified: February 8, 2025
