Update: Sources close to Irv Gotti’s camp say the music executive was declared brain dead after suffering a massive stroke. He was 54.
According to Allhiphop.com, sources say Gotti was “declared dead” Wednesday morning (February 5).
Gotti, real name Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., is on a ventilator in an intensive care unit in New York City.
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted by a blockage or bleeding in the brain.
Usually a doctor declares a patient brain dead when a brain scan shows a total lack of brainwave activity (no electrical impulses in the brain).
The family is usually given the option of removing the patient from the ventilator. If the family refuses to give permission to turn off the ventilator, the hospital can seek a court order to turn the machine off.
Last year, music manager Wack 100 reported that Gotti was recovering from a stroke. He shared a photo that showed a fragile looking Gotti walking with a cane.
Gotti’s rep later confirmed that he suffered a mild stroke due to diabetes.
Originally published on Feb 5, 2025 at 3:18 PM.
Gotti’s arch nemesis 50 Cent mocked rumors that Gotti passed away.
50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, wrote “Damn I wanted him to see my new shows yo!” on Instagram.
Gossip bloggers reported that Gotti died after being taken off of the ventilator.
However, Gotti’s friends, such as Russell Simmons and Juan Hustle, debunked the rumors. According to Simmons, Gotti was still on life support and his family and friends were “saying goodbye.”
My heart is heavy after speaking with someone close to Irv Gotti. The rumors are true, and he's in need of our prayers. The message is clear: "Gotta eat right, take care of the body." Holding him in my thoughts and hoping for the best. ?? pic.twitter.com/tpfovFJmT2
— Juan Hustle (@JuanHustle) February 5, 2025
Gotti produced hits for Ja Rule, Ashanti, DMX and Jennifer Lopez. But he is best known for feuding with Jay Z, Nas, Sean Combs and 50 Cent.
Gotti co-founded The Inc. (formerly Murder Inc) record label.
Wack 100 suggests Gotti suffered a stroke due to stress over his ex Ashanti dating rapper Nelly.
Gotti opened up about their alleged relationship in 2022. But Ashanti shut him down, saying “He was never my boyfriend.”
In July 2024, Gotti was sued by a Florida woman who claimed he sexually assaulted her.
The woman, identified in court papers as “Jane Doe,” claims Gotti assaulted and abused her on several occasions from 2020 to 2022.
“As a result of this sexually abusive relationship, Plaintiff has suffered severe emotional and psychological harm for which she had to be committed to a psychiatric ward. These injuries continue and affect Plaintiff to this day,” her attorney wrote in court documents.
