Irv Gottie, Founder of Minder Inc., Passes Away at 54

Founder Of Minder Inc. Passes Away

Founder of Minder Inc., Irv Gottie, has passed away at the age of 54.

The news was confirmed Hollywood Reporter today (February 6), though the cause of death has yet to be disclosed. His passing follows a significant health scare, as he suffered a stroke in 2024.

Career Highlights

Gottie, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., founded a record label focused on rap, where artists such as Ashanti and Ja Rule thrived. He played a pivotal role in A&R at Def Jam during the 1990s, contributing significantly to the label’s resurgence in the late ’90s with the signing of major artists like Jay-Z, Ja Rule, and DMX.

By the late 1990s, after signing Jay-Z and Ja Rule, Def Jam’s valuation soared beyond $100 million, enabling the label to expand through its new subsidiary, MIRCES Inc.

Through Minder Inc., Gottie also broadened his collaborations with various artists, including Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Ashanti, Aaliyah, Eve, and others. He also produced music under the moniker DJ IRV.

As DJ IRV, he released “Can I Live” from Jay-Z’s acclaimed 1996 debut album, “Reasonable Doubt.” He continued to produce for prominent artists such as Vanessa Carlton, Kanye West, Christina Milian, Ashanti, Jennifer Lopez, Fat Joe, R. Kelly, and many more.

Legal Troubles and Later Career

In 2005, the FBI arrested Gottie and his brother Lorenzo on charges of money laundering and conspiracy. During the trial, they were accused of laundering money connected to alleged drug kingpin Kenneth McGriff for Minder Inc. They were later acquitted of all charges in December 2005.

Following the trial, Irv Gottie shifted his focus in the music industry toward television production, starring in his own reality show Gottie the Path on VH1 from 2007 to 2009. More recently, he developed the BET series Tales in 2017, a fictional show inspired by rap concepts.

Recently, he worked on the series History of Murder Inc., which aired five episodes in 2022, analyzing the label’s impact and controversies. The documentary detailed claims made by his brother Lorenzo regarding an alleged affair between Irv and Ashanti during her marriage. Ashanti countered these claims at the time: “We dated each other, but was Irv my boyfriend? Was I his girlfriend? Never.”

In 2024, Gottie faced anonymous accusations of repeated sexual violence during consensual relationships from 2020 to 2022. His brother Lorenzo “categorically” denied these allegations.

Below are some key dates related to the late Irv Gottie.

Irv Gottie sold tens of millions of records as a producer, released several platinum-plus artists on his label, dominated the radio with Ja Rule & Ashanti, attracted Jay-Z & DMX to Def Jam, and defeated federal charges in court. A legendary career.

Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/ydj1ijbc4

– Andrew Barber (@fakeshoredrive) February 6, 2025

This is a sad day for hip-hop, as we have lost one of its greatest visionaries, according to The Hollywood Reporter and TMZ. 💔

As a co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, Irv Gottie shaped an era, creating timeless hits, iconic anthems, and launching legendary careers.

– Stava (@bet) February 6, 2025

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