Irv Gotti, the famed hip-hop music executive from New York City, has died at the age of 54. Def Jam Recordings shared a message on social media late Wednesday night confirming his death, saying the label is "deeply saddened.

Gotti, born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. on June 26, 1970, was a key figure in the sound of ‘90s and 2000s hip-hop, when brash lyricism and outsized personalities blended seamlessly with pop hooks and R&B tenderness.

Irv Gotti sadly passed away Wednesday night (Feb. 5) after suffering a stroke, and the Hip-Hop community paid its respects to the Murder Inc. visionary.

The Queens native responsible for some of hip hop's biggest acts reportedly passed away Wednesday in New York City.

Irv Gotti's signature production style was evident on hit songs including "I'm Real," "Always on Time" and "Foolish."

Influential music producer Irv Gotti has died at the age of 54. Rapper 50 Cent and the label Def Jam Records honored him on social media with their obituaries.

Irv Gotti, a famed music producer and founder of the hip-hop label Murder Inc., died. He was 54. "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving 'Irv Gotti' Lorenzo,

Irv Gotti, a music producer and founder of an influential rap label, has died, Def Jam Recordings said. He was 54. Gotti was best known as the head of Murder Inc. Records, an imprint of Def Jam that signed chart-topping artists like Ja Rule and Ashanti in the 90s and 2000s.

A founder of Murder Inc. Records, he helped launch the careers of Ja Rule and Ashanti and was credited as a producer on 28 records that made the Billboard Hot 100.