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RIP Irv Gotti, a music mogul whose genius gave us timeless hits and unforgettable artists.
The hip-hop world is mourning today. Irv Gotti, the legendary music executive, producer, and creative force behind some of the genre’s most iconic moments, has passed away at 54. It’s a heavy loss for our community already grappling with so much. But as we reflect on his life, dont get it twisted: Irv Gotti didn’t just make music – he made history.
How did a kid from Queens rise to become one of hip-hop’s most influential figures? It all started with a love for beats and storytelling that couldn’t be contained. Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti grew up immersed in the culture of New York City during THE golden age of hip-hop. The streets were alive with the sounds of Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Rakim – a soundtrack that would inspire him to chase his dreams.
In the mid-1990s after playing around with being a DJ, Gotti got his break at Def Jam Records, where he worked…
