Irv Gotti, a music mogul who founded Murder Inc. Records and was behind major hip-hop and R&B artists such as Ashanti and Ja Rule, has died. He was 54.

Legendary hip-hop producer Irv Gotti, known for his work with Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, has passed away at 54. Tributes pour in for his impact on hip-hop.

Irv Gotti, the music producer who co-founded hip-hop label Murder, Inc., and signed stars such as Ja Rule, Ashanti and Lloyd, has died. He was 54.