Irv Gotti, the renowned music producer and co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, has died at the age of 54.

The news was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, though the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Born Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., Gotti was a pivotal figure in the music industry, shaping the sound of the 2000s with his work with artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and the late DMX.

Gotti's influence extended beyond Murder Inc. He produced tracks for JAY-Z's Reasonable Doubt and contributed to Kanye West's "Violent Crimes" and "Brothers."

Lyor Cohen, who worked with Gotti at Murder Inc. and currently serves as YouTube's Global Head of Music, released a statement: "Def Jam has lost one of its most creative soldiers who was hip-hop. When we were on bended knee, he brought the heat and saved our asses. He comes from a very tight beautiful family from Queens and it’s an honor and a privilege to have known him. Irv, you will be missed."