Irv Gotti

Last updated

Irv Gotti
IrvGottiFeb05.jpg
Gotti in 2005
Background information
Birth nameIrving Domingo Lorenzo Jr.
Also known as
  • DJ Irv
  • Gotti
Born (1970-06-26) June 26, 1970 (age 54)
Queens, New York City, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Record producer
  • disc jockey
  • songwriter
  • music executive
  • television producer
Years active1988–present
Labels

Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. (born June 26, 1970), [1] professionally known as Irv Gotti (or DJ Irv), is an American record producer. He co-founded the record label Murder Inc. Records in 1998, which was an imprint of Def Jam Recordings. He received production credits for most of the recordings by artists signed to the label—including Ja Rule, Lloyd, and Ashanti—as well as other artists such as Jennifer Lopez, DMX, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Fat Joe, and Eve, among others. Gotti is also the creator of the BET series Tales .

Contents

Early life

Irv Gotti was born in the Hollis neighborhood of the borough of Queens in New York City. [2] [3]

Career

Irv Gotti, under the moniker DJ Irv, produced the song "Can I Live" on Jay-Z's June 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt .

In 1997, [4] through Irv, Def Jam signed Ruff Ryders artist DMX. Irv, as executive producer, oversaw DMX's first studio album, It's Dark and Hell is Hot , released on May 12, 1998. The album debuted and peaked the Billboard 200 and sold over 250,000 copies in its first week. [5] The album went on to sell four million copies in America, being certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA, and sold five million copies worldwide. [6]

After helping Def Jam with the success of DMX and Jay-Z, Lyor Cohen gave Irv his own label under Def Jam. While watching Biography on A&E during gangster week, a Murder, Inc. logo appeared on the screen and Irv decided to use the name for his label because Murder, Inc. put out hits for murder and Irv wanted to put out hit records.

The first album released under Murder Inc. was Ja Rule's debut album, Venni Vetti Vecci , released in June 1999. All of the album was co-produced by Irv, who oversaw the development of the album as executive producer. Org also produced Ja's second studio album, Rule 3:36 . Irv co-produced Rule 3:36's singles '' Between Me And You .

In 2002, Irv Gotti released Irv Gotti Presents The Inc , featuring much of Murder Inc.'s roster. Irv co-produced all of the album, including the album's hit single Down 4 U .

Irv, Ja Rule, and the label Murder Inc. were all involved in a well-publicized feud with G-Unit Records, Aftermath Records, and Shady Records over history between 50 Cent and Ja Rule. After this, Murder Inc. would change their name to The Inc.

Under The Inc. banner, Irv would move the label to Universal Motown and sign Vanessa Carlton. [7] Gotti co-produced Vanessa Carlton's third album, Heroes and Thieves, which was released October 9, 2007, with Channel 7, Rick Rubin and Stephan Jenkins. [8]

In an interview with Angie Martinez in early May 2009, Gotti stated that his label, Murder Inc., was leaving Universal Records.

In September 2013, Murder Inc. was relaunched as an umbrella label under Irv Gotti's new label, Visionary. [9]

On Friday, January 3, 2003, federal agents and New York Police Department investigators raided the headquarters of Murder Inc. Records, located at One Worldwide Plaza in Midtown Manhattan. The raid was a part of a year-long investigation into the connection between The Lorenzo brothers and American drug lord Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff. Investigators believed that the Lorenzos used drug money supplied by McGriff to launch Murder Inc. as a way to launder the illegal funds. Investigators also believed the brothers helped McGriff launder drug money through the making of the 2003 film Crime Partners. [10] Although computers and documents were seized, no charges were immediately filed, and no arrests were immediately made. The raid was dramatized in the music video for Ja Rule's Murder Reigns.

Chris and Irv Gotti's history with McGriff dated back to 1994, when McGriff, newly paroled from prison, met Chris and Irv on the set of a music video in Queens, New York. McGriff wanted to go into cinematography and sought help from Chris and Irv Gotti to produce and direct a film based on Donald Goines' novel Crime Partners. The Lorenzos since then maintained a friendship with McGriff, having him appear in the music video for Ja Rule's 1999 single Murda 4 Life and helped finance McGriff's dream project, Crime Partners, around 2000.

On January 25, 2005, Chris and Irv Gotti surrendered to authorities in New York City and were officially charged with money laundering and conspiracy to launder money. During the trial, Irv Gotti was represented by Gerald B. Lefcourt, and Chris Gotti was represented by Gerald Shargel. In December 2005, Chris and Irv Gotti were found not guilty of the charges against them. [11]

Discography

Irv Gotti in 2004 Irv Gotti in Houston., June 2004.jpg
Irv Gotti in 2004

Singles produced

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ja Rule</span> American rapper (born 1976)

Jeffrey Bruce Atkins Sr., better known by his stage name Ja Rule, is an American rapper, singer, and actor. Born and raised in New York City, Ja Rule became known for blending gangsta rap with pop and R&B sensibilities. He signed with Irv Gotti's Murder Inc Records, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings to release his debut studio album Venni Vetti Vecci (1999), which spawned his first hit single, "Holla Holla". In 2001, he peaked the Billboard Hot 100 on three occasions with his single "Always on Time" and his guest appearances on Jennifer Lopez's songs "I'm Real " and "Ain't It Funny".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ashanti (singer)</span> American singer and songwriter (born 1980)

Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She was discovered as a teenager by record producer Irv Gotti, and signed with his label Murder Inc. Records, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings in 2002. That same year, she guest appeared on the singles "What's Luv?" by Fat Joe, and "Always on Time" by labelmate Ja Rule, which peaked at numbers two and one on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively; the latter, with her 2002 debut single "Foolish", made her the first female artist to occupy the top two positions the chart simultaneously.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roc-A-Fella Records</span> American hip hop record label

Roc-A-Fella Records was an American hip hop record label and music management company founded by record executives and entrepreneurs Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Damon Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke in 1994. Carter issued his debut album, Reasonable Doubt (1996) as the label's first release, in a joint venture with Priority Records. The label signed and released albums for acts including Kanye West, Cam'ron, Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Juelz Santana, Freeway, Jadakiss, Teairra Marí, State Property, and The Diplomats before its dissolution in 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Island Def Jam Music Group</span> American record label group formed in 1998

The Island Def Jam Music Group (IDJMG) was an American recording music unit, formed on December 31, 1998 by Universal Music Group. It consisted of labels created under the operations of Island Records and Def Jam Recordings. On April 1, 2014, Universal Music Group publicly announced the disbandment of the Island Def Jam Music Group, leaving IDJMG and its affiliated subsidiaries compelled as separate sister labels.

<i>Concrete Rose</i> 2004 Ashanti album

Concrete Rose is the fourth studio album by American singer Ashanti, released on December 14, 2004, by The Inc. Records and Def Jam Recordings. In addition to working with frequent collaborators Irv Gotti, Chink Santana, and 7 Aurelius, Ashanti also enlisted new collaborators Malcolm Flythe, Jimi Kendrix, and Demi-Doc, to assist. The album features guest appearances from rappers T.I., Ja Rule, and Lloyd.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kenneth McGriff</span> American convicted former drug lord and gangster (born 1960)

Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff is an American convicted former drug lord and gangster from New York City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Def Jam Recordings</span> American record label

Def Jam Recordings is an American multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group. It is based in Manhattan, New York City, specializing predominantly in hip hop, contemporary R&B, soul and pop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lyor Cohen</span> American music industry executive

Lyor Cohen is an American music industry executive and entrepreneur. He has been actively involved in hip hop at various record labels for more than 30 years. He started by managing rappers for Rush Productions, then led Def Jam. After Def Jam, Cohen took on a leadership role at Warner Music Group. In September 2012, Cohen resigned from Warner and started his own independent label, 300 Entertainment. On September 28, 2016, Cohen was named YouTube's Global Head of Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Always on Time</span> 2001 single by Ja Rule

"Always on Time" is a song by American rapper Ja Rule from his third studio album, Pain Is Love (2001). Produced by Irv Gotti, it was written by Ja Rule, 7 Aurelius, and Gotti. Originally set to feature Brandy, it features guest vocals from singer-songwriter and labelmate Ashanti. The song was released as the album's second single on November 27, 2001, through Island Def Jam Music Group, Def Jam Recordings and Gotti's Murder Inc. Records.

<i>Venni Vetti Vecci</i> 1999 studio album by Ja Rule

Venni Vetti Vecci is the debut studio album by American rapper Ja Rule. It was released on June 1, 1999, by Def Jam Recordings and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records. It was the first album to be released on Murder Inc. Production was mostly handled by Irv Gotti, with additional work provided by Lil Rob, Ty Fyffe, Erick Sermon and Self Service. The album features guest appearances from Jay-Z, DMX, Case, Memphis Bleek, Black Child, Ronald Isley and Erick Sermon, among others. The album title alludes to the Latin phrase "veni, vidi, vici", meaning "I came, I saw, I conquered".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Murder Inc. (rap group)</span> American hip hop group

Murder Inc. was an American East Coast hip hop supergroup composed of Jay-Z, DMX, and Ja Rule, formed by record executive Irv Gotti in 1995. They first appeared in tandem on fellow New York-based rapper Mic Geronimo's 1995 song "Time to Build." After each gaining commercial success, the trio later appeared on the cover for the June 1999 issue of the hip-hop magazine XXL.

<i>The Mirror</i> (Ja Rule album) 2009 mixtape by Ja Rule

The Mirror is the second mixtape by rapper Ja Rule, originally planned to be released as his seventh album in 2007. Two singles, "Uh-Ohhh!" and "Body," were released in 2007 to poor chart performance. After tracks from the unreleased album were leaked online, Ja Rule decided to re-record the album, but later decided to release it as a mixtape on July 31, 2009 along with two bonus tracks, "Free" and "Style On 'Em."

<i>Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc.</i> 2002 compilation album by The Inc.

Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc. is the second compilation album by The Inc. It was released on July 2, 2002 through The Island Def Jam Music Group and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records. Production was primarily handled by Irv Gotti, as well as Chink Santana, 7 Aurelius, DL and Buck 3000. It featured contributions from Murder Inc. roster, such as Caddillac Tah, Black Child, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Charli Baltimore and Vita, and guest appearances from Jennifer Lopez, Eastwood and Crooked I.

<i>Irv Gotti Presents: The Murderers</i> 2000 compilation album by The Murderers

Irv Gotti Presents... The Murderers is a compilation album by American record producer Irv Gotti and hip hop group The Murderers. Originally scheduled for a January 25, 2000 release, it was released on March 21, 2000, by Murder Inc. Records and Def Jam Recordings. Recording sessions took place at Quad Studios, at Battery Studios, at The Hit Factory, at Sound On Sound, at Right Track Studios, and at Electric Lady Studios in New York, and at Enterprise Studios, and at Westlake Audio in Los Angeles. Production was primarily handled by Irv Gotti, as well as Lil' Rob, Dat Nigga Reb, Mr. Fingaz, Damizza, DL, JB Money and Ty Fyffe. Beside Ja Rule, Black Child, Tah Murdah, Vita, O-1 and Chris Black, it features contributions by the rest of Murder Inc. roster, such as Ronnie Bumps, and Murder Inc., as well as guest appearances from Dave Bing, Shade Sheist, Busta Rhymes, Lil' Mo and Memphis Bleek.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holla Holla</span> 1999 single by Ja Rule

"Holla Holla" is the first single by the American rapper Ja Rule from his first studio album, Venni Vetti Vecci (1999). It was produced by Taiwan "Tai" Green and Irv Gotti. The music video was directed by Hype Williams and Irv Gotti.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Down 4 U</span> 2002 single by Irv Gotti, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Charli Baltimore and Vita

"Down 4 U" is the lead single from Murder Inc. Records' compilation album Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc., released through Def Jam Recordings and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records. The song features rapped verses from Ja Rule, Charli Baltimore, and Vita while Ashanti provides the chorus and sung vocals. The song is a remix as well as its music video being the sequel of Ja Rule's 2002 single, "Down Ass Bitch".

The following list is a discography of productions by Irv Gotti, an American record producer and music executive from New York City, New York. It includes a list of songs produced, co-produced and remixed by year, artist, album and title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Murder Inc. Records</span> American record label

Murder Inc. Records, LLC, also abbreviated as The Inc. Records, is an American record label founded by brothers Chris and Irv Gotti in 1998. The label's flagship artist was Ja Rule. According to Chris Gotti, Murder Inc. had sold over 30 million units worldwide and grossed over $500 million. Murder Inc. was headquartered at One Worldwide Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, New York, while their main studio was The Crackhouse, also located in New York City.

Ramel Leroy Gill, better known by his stage name Black Child, is an American rapper from New York City. He is best known for his time being signed to Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records and being affiliated with Irv Gotti, Ashanti, and Ja Rule. He appeared on hit singles with Ja Rule and did various songs with other members of Murder Inc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reign (song)</span> 2003 single by Ja Rule

"Reign" is a song by American rapper Ja Rule, released in June 2003 as the third and final single from his fourth studio album, The Last Temptation (2002). It was written by Ja Rule, 7 Aurelius and Irv Gotti and produced by the latter two. The song contains vocals from Celeste Scalone and samples "Africa" by Toto, thus crediting band members David Paich and Jeff Porcaro as co-writers. In the UK, the song was titled "Reigns" and released as a double A-side with "Clap Back", the first single from Ja Rule's 2003 album Blood in My Eye.

References

  1. ↑ "The Smoking Gun: Archive". October 12, 2004. Archived from the original on October 12, 2004.
  2. ↑ "Irv Gotti Biography, Songs, & Albums". AllMusic .
  3. ↑ "Irv Gotti To Def Jam: "[They] Ain't F*cking W/ Me, I'm Too Much Of A N*gga" [Video]| SOHH.COM". January 22, 2012. Archived from the original on January 22, 2012.
  4. ↑ "Executives Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles Remember DMX & Reveal How He Helped Save Def Jam". Billboard . Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  5. ↑ "Today in Hip-Hop: DMX Drops 'It's Dark and Hell Is Hot'". May 19, 2016. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  6. ↑ "DMX's 'It's Dark And Hell Is Hot' Tracklist, Ranked". May 23, 2018. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  7. ↑ "Yeah, Irv Gotti Knows Who Vanessa Carlton Is -- He Just Signed Her". MTV. Archived from the original on August 17, 2022. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  8. ↑ "Irv Gotti Maps Out Inc. Comeback - News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News". MTV . July 3, 2007. Archived from the original on July 3, 2007. Retrieved November 6, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  9. ↑ Diep, Eric. "Irv Gotti Resurrects Murder Inc. Records - XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  10. ↑ "MURDER INC. OFFICES RAIDED BY FEDS". MTV . Archived from the original on June 22, 2014. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  11. ↑ "Gotti Brothers Found Not Guilty". Rolling Stone . December 5, 2005. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.