Irv Gotti, hip-hop mogul who founded Murder, Inc., dies at 54

NEW YORK -- 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."

"His contribution to Def Jam, as both an A&R executive and in partnership with Murder, Inc., helped pave the way for the next generation or artists and producers, a force that reshaped the soundscape of hip hop and R&B,"  the message read in part. "His creative genius and unwavering dedication to the culture birthed countless hits, defining an era of music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide."