The hip-hop world is in mourning as it has been officially confirmed that Irv Gotti, the legendary Murder Inc. Records founder, passed away yesterday at the age of 53 after suffering a massive stroke. His death comes after years of battling uncontrolled diabetes, a condition he openly spoke about but struggled to manage.
Gotti’s Battle With Diabetes
In a recent interview on Drink Champs, Gotti shared his concerns about his declining health and the impact diabetes had on his body. He revealed that he had been diagnosed for years but never had the condition under control.
“What it [diabetes] does, it starts deteriorating your body… No, I don’t have it under control. I’ve been diagnosed with diabetes forever,” he admitted to host N.O.R.E.
Despite understanding the risks, Gotti admitted he did not follow a strict diet, often indulging in foods that worsened his condition.
“You know what’s f**ed up with diabetes? Whatever you like that tastes good is bad for you. If you eat something and it tastes good, it’s bad for you when you have diabetes.”*
His refusal to make drastic dietary changes became a point of contention with his family, as he candidly shared:
“My kids are mad at me because I tell them that I’m going to enjoy life. I gotta live, so yeah, I’m going to have watermelon.”
A Tragic Ending to a Hip-Hop Visionary
Despite his influence in music and culture, Gotti’s health struggles ultimately took their toll. His massive stroke was fatal, marking a heartbreaking end to his larger-than-life career.
As a pioneering figure in the music industry, Gotti was responsible for launching the careers of Ja Rule, Ashanti, Lloyd, and many others, shaping the sound of early 2000s hip-hop and R&B. His work defined an era, and his legacy will continue to influence generations of artists.
Since the confirmation of his passing, tributes have poured in from industry peers, artists, and fans who recognize the impact he had on music and culture.
Fellow musicians and collaborators have expressed their grief, with many acknowledging that his struggles with diabetes were a known issue—but few expected it to take his life so soon.
A Wake-Up Call About Health in Hip-Hop
Gotti’s passing is another painful reminder of the health challenges that affect Black men, particularly in hip-hop. Diabetes and heart disease disproportionately impact Black communities, and his death highlights the urgent need for better health awareness and care in the music industry.
His loss is deeply felt, but his contributions to hip-hop will live on forever.
