Irving Lorenzo Jr.—known to the music world by his professional name, Irv Gotti—has died. Through his work, first for Def Jam Records, and then as the co-founder (with his brother Chris) of Murder Inc.

Following his tenure as A&R at Def Jam, Gotti founded Murder Inc. with his brother Chris Gotti in 1998 and released Ja Rule’s debut album “Venni Vetti Vecci” the following June. That album became a massive smash for both Ja Rule and Gotti, who executive produced the album and helmed every song on the project.

Alongside brother Chris, Irv Gotti (born Domingo Lorenzo Jr.) launched Murder Inc. in 1998 as an imprint of Def Jam. Ja Rule was the label’s flagship artist, and Murder Inc.’s first release was his 1999 debut album Venni Vetti Vecci, which included the rapper’s first top 40 Billboard Hot 100 hit “Holla Holla” (peaking at No. 35).