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.

Today (Feb. 6), his three children Angie, Sonny, and JJ (Jonathan), have broken their silence in a heartfelt joint statement shared on their father’s Instagram account. Sharing a nostalgic photo of a young Gotti playing with a DJ board, they reflected on his “incredible” impact on both their lives and the industry.

Irv Gotti, who founded Murder Inc. Records and produced albums for Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, has died. He was 54. The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news on February 5. Def Jam Recordings also confirmed Gotti’s death,