Another giant has fallen in hip-hop. Irv Gotti, the renowned co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, died on February 5; he was 54 years old. As fans and industry peers mourn the loss of the channel's titular host, his brother, and Irv's longtime business partner, Chris Gotti, spoke in-depth about the moments leading up to Irv's untimely tragedy.
Chris revealed his brother's last days in a teary interview on 2 Way Tonight with Damon Dash and Mark Halperin. In an unscripted chat, he explained that Irv had a stroke while doing two things he loved: eating Chinese food and playing poker.
"He wasn't diagnosed until he was in his 40s but Irv doesn't go to the doctor," Chris said flatly. "That's why he was diagnosed so late. When he eventually did get an actual physical and a check-up, they're like, 'You're diabetic."
Irv, who suffered from Type 1 diabetes, had health problems for years. But Chris says it wasn't the disease itself that killed him, but it was what the condition had wrought on his body over the years. The stroke he had was a hemorrhagic stroke, which involved bleeding into the brain, a catastrophic and often deadly event. When doing the interview, Damon Dash talked about his memories of Irv Gotti and Gotti's presence.
"Irv was always on me, always making sure we were making history," Dame said. But as successful as he was, he couldn't escape his health. "He had every kind of bread and food and still died from it. That shows you that money can't save your life. "Power, having a crew, dressing nice, none of that keeps you alive."
Dash also expressed his regret that Irv didn't fight harder for his health and that he had taken better care of himself. "It makes me love life more, appreciate it more when I lose people," he added.
Irv's death isn't simply another tragedy but a stinging wake-up call for the music industry. Long hours, pressure-cooker environments, and unhealthy habits have killed far too many artists and executives. Chris Gotti hoped his brother's story would teach others to care for their health.
"This is a conversation you need to listen to!" he wrote. "I had the opportunity to sit down with Dame Dash on 2 Way Tonight and have one of the most real discussions I've had about life, health, and legacy. This is not just another interview; it is about how we move around the world, protect our families, and ensure we care for ourselves. This one is for the culture, and I need EVERYONE to tap in.
Irv Gotti's history will forever be woven into the fabric of hip-hop. But beyond the music, his death lens is also a reminder that good health is one of those things that no amount of fame, fortune, or success can replicate. We lost a visionary in the industry and the world. Now, it's up to those who remain to observe his narrative and make better decisions in the future.
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