Queens, New York – Rapper 50 Cent has once again stirred controversy by trolling his long-time rival Irv Gotti on social media following Gotti’s reported death at the age of 54. In a recent Instagram post, 50 Cent shared a photo of himself sitting next to a tombstone labeled “RIP,” while smoking hookah. This gesture was met with mixed reactions from fans and other celebrities.
Gotti, whose real name is Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr., co-founded the record label Murder Inc. Records in 1998. The label, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings, was known for its roster of artists including Jay-Z, DMX, Kanye West, Ja Rule, and more. Gotti also gained recognition for his contributions to the hip-hop industry as a producer.
The feud between 50 Cent and Gotti dates back to the late 1990s, stemming from the rivalry between Murder Inc. and 50 Cent’s G-Unit Records. The tension between the two escalated over the years, culminating in public jabs and exchanges on social media.
In a previous incident in August 2024, amid reports of Gotti suffering a stroke, 50 Cent posted a leaked photo of Gotti using a cane, accompanied by a mocking caption referencing his hit song. Gotti’s health struggles, including diabetes, were no secret to those in the industry.
Despite their contentious history, other stars have also taken to social media to react to Gotti’s reported passing. Ja Rule, another artist associated with Murder Inc., simply posted a broken heart emoji in response to the news.
Def Jam Recordings, Gotti’s home label, also paid tribute to the late music executive, acknowledging his impact on the industry and the artists he worked with. Through his creative genius and dedication, Gotti left a lasting legacy in the world of hip-hop and R&B, shaping the soundscape for generations to come.
As fans and industry colleagues mourn the loss of Gotti, it is clear that his influence on the music world will not be forgotten. The dynamic between Gotti and 50 Cent, while marked by conflict, underscores the competitive and often volatile nature of the music industry.