The producer helped shape rap and R&B after founding the label Murder Inc., which launched artists like Ja Rule and Ashanti.

Records co-founder Irv Gotti on Wednesday (Feb. 5), tributes poured in from the hip-hop world, including from the label where he got his start, Def Jam. Gotti started out in A&R at the hip-hop label,

DMX, Ja Rule and Ashanti, died Wednesday. He was 54. His cause of death has not been made public, but it's known he had battled diabetes for decades and had recently suffered a series of strokes. The Hollywood Reporter first confirmed news of his death.

The Queens native responsible for some of hip hop's biggest acts reportedly passed away Wednesday in New York City.