Irving “Irv Gotti” Lorenzo’s unexpected passing has left his loved ones in grief, with many of his family members, friends and business associates attending the Murder Inc founder’s funeral service Wednesday (Feb. 19).

In post shared by TNT, Gotti’s artist and good friend, Ja Rule, is seen emotionally remembering the mogul who brought him, DMX, and JAY-Z to Def Jam Records, essentially saving the label in the mid-late 1990s. Hov was also in attendance to pay his respects, seated in the front pew of the Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral Church in Jamaica, Queens, where the funeral took place.

Jarule gave the eulogy of irv Gotti. These are his words. “I just want to say, Irv, I love you, everyone in this room loves you. You touched everybody in their own way. Everyone had their moment with that, with him,” the “Put It On Me” rapper expressed through tears. “We’re here, at the celebration of your life, because it will live on forever.  “I love you, my brother. See you when I get there,” Rule concluded before stepping down from the pulpit. Other guests included Ashanti, Lloyd, Charli Baltimore, Vita, Fat Joe, Steve Stoute, Hype Williams, Benny Boom and Angie Martinez.

Irve Gotti suffered a stroke and became unresponsive. He passed away on Feb. 5,2025. The cause of death has not been released. His funeral was private . Only family, friends and business partners were able to attend.