The hip-hop world suffered a profound loss with the passing of Irv Gotti, the visionary music producer and co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, who died at 54 years old on February 5, 2025. While his influence on hip-hop remains unmatched, his greatest legacy lives on through his three children—Angie, Sonny, and JJ—whom he shared with his ex-wife, Debbie Lorenzo.
Beyond the music, Irv Gotti was a devoted father, always striving to give his children the best life possible. Now, his legacy will continue not only through his influence in the industry but also through his financial empire. According to Media Take Out, Irv’s $300 million estate will be equally divided among his three children, ensuring that they will continue to thrive in his absence.
A Family’s Heartfelt Tribute
Just one day after his passing, Irv Gotti’s children shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram, reflecting on their father’s immense impact on their lives and the music industry.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Irving ‘Irv Gotti’ Lorenzo, on February 5, 2025.”
They continued, honoring their father’s groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop:
“Our dad was an incredible man, a true visionary who transformed the hip-hop industry and changed the game for artists and fans alike. His passion for music and dedication to his craft inspired many, and his contributions will continue to influence future generations.”
Despite their grief, they ended their message on a hopeful note, taking comfort in the love their father shared with them:
“We take comfort in knowing that his spirit will live on through his music and the love he shared with all of us.”
Irv Gotti as a Father: A Legacy of Love and Lessons
Angie: The Firstborn and The Entrepreneur
Irv welcomed his first child, Angie Lorenzo, on January 26, 1992. The father-daughter bond they shared was evident in the countless tributes Angie posted over the years.
In June 2020, Angie called her father “The GOAT” in a heartfelt Father’s Day message on Instagram, expressing her appreciation for his constant love and support.
“The Boys And I Couldn’t Have Been Blessed With A Better Dad Than You!” she wrote. “I Can’t Tell You Enough How Much I Truly Appreciate Everything You’ve Done And Continue To Do For Me! I Love You, Dad!”
Despite her father’s high-profile career, Angie forged her own path. After graduating from The Art Institute of New York City, she pursued a career outside the music industry. In 2019, she starred alongside her father and brother JJon the reality show Growing Up Hip Hop: New York, which followed the lives of hip-hop legends’ children.
However, she made it clear that she was never pressured to follow in her father’s footsteps.
“We weren’t really raised in the spotlight, so there was never that pressure that we have to fill our dad’s shoes,” she told The Ashley’s Reality Roundup in 2019.
Now, Angie is a successful entrepreneur who collaborates with her mother, Debbie Lorenzo, to run Frances Grey, a business specializing in luxury custom hats.
In her personal life, Angie found love and announced her engagement in November 2024 to a man she had known since her teenage years.
“Saying ‘yes’ to you was one of the simplest and happiest moments of my life,” she wrote. “I can’t wait to see what our future holds as we transition from fiancé to husband and wife, and eventually to parents.”
Sonny: The Private Son Who Held His Father in High Esteem
After Angie, Irv and Debbie welcomed their first son, Sonny, in the mid-1990s. Unlike his siblings, Sonny preferred to stay out of the spotlight, choosing a private life away from reality TV and the entertainment industry.
Despite this, Sonny never hesitated to publicly express his love and admiration for his father.
In June 2015, he shared a touching birthday tribute on Instagram, calling Irv “the best dad a son could ask for.”
“The biggest influence in my life. Every day I’m with you, you teach my bros and me so many valuable life lessons to make sure we grow, prosper, and are self-sufficient,” he wrote. “And I respect and love you for that unconditional love! I look up to you so much!”
A year later, in 2016, Sonny once again expressed his deep admiration for his father in a Father’s Day tribute, calling him his idol.
“Happy Father’s Day to my idol. The realest guy I know,” he wrote. “Learn more and more from you every day living out here with you in LA. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world than by your side. Love you, pops.”
JJ: The Filmmaker Carrying On His Father’s Vision
The youngest of Irv’s children, Jonathan “JJ” Wilson Lorenzo, was born on April 9, 1999. Unlike Sonny, JJ was eager to step into the entertainment world, but not as a rapper or music producer—his dream was to be a director.
JJ was actually the driving force behind Growing Up Hip Hop: New York. He recalled how a friend excitedly told him about the show’s casting.
“My friend hit me up and told me, ‘Yo, bro, we are going to be on Growing Up Hip Hop: New York,’ and I said, ‘I want to do it too,’” he told The New York Post in 2019.
JJ then convinced his father and sister to join the cast, turning what started as a small role for Irv into a 10-episode appearance.
“If I left, I would be taking away opportunities from my kids,” Irv told the outlet.
For JJ, it was the first of many opportunities in the entertainment industry. He later revealed that he was a producer on the BET series Tails and had developed his own TV show concept.
“I also came up with this TV series idea which I wrote and created myself called ‘Melting Pot,’ about hip-hop in high schools and how it brings cultures together.”
Following his father’s passing, JJ shared an emotional tribute, writing:
“All I ever wanted in life was to be like you and to make you proud,” he said. “You are Superman and you always will be!!!!”
Irv Gotti’s Estate: A $300 Million Fortune Split Three Ways
According to Media Take Out, Irv Gotti’s estate is valued at a staggering $300 million, and per his will, it will be split equally among Angie, Sonny, and JJ.
Each child will inherit $100 million, ensuring financial stability for generations to come. This decision reflects Irv’s commitment to his children’s future, ensuring that they are provided for even in his absence.
A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten
Irv Gotti was a visionary, a father, and an icon. His impact on hip-hop, his dedication to his children, and his financial foresight ensure that his legacy will never fade.
While the world mourns his loss, his children will continue to carry his name forward—through their own successes, their love for one another, and the lessons their father instilled in them.
Irv Gotti’s story isn’t over—it’s just beginning a new chapter.