Daymond John is mourning the loss of his childhood friend Irv Gotti, joining countless others in the music industry who have expressed their grief. The legendary Shark Tank investor recalled their bond and noted that Irv would have laughed at 50 Cent’s unconventional tribute.
50 Cent’s Half-Tribute to Irv Gotti
In the wake of Irv’s passing, dozens of celebrities sent their condolences—including 50 Cent, who shared a post with the caption “smoking on Irv pack” followed by “God Bless ‘em”. While it was a backhanded tribute, Daymond believes Irv would have found humor in it, given their complicated history.
Daymond’s Reflections on Their Upbringing
Speaking from a research center in Costa Rica, where he was undergoing stem cell therapy, Daymond reflected on growing up in Queens with Irv. He recalled their tough neighborhood, which built resilience and street smarts—qualities that helped Irv and his Murder Inc. label successfully beat a federal money-laundering case.
Irv’s Health Struggles and Final Conversations
Irv Gotti’s official cause of death has not been revealed, but Daymond shared that Irv suffered a stroke during their last conversation. He noted that Irv was missing the vigor and energy he had always been known for throughout their lifelong friendship.
Irv’s Influence in Music and Pop Culture
Daymond reminisced about how Irv, along with music video pioneer Hype Williams, initially sat on the sidelines of the music industry before making a lasting impact on pop culture.
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Some of his fondest memories include:
- Hanging out at the “Gold Digger” music video shoot with Kanye West, Jamie Foxx, and Pharrell.
- The time Irv advised a young Pitbull to ditch the “keep it real” approach to his music—leading to his massive success as Mr. Worldwide.
A Lasting Legacy
Irv Gotti was only 54 years old, but his visionary contributions to music and the industry at large will never be forgotten. RIP to a true pioneer.
