Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025 - Page 2
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BAW Staff
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February 5, 2025
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Source: Kevin Winter / Getty
UPDATED: 9:35PM EST February 5, 2025
Irv Gotti, the influential record executive, producer, and entrepreneur best known for founding Murder Inc. Records, has passed away, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Wednesday. The cause of his death remains undisclosed.
RELATED: Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2024
Gotti rose to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, shaping the sound of hip-hop and R&B with his signature production style. He played a pivotal role in the careers of Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, all of whom achieved massive commercial success. His ability to fuse hard-hitting hip-hop beats with melodic hooks led to numerous crossover hits, including the multi-platinum “Always On Time” by Ja Rule featuring Jennifer Lopez and Ashanti’s chart-topping single “Foolish.”
Before launching Murder Inc., Gotti made his mark as an A&R executive at Def Jam, where he was instrumental in signing DMX, Jay-Z, and Ja Rule—three artists who would become defining figures in hip-hop. Under the alias DJ Irv, he also produced “Can I Live” from Jay-Z’s 1996 debut album Reasonable Doubt. As Murder Inc. evolved, it was later rebranded as The Inc., expanding its roster to include artists like Vanessa Carlton, whose 2007 album Heroes and Thieves Gotti co-produced alongside Rick Rubin and Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind.
Gotti’s impact on the music industry remains undeniable, with his contributions shaping the sound and success of a generation of artists.
This is a developing story. Stay with us for updates.
Learn more below about who in our culture has passed away so far this year in 2025 Below
1. Irv Gotti
Source: Getty
Irv Gotti, the influential record executive, producer, and entrepreneur best known for founding Murder Inc. Records, has passed away, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Wednesday. The cause of his death remains undisclosed.
2. Retired Lt. Col. Harry Stewart, Jr
Stewart, Jr. was a retired U.S. Air Force officer and one of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces. Born on July 4, 1924, Stewart served during World War II as a fighter pilot in the 332nd Fighter Group, famously known as the “Red Tails.”
Reatha “Rose” Grey was a member of the Retirement House and quickly became a viral TikTok sensation for her funny wit and zest for life. It was announced that she passed by her fellow friends, no cause of death was given.
4. Yolanda Halley
Source: Getty
Producer Yolanda Halley, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025
5. Barry Michael Cooper
Source: Getty
Journalist and author Barry Michael Cooper wrote the films New Jack City (1991) , Sugar Hill (1994) and Above the Rim (1994)
6. Former NBA All-Star Gus Williams
Williams received the nickname “The Wizard” for his dazzling ball-handling and quick drives. Over his career, Williams averaged 17.1 points, 5.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game with two All-Star selections and multiple All-NBA honors.
7. Actress Dalyce Curry
Dalyce Curry was an actress known for her role in “Blues Brothers.” She recently passed away at the age of 95 due to the Los Angeles wildfires. Her remains were found at her home in Altadena, California
8. Sam Moore
Born in Miami, Florida, in October 1935, Moore grew up immersed in gospel music, singing in church choirs before his path led him to rhythm and blues. His life changed in the early 1960s when he met Dave Prater at a Miami nightclub. Together, they formed Sam & Dave, and the pair quickly became a driving force in soul music. Signed to the legendary Stax Records, their partnership with the songwriting team of Isaac Hayes and David Porter resulted in some of the genre’s most enduring classics.
9. Singer, Brenton Wood
Born Alfred Jesse Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana, Wood’s family relocated to California, where his artistic talents blossomed. Drawing inspiration from legends like Sam Cooke, his unique blend of soulful vocals, piano-driven instrumentation, and playful lyrics brought a fresh vibrancy to the R&B genre. His work captured universal experiences of love, heartbreak, and connection, resonating deeply with listeners.
Wood rose to fame in the 1960s with hits like “The Oogum Boogum Song” and “Gimme Little Sign.”
