Daymond John is remembering his childhood friend Irv Gotti, a man who was not only a significant figure in the music industry 

but also a close companion with whom he shared many memories. 

Like many others in the entertainment world, John is mourning the loss of the Murder Inc. founder and executive. 

Yet, in true Daymond fashion, he’s finding a silver lining in the tough times 

and reflecting on how his late friend would have reacted to the somewhat unexpected “tribute” from 50 Cent.

In an exclusive interview with TMZ Hip Hop, Daymond John, the business mogul known for his role on *Shark Tank*, opened up about the bond he shared with Gotti and his thoughts on the hip-hop world’s reactions to Irv’s passing. 

He was candid about how his late friend would have likely found humor in 50 Cent’s tribute, which came with a mix of sincerity and typical 50 Cent flair.

Irv Gotti, known for founding the influential record label Murder Inc. and launching the careers of artists like Ja Rule and Ashanti, passed away recently. The music world was quick to offer their condolences, but 50 Cent’s tribute was a memorable moment. The rapper posted a message that seemed to mix respect with a bit of his signature tough-talking humor. “Smoking on Irv pack” with a “God Bless ‘em” was the message shared by 50 Cent, a gesture that appeared to be both sincere and a little sharp-edged, in keeping with their often turbulent history.

Despite the complicated relationship between 50 Cent and Gotti, Daymond believes his late friend would have found humor in the situation. Daymond explained that Irv Gotti had a resilient, tough exterior—something they both honed growing up in the challenging neighborhoods of Queens, New York. “We came from tough streets, man. That’s what shaped us,” Daymond said, adding that their childhood environment played a big role in the people they became. Growing up in these tough surroundings taught them both the art of resilience, which helped them face challenges head-on in their later careers.

Reflecting on their last conversation, Daymond shared that he and Irv had spoken only a month before his passing. During that call, Irv revealed that he had suffered a stroke, a revelation that left Daymond deeply concerned. The loss of Irv’s usual energy and zest for life was evident to Daymond, who noted that Irv had always been larger-than-life and filled with vigor. “He was missing that spark. That’s not the Irv I knew,” Daymond remarked, emphasizing the emotional toll the stroke had taken on his friend.

Irv’s official cause of death has yet to be disclosed, but Daymond believes the stroke played a significant role in his passing. The close-knit friendship that they shared allowed Daymond to witness firsthand how Irv had navigated the ups and downs of both personal and professional life. Gotti, with his strong character, had always been one to rise above challenges, including an infamous federal money-laundering case that he and his label beat.

The stories Daymond shared from their time growing up together were filled with memories that painted a picture of a man who wasn’t just a music mogul but a trailblazer. Daymond fondly recalled how he, Irv, and legendary music video director Hype Williams first got their start in the music industry, before they became household names. Irv’s legacy, especially in the world of hip-hop and pop culture, is cemented, thanks to his work with icons like Ja Rule and Ashanti, as well as his partnership with influential producers and artists.

One of Daymond’s standout memories was of Irv’s role in shaping the career of Pitbull. Daymond shared how Irv, then still a burgeoning figure in the industry, advised a young Pitbull to steer away from the “keep it real” approach that many artists in the genre were known for. “He told him, ‘Ditch the whole ‘keep it real’ thing,’” Daymond recalled. This advice would go on to be pivotal in Pitbull’s rise to stardom. Today, Pitbull, known as Mr. Worldwide, is a multi-platinum, Diamond-selling artist, further proving that Irv’s instincts for talent were spot on.

While Daymond John continues to process the loss of his friend, he has found solace in the memories of Irv’s legacy. The stories and laughter they shared together are a testament to the bond they had. And as Daymond moves forward, he remains grateful for the indelible mark Irv Gotti left on the music industry and on his life.

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