Irv Gotti’s Brother Breaks Silence About What Led Up To Producer's Death

Irv Gotti reportedly suffered from a severe stroke just before he passed away, according to his brother.

Chris Lorenzo, a.k.a. Chris Gotti, opened up about his late brother's health issues while appearing on Mark Halperin's 2WAY podcast alongside Dame Dash. During their conversation, Chris revealed the Murder, Inc. Records co-founder was diagnosed with diabetes in his late 40s, but didn't believe it at first. He explained Gotti was eating Chinese food and playing poker when he suffered from a "massive hemorrhagic stroke." The life-threatening event happens when a blood vessel in the brain breaks and bleeds, per the Cleveland Clinic.

The revered hitmaker, born Irving Lorenzo, suffered from various health issues related to diabetes in the months leading up to his death. He reportedly suffered a stroke last year and was spotted using a cane to walk during his recovery. He was also open about his battle with the disease and talked about his struggles with taking insulin during his appearance on Drink Champs.

Irv Gotti passed away at the beginning of February. He was only 54. In a statement, the producer's children confirmed he died while surrounded by loved ones. Prior to Chris Gotti's interview, neither his family nor a medical examiner had revealed his exact cause of death.

Gotti was laid to rest last week in his hometown of Queens, N.Y. A private service was held for family and close friends, which brought out various celebrities including Ja Rule, Ashanti, JAY-Z, Fat Joe, Angie Martinez and others.

Watch Chris Gotti's entire conversation with Dame Dash and Mark Halperin below.