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UPDATED: 12:20 PM EST February 21, 2025
While death is an inevitable part of life, it’s never easy when someone we love, admire, or even look up to dies.
So far, in 2025, we’ve had to say goodbye to some notable Black people.
Chicago legend Jerry Butler passed away on Thursday at the age of 85 at his home in Chicago, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Butler, also known as ‘The Iceman,” was a historical figure in Chicago’s music and political scene. His contributions spanned for decades and his influence will live on forever.
Butler was born in 1939 in Sunflower, Mississippi. At a young age, he moved to Chicago and grew up in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing complex. Music was his first passion and alongside his friend, Curtis Mayfield, he joined the gospel group Northern Jubilee Singers, which would later be known as the legendary R&B group, The Impressions.
From MyMajicDC:
Their early hit, “For Your Precious Love,” became an anthem of the 1950s and launched them to stardom. The group’s music, often dubbed the sound of the Civil Rights Movement, resonated deeply, reflecting the social struggles and aspirations of the era.
Jerry Butler also had a successful solo career, but his next calling was public service. From 1985 to 2018, Butler served on the Cook County Board as a commissioner.
“He’s one of the great voices of our time,” Motown legend Smokey Robinson told the Chicago Sun-Times. “ I have known Jerry Butler way back, since the Miracles and I first got started, around 1958. He’s a great person, and I love him.”
Jerry Butler’s wife, Annette Butler, died in 2019. Jerry and his wife are survived by sons Anthony and Randy, four grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
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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.
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.
When the news broke, the Hip-Hop world froze. Artists, producers, and fans were left in shock, as Irv wasn’t just a producer – he was the heartbeat of an era. Ye (Kanye West) posted a dove with a photo of Irv to pay tribute. While Ja Rule, who’d worked closely with him for years, kept it short and sweet with a broken heart emoji.
Russell Simmons, also expressed his sorrow, highlighting Irv’s unfiltered authenticity and the realness he brought to the culture. The streets are heavy right now, and our thoughts go out to Irv’s family, his friends, and the millions of fans who felt his impact. He left too soon, but his legacy is solid and will live on forever. Irv Gotti will always be a part of Hip-Hop’s foundation, and his music will live forever. Rest in peace, legend.
Gotti’s impact on the music industry remains undeniable, with his contributions shaping the sound and success of a generation of artists.
Here is a list of notable Black people we’re lost so far in 2025. Their impact on the culture will forever be missed.
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