Irv Gotti passed away after suffering a "massive hemorrhagic stroke," and his health issues were compounded by never going to the doctor ... so says his brother.

Chris Gotti, the brother of the late Irv Gotti and the co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, has been making headlines after he opened up about the details of the stroke that killed him.

"Countless others have recognized him for his genius in comedy, but we're honoring him for his fearless social commentary," ...