S. Samuel
Mobb Deep's Prodigy recently discussed his admiration and business relationship to late Violator Management founder Chris Lighty, specifically how much of an impact he made.
In Capital P’s perspective, Lighty stood out as one of the best executives in terms of networking and communicating with others.
“Chris was the greatest hip-hop manager that ever lived. He was more than just a manager, too. He was one of the greatest business minds as far as bringing hardcore hip-hop and real street hip-hop to the corporate world. He did that real good. There was a few people that was real good at that and he was one of the best ones. His networking, his communication skills were incredible,” P said in an interview. “I learned so much from watching how he communicated, just his tone, his mannerisms, his work ethic, just everything. That was an incredible individual and he managed us for a long time. We’ve been through a lot with Chris. A lot. It hurt a lot when I found out he passed.” (Complex)
Prodigy also revealed his relationship with Chris went beyond business-related matters.
“Chris was like an older brother to me. When I was in trouble, anytime I got locked up, anytime I was in any kind of trouble, Chris was always there. Like, if I had to spend a night in jail and go to court the next morning and when I walk into the courtroom Chris already sitting there waiting to bail me out, all the time. So I’ve been through a lot with him and you could always depend on Chris like if you call him and tell him you got a problem and he’s going to fix it or he’s gonna do what he can to fix it or help you and assist you. If he’s your artist and he manages you or he really f*cks with you like that, he’s going to do what he can to help you and he did that for me a lot, not just with music but my personal life. Chris was always there. Chris made us a lot of money, too. Our talent got us into the position we in but Chris was able to take that and push it even further.” (Complex)
Earlier this month, fellow New York rapper Papoose paid homage to the late business exec on his “Obituary 2012” tribute record.
“Whitney Houston, let us rejoice,” Pap raps. “Words can’t describe her amazing voice/Born August 9th, 1963, incredible black woman, Newark, New Jersey — sold over 170 million albums/The cause of her death? Accidental drowning/She leaves behind a daughter, heavenly surrounded/Chris Lighty, hip-hop shed a tear/He gave birth to so many careers/Born May 8th, ’68, in the Bronx, used to carry records for Red Alert, he was smart/Started Violator, made it better/He helped me with my career, we took a million dollar deal together/The cause of his death? They say suicide/But anybody who knows Chris sees through the lies” (“Obituary 2012”)
G-Unit’s 50 Cent reportedly hired an investigator to look into Lighty’s suicide last year.
The city medical examiner ruled it a suicide, but many close to Lighty have their doubts. 50 Cent said he offered to pay for an investigation. 50 cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, told me the hip hop mogul was not financially desperate. He said they just booked an international tour for 2013 that would have netted Lighty millions. Fox 5 obtained a copy of Lighty’s will. The will, drafted in 2007, provides a separate $1.6 million trust fund for his children. Aidala said establishing that trust shows great care and planning, especially for a man who at that time was only in his late thirties. (My Fox NY)
