BREAKING: Violator Management’s Chris Lighty Found Dead

Written By S. Samuel

Music pioneer Chris Lighty has reportedly been discovered dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound leaving a legacy which includes the founding of Violator Management.

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Reports of his unexpected passing hit the Internet Thursday (August 30) afternoon.

Various sources have confirmed that pioneering hip-hop executive Chris Lighty has died. The native of the Bronx died today of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The powerhouse behind Violater Records and management guided the careers of hip-hop heavyweights like 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliot. Lighty began his career working for DJ Red Alert. He became a road manager for Boogie Down Productions and managed groups like The Jungle Brothers and A Tribe Called Quest. He was given the nickname “Baby Chris” for his good looks and to distinguish himself from his older friend Chris Ali. (News One)

Although details are still scarce, publications like Russell SimmonsGlobal Grind have confirmed his death.

Chris Lighty, our dear friend and music industry legend has passed away. GlobalGrind is able to confirm that he has died. Founder and chief executive of Violator Management/Brand Asset Group, Lighty has been a part of the music scene since 1988 when he joined Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen at Rush Management. With little details to report at the moment on this incident, we will keep Chris’ family and friends in our prayers. (Global Grind)

One of Lighty’s close associates also confirmed the unfortunate news.

Sources close to VIBE have confirmed that Violator Management founder Chris Lighty has passed away. Violator has worked with stars such as Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes,Q-Tip, Missy Elliott, Fantasia, Mýa, Diggy Simmons, Cormega, Ja Rule, Mobb Deep, LL Cool J, Nas, and more. Jeff Robinson, who was close to Lighty, confirmed the tragic news on Twitter. Jeff Robinson ?@thejeffrobinson “So very sad about Chris lighty..Great long time friend,fellow bronxite and peer…incredible businessman and person.” (VIBE)

The late music executive is largely responsible for helping guide the careers of 50 Cent, Diddy, LL Cool J and more.

In an era when label CEO’s drop albums, romance pop-stars and parlay their mogul-dom into multiple endorsement deals, Chris Lighty, CEO of Violator Management, is a bit of an anomaly. Since 1989, his company has been stealthily creating strategic multi-million dollar opportunities for its artists’ – among them 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, LL Cool J, Diddy, and Soulja Boy – in the areas of film, television, advertising, sports and finance. (Please Listen To My Demo)

Story developing…

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Written by S. Samuel

Steven Samuel is the co-founder of SOHH.com.

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