S. Samuel
West Coast rapper Game, Yung Joc, Shyne, L.A. Reid, Big Daddy Kane and more have publicly come forward to send their best wishes and react to the tragic death of music executive Chris Lighty.
Game acknowledged hip-hop’s loss and paid homage to the late Violator Management founder.
“R.I.P. to my old friend “Chris Lighty”. Tragedy has once again struck the music industry & this time it hit http://instagr.am/p/O9kXSYGoko/,” he tweeted August 30th.
Atlanta’s Yung Joc shined light on Lighty’s achievements in the record industry.
“R.I.P Chris Lighty.. A standup guy and cornerstone in this industry… You will be missed” (Yung Joc’s Twitter)
Former Bad Boy Records rapper Shyne recalled his relationship with the late icon.
“: When Chris lighty first heard me spit he went nuts. He took me straight to Lyor kohen’s office & locked me in till I signed to defjam!””
“: I remember when I first went to def jam on varick st in soho to spit forChris lighty.””
“I’m saddened to hear about the tragic passing of Chris lighty. My condolences to his family & friends!””
“Ill be forever grateful for Chris lighty for being one of the first to believe in my talents. R.I.P”” (Shyne’s Twitter)
Fellow music industry veteran L.A. Reid gave his thoughts on the passing.
“R I P Chris Lighty. My prayers for your immediate and extended family. We have lost a true hip hop pioneer and legend.” (L.A. Reid’s Twitter)
Rap vet Big Daddy Kane remembered Lighty as a stand-up guy.
“RIP Chris Lighty @clighty. One of the few people I can say was real & a man of his words. No additives or preservatives. You will be missed.”
“I’m glad I had the opportunity 2 thank @clighty for the hook up with Azad Watches & Red Bull in person. Don’t wait to spread love my ppl.” (Big Daddy Kane’s Twitter)
His death even caught ex-Shady Records rapper Obie Trice off-guard.
“Dam RIP chris lighty cool dude!! Sleep well!!” (Obie Trice’s Twitter)
Reports of his passing hit the Internet Thursday afternoon.
According to law enforcement, 44-year-old Lighty’s body was found by police around 11:30 AM in the backyard of his Bronx apartment. Lighty was pronounced dead on the scene, where a semi-automatic firearm was recovered. The death is being investigated as a possible suicide. According to sources close to Lighty, the hip hop mogul had been in an argument with his ex-wife and shot himself in the head. We’re told the couple got divorced last year and Lighty hadn’t been the same since. (TMZ)
