Violator Manager Chris Lighty Dies

Self- described as a Husband, Father and Leader Chris Lighty was found dead today from an apparent suicide.  He was 44.

He has been a staple in the music industry managing acts like Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Missy Elliott, and 50 Cent. He was also a member of Boogie Down Productions. 

Founder and chief executive of Violator Management/Brand Asset Group,  Chris Lighty has been a part of the music scene since 1988 when he joined Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen at Rush Management.

Looking at Chris' last twitter posts, you'd never know this was a man contemplating suicide.

It appears he died from a bullet to his head. A gun was recovered next to his body.

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

He was reportedly going through a difficult divorce and financial struggles contributed greatly to his stress. Sources said Lighty had an automatic, cryptic auto-reply email message that indicated Lighty said he would be hospitalized for an undisclosed ailment as of last night.

This story is still developing.

My thoughts and prayers are with his children and all those in the industry who were touched by his spirit.

Twitter is lit up with RIP posts for Chris Lighty

FAT JOE (‏@fatjoe) R.I.P CHRIS LIGHTY THE MAN THAT SAVED MY LIFE!!!

DJ DRAMA ‏(@DJDRAMA) wow. no words. RIP Chris Lighty.

9th Wonder (@9thWonderMusic) My God.....my god...Chris Lighty.....Rest in Peace brother....#Legend

Karen Ciѵil ‏(@KarenCivil) Devastated to hear about the loss of Chris Lighty. My prayers & thoughts are with his family.

Decon (@Decon) RIP Chris Lighty. Our deepest condolences to his friends, family & team.

SCRAM JONES ‏(@SCRAMJONES) R.I.P. Chris Lighty - thats just crazy - #1 Hip Hop Manager

dream hampton ‏@dreamhampton So sad RT @insideplaya @clighty has passed due to suicide. RIP

isis ‏(@isarias) Just called to confirm it. My heart goes out... They're going too soon.... RIP @clighty. #prayersup

Pill (‏@Pill4180) Wow!! R.I.P Chris Lighty.... Hip-Hop Legend responsible for many careers in the music industry.

Ghostface Killah ‏(@GhostfaceKillah) Hard one to grab Yo damn.... My most humble prayers to the family of Chris Lighty!