Hip-hop insider found dead

Chris Lighty, manager of famous acts such as Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes and 50 Cent, died on Thursday

Published August 30, 2012 8:41PM (EDT)

  (www.chrislighty.com)
(www.chrislighty.com)

Police have confirmed that hip-hop mogul Chris Lighty died at 11:30 am this morning in his New York home. The death is currently ruled a suicide; Lighty was discovered with a gunshot wound in his head and was thought to be struggling with financial and marital issues.

Support for Lighty and his family has been pouring in from celebrities, Twitter and media outlets as the hip-hop community comes to terms with his sudden death.

Many rappers and stars have commented on the beloved manager's death; DJ Scratch tweeted seven times today, expressing the tremendous impact Chris Lighty had on his career. He wrote, "I've lost a lot of people in my life but this one takes the cake for me. I'm physically sick from hearing this," and described Lighty as "the best manager." Nick Cannon called him "a pioneer, a mentor, and a great friend"


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

MORE FROM Prachi Gupta


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Chris Lighty Music Obituaries Suicide