Hip-hop mogul Chris Lighty, who helped launch the careers of rap superstars such as Missy Elliott, 50 Cent and LL Cool J, was found dead Aug. 30 at his Bronx, NY. apartment. He was 44.
According to MTV News, the music executive’s body was found with a gunshot wound to the head shortly before noon. Police explained that they discovered a pistol at the scene, leading them to believe that the wound may have been self-inflicted.
Lighty rose to fame in the ’80s working with New York’s DJ Red Alert, and served as the road manager for Boogie Down Productions, according to News One. He later joined Russell Simmons’ Rush Artist Management in 1989 and then launched his own firm, Violator Records, the following year. Later in his career, Lighty went on to help launch the careers of artists including Mariah Carey, Nas, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes and more.
The New York Daily News reported that Lighty had been dealing with a myriad of personal problems including debt and a recent divorce from his wife.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of a hip-hop hero,” Russell Simmons said in a statement on his web site. “Chris Lighty has been a dear friend of mine since he was a kid. He was a brilliant partner in business and I was so proud of all that he had accomplished. He is an amazing example of how a passionate street kid from the streets can go to the most even-keeled, smart, thoughtful manager in the business and a generous philanthropist. “
Simmons continued, “He was loved by everyone who knew him, including me. He will be missed greatly by all of us.”