Hip-Hop Mogul Chris Lighty Has Passed Away

He helped shape the careers of many hip-hop greats.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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With great sadness, we're able to report that Chris Lighty, who founded and ran Violator Entertainment, has passed away. His mark on the world of hip-hop and music in general is legendary, as he helped launch the careers of some of the genre's biggest names.
    
As part of Violator, he helped start and mold the careers of everyone from Q-Tip to 50 Cent to Busta Rhymes, among many others. Lighty was a true pioneer and pillar of the hip-hop community and will be sorely missed. Below are several tweets from people close to him confirming his untimely death.

Just called to confirm it. My heart goes out... They're going too soon.... RIP @clighty. #prayersup
@keyinfluencer Sorry to say it's true. @clighty has passed due to suicide. RIP
So very sad about Chris lighty..Great long time friend,fellow bronxite and peer...incredible businessman and person
R.I.P. Chris Lighty - thats just crazy - #1 Hip Hop Manager

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