Various sources have confirmed that pioneering hip-hop executive Chris Lighty has died. The native of the Bronx died today of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The powerhouse behind Violater Records and management guided the careers of hip-hop heavyweights like 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott.
Lighty began his career working for DJ Red Alert. He became a road manager for Boogie Down Productions and managed groups like The Jungle Brothers and A Tribe Called Quest. He was given the nickname “Baby Chris” for his good looks and to distinguish himself from his older friend Chris Ali.
As reported by NewsOne.com…
***UPDATE***
Lighty was found at 11:30 AM in the backyard of his Bronx apartment. He was pronounced dead at the scene where a semi-automatic firearm was also recovered. According to several reports, the music mogul had just gotten into an argument with his ex-wife. Sources say, he wasn’t the same since their divorce, last year.
RIP!
