50 CENT AND OTHERS REACT TO THE DEATH OF CHRIS LIGHTY
The world of hip-hop is mourning the loss of mogul Chris Lighty. According to MTV News, Lighty -- who has managed the careers of Mariah Carey, 50 Cent, Diddy, Nas and Missy Elliot and more, was found dead in his Bronx, New York apartment with a gunshot wound to the head. Cops are investigating the death as a possible suicide. The 44-year-old was found by cops at around 11:30 am in the backyard. He was pronounced dead on the scene -- where a semi-automatic was found.

Sources say that Lighty had been in an argument with his ex-wife and shot himself in the head. The couple got divorced last year. Other reports say that Chris also owed the IRS over $5 million.

The news was announced by Jeff Robinson -- former manager of Alicia Keys, who tweeted, "So very sad about Chris lighty..Great long time friend,fellow bronxite and peer...incredible businessman and person. Its very sad..no one knows what pressures we all really have behind the masks put on for the public and even family and friends.. Pray that we all find our true peace within ourselves& through our lord & savior in whom we ALL lay open,naked & exposed 2 core of our souls."

  • 50 Cent also released a statement on Facebook about the death of Chris, writing, "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and business partner Chris Lighty. Chris has been an important part of my business and personal growth for a decade. He was a good friend and adviser who helped me develop as an artist and businessman. My prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed."
  • Chris got his start in the music industry working with DJ Red Alert. He later became a road manager for Boogie Down Productions. He also worked with groups like A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul and The Jungle Brothers. He later worked with Russell Simmons RUSH Management cmopany before forming Vilator Management.

CELEBS REACT TO CHRIS LIGHTY'S DEATH

Celebs took to Twitter to react to the death of Chris Lighty. Diddy wrote, "In shock. R.I.P. Christ Lighty. He Was A Dear Friend Of Mine And I Still Can't Believe It." Nicki Minaj wrote,"Another tragic & inconceivable loss for the culture. #RIPChrisLighty." Rihanna tweeted, "Rest peacefully Chris Lighty, my prayers go out to family and loved ones! Dear God please have mercy"

Other reactions:

  • Nick Cannon: "I'm devastated right now. I can't believe my big brother Chris Lighty is gone... He was a pioneer, a mentor, and a great friend RIP. I truly believe to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, but I just feel like Chris's work wasn't finish on earth"
  • Ludacris: "R.I.P. Chris Lightly who always had the best energy every time I had an encounter with him. He will be missed"
  • Terrence J: "RIP to Chris Lighty. Dude gave me life changing advice & wisdom. A tragic loss, he will be deeply missed. Prayers to the family."
  • The Game: "R.I.P. to my old friend "Chris Lighty". Tragedy has once again struck the music industry & this time it hit"
  • Talib Kweli: "Rest in peace Chris Lighty. Your words and your vision are constant inspiration to me. Forever."
  • John Legend: "RIP Chris Lighty. Hip-hop visionary."
  • Ice T: "If you are REALLY in Hip Hop you know Chris... If you're not... You have NO idea how important and what a great person he was..I can't hold back the tears.... Man!! No matter how big Chris got... He always treated me like the young kid I met, hustlin hard at the 'New Music Seminar.' Awwwwww man... Chris was my dude. I can't believe this. we go back...."
  • Kim Kardashian: "Such sad news about Chris Lighty. He was an amazing partner in my fragrance LightHouse Beauty & friend. You will be missed!"
  • Brandy: "R.I.P. Chris Lighty! This is such a shock:( My heart goes out to his family and friends."
  • Omar Epps: "Really sad & confused right now.. RIP to my OG CHRIS LIGHTY. Chris Lighty was a pioneer in hip hop & the music biz period! He was a good man & a good friend. Prayers for his family & his children.."
  • DJ Khaled: R.I.P chris lighty!! Chris is hip hop, a friend & a gr8 person! When I came in the game he acknowledged me from the beginning & aspired 4 me 2 B gr8! Chris always wanted 2 help everyone! & did! Much luv 2 the family & my prayers R w/ them!

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