Chris Lighty Remembered By Larry Mestel, Diddy, Rev Run, 50 Cent, Russell Simmons, More
Veteran hip-hop manager and founder of Violator Management Chris Lighty passed away earlier today. One of the most influential managers in hip-hop music, Lighty worked with such luminaries as Q-Tip, Busta Rhymes, LL Cool J, Nas, Mobb Deep, Mariah Carey, Lyor Cohen, Russell Simmons, Diddy, Ja Rule, 50 Cent, and more. Shortly after news of his passing spread, many in the music industry released statements or took to Twitter to offer condolences and remembrances.
Chris Lighty, Founder of Violator Management and One of Hip-Hop's All Time Great Execs, Has Died
"We are extremely shocked and sadden by this tragic news," stated Larry Mestel, CEO of Primary Wave Music. "Chris was a friend, business partner and most of all, an icon, role model and true legend of the music and entertainment industry. He will be missed by many and we send love and support to his family."
R I P to the kindest guy Chris Lighty. Thank you for being a manager to Diggy & a part of our family.. You are loved & will be missed
- Rev Run (@RevRunWisdom) August 30, 2012
RIP Chris Lighty,our thoughts and best wishes to his family and friends. Sad loss for Hip Hop, butthank you for your contributions.
- Duck Down Music Inc. (@DuckDownMusic) August 30, 2012
R.I.P. Chris Lighty. He Was A Dear Friend Of Mine And I Still Can't Believe It.
- iamdiddy (@iamdiddy) August 30, 2012
R.I.P. Chris Lighty. A true blueprint of success in his lifetime.
- Arthur Pitt (@ArthurPitt) August 30, 2012
"Chris has been an important part of my business and personal growth for a decade," said 50 Cent in a statement through his publicist. "He was a good friend and advisor who helped me develop as an artist and businessman. My prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed."
RIP Chris Lighty ... that guy did so much in the game...and I am sure him and Nadler dealt with each other a lot...so weird
- Peter Rosenberg (@Rosenbergradio) August 30, 2012
R.I.P my manager Chris Lighty, I know you're in a better place. this shit got me so fucked up big bro we just talked on the phone 2 days ago
- Soulja Boy (@souljaboy) August 30, 2012
Rest in peace Chris Lighty. Your words and your vision are constant inspiration to me. Forever.
- Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) August 30, 2012
RIP Chris Light you will be missed instagr.am/p/O93KSMFX3C/
- Steve Rifkind (@steverifkind) August 30, 2012
# ripchrislighty I am lost for words at this situation. I send my blessings to his family . He was the backbone for many people!
-SWIZZ BEATZ (@THEREALSWIZZZ) August 30, 2012
Man, I'm really sorry about Chris Lighty. Such a nice guy to me & my band. May God rest his soul. Peace to his family.
- Questo of The Roots (@questlove) August 30, 2012
Truly a sad day w/the passing of Founder of Violater Records & Management Chris Lighty. It was only a month ago we saw him at # NMS2012.
- New Music Seminar (@NewMusicSeminar) August 30, 2012
Very sad to hear about Chris Lighty's passing. We never met but growing up in NYC I was very aware of him and admired his hustle. R.I.P.
- Jason Hirschhorn (@JasonHirschhorn) August 30, 2012
Hard one to grab Yo damn.... My most humble prayers to the family of Chris Lighty!
- Ghostface Killah (@GhostfaceKillah) August 30, 2012
hard to believe it is true but RIP to my friend Chris Lighty. gone too soon
- Scooter Braun (@scooterbraun) August 30, 2012
RIP Chris Lighty. Today, we lost a hip-hop hero and one of its greatest architects... bit.ly/SWcK8Y
- Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) August 30, 2012
So very sad about Chris lighty..Great long time friend,fellow bronxite and peer...incredible businessman and person
- Jeff Robinson (@thejeffrobinson) August 30, 2012
Rest peacefully Chris Lighty, my prayers go out to family and loved ones! Dear God please have mercy
- Rihanna (@rihanna) August 30, 2012
I Would Be Nothing Without YOU!!! My Kids Appreciate YOU God Bless Chris Lighty
- FAT JOE (@fatjoe) August 30, 2012
R I P Chris Lighty SMH to the mongrels that have made the BLACKmusic industry a depressing game to drag such good cats into a pit of bullsht
- Chuck D (@MrChuckD) August 30, 2012
Damn, RIP Chris Lighty - the biggest rap manager ever
- Sandy Lal (@sandylal) August 30, 2012
THIS> RT @ chinoxl: Chris lighty ,since my child hood , since Zulu nation, great spirit, purveyor of hiphop , Rest in power king,this hurts..
- ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) August 30, 2012
R.I.P chris lighty!! Chris is hip hop, a friend & a gr8 person! When I came in the game he acknowledged me ... m.tmi.me/wg22p
- DJ Khaled (@djkhaled) August 30, 2012