Entertainment
Chris Lighty of Violator Management dead at 44
Unheard Voices is saddened to report music industry legend Chris Lighty, has passed away.
Unheard Voices is saddened to report music industry legend,Chris Lighty, has passed away at the age of 44.
What Happened To Chris Lighty?
The native of the Bronx reportedly died today of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police responded to a call at 670 West 232nd Street in the Bronx, New York, at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 30. Officers discovered Lighty with a gunshot wound to the head and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities recovered a black semi-automatic pistol at the scene.
The NY Daily News alleges Lighty, who divorced his wife last year, may have been dealing with financial struggles, including owing about $5 million to the IRS.
Music Manager and Mogul
Chris Lighty was the founder of Violator Entertainment and the manager to music heavyweights such as Mariah Carey and LL Cool J.
Lighty began working at Rush Management, under the tutelage of Lyor Cohen and Russell Simmons, in 1988, picking up the savvy marketing skills and brand-building expertise that would later culminate in Violator. Upon hearing the news of his death, Simmons issued a somber statement.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of a hip-hop hero. Chris Lighty has been a dear friend of mine since he was a kid. He was a brilliant partner in business. I was so proud of all that he had accomplished,” Simmons wrote via Global Grind.
“He is an amazing example of how a passionate kid from the street can go to the most even-keeled, smart, thoughtful manager in the business and a generous philanthropist. And he was loved by everyone who knew him, including me. He will be missed greatly by all of us.”
Jeff Robinson, who was close to Lighty, confirmed the tragic news on Twitter.
Jeff Robinson @thejeffrobi
Unheard Voices sends its condolences to Chris Lighty’s friends and family.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.SuicidePreventionLifeline.org
Discover more from Unheard Voices Magazine®
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Man accused of fatally shooting beloved married father on GWB now charged with second-degree murder
Beloved Pennsylvania high school football coach dies after mid-game medical emergency
West Orange mayoral candidate under investigation after sign removal allegations but she says she had permission from the property owner to remove them
Teacher, youth coach wounded at shooting during Augusta, Georgia homecoming celebration
Police called after 3‑year‑old soccer phenom dominates Florida youth game, family alleges
Justice for Nolan Wells Reward Fund raises $300k
Buried history: Documentary uncovers Black slave cemetery hidden under Staten Island shopping center
Atlanta University Center students marched to demand justice for Nolan Wells
What happened to Chantel Brooks? Police, family continue to seek answers for woman missing since July
Nolan Wells’ family, national leaders renew call for federal investigation into teen’s death
Woody Shaw’s Avant‑Garde ‘Song of Songs’ returns to vinyl after 50 years through Jazz Dispensary’s Top Shelf Series
Kansas City’s Copper Boyz Ranch provides youth violence‑prevention through horsemanship
Nolan Wells’ family demands ‘thorough’ investigation: “What we’ve been told does not make sense”
Peabo Bryson, Grammy‑winning voice behind two Disney classics, dies at 75
OWN greenlights first-ever ‘Belle Collective’ spinoff Belle Collective: Birmingham
-
Social Justice2 weeks agoFamily of Cal State Fullerton student who died at unaffiliated fraternity event pushes for safety reform
-
Real Voices2 weeks agoNewly released phone records reveal how Nolan Wells’ friends privately discussed his death
-
Social Justice1 week agoNorth Carolina A&T, UNC Greensboro and Bennett students march nearly an hour after campus voting sites removed
-
New Jersey2 weeks agoNew Jersey woman who outsmarted serial killer and escaped in 2016 dies at 44
-
Education2 weeks agoXavier Ochsner College of Medicine earns preliminary accreditation, becoming nation’s fifth historically Black medical school
-
Crime & Justice2 weeks agoClark Atlanta senior dies after driver going 94.4 MPH crashes into her car
-
Social Justice2 weeks agoFormer Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby’s mortgage fraud conviction formally dismissed
-
Music2 weeks agoWisconsin’s Romey drops new sports anthem “W’S UP (Red & White Anthem)”