As news of his sudden death spread Thursday, some of the industry's brightest stars took to Twitter to share their condolences. Chris Lighty," Fat Joe posted on his account. CHRIS LIGHTY THE MAN THAT SAVED MY LIFE," Bronx rapper Fat Joe posted on Twitter. "In shock," tweeted Sean (Diddy) Combs. Rihanna posted: "Rest peacefully Chris Lighty, my prayers go out to family and loved ones! Dear God please have mercy," tweeted songstress Rihanna. He was a good friend and advisor who helped me develop as an artist and businessman. Lighty, who was born Darrel Lighty, was raised with five siblings by a single mother in the projects. His career quickly catapulted after Lighty founded Violator Management, which merged last year with Primary Wave Talent Management to create Primary Violator.
– Hip-hop lost a huge figure today, even if he's not a household name. Manager Chris Lighty apparently shot himself at his Brooklyn apartment after an argument with his ex-wife, reports the Daily News. The 44-year-old had managed the likes of 50 Cent, Sean "Diddy" Combs, and Mariah Carey, though he was apparently in deep debt to the IRS, police sources tell the newspaper. Before starting his own company, Violator, he had worked with LL Cool J and other hip-hop pioneers. The AP rounds up reaction from big names in the industry, including 50 Cent: "Chris has been an important part of my business and personal growth for a decade," he wrote in a statement. "He was a good friend and advisor who helped me develop as an artist and businessman." Fat Joe tweeted: "R.I.P. Chris Lighty. The man that saved my life!" As did Rihanna: "Rest peacefully Chris Lighty, my prayers go out to family and loved ones! Dear God please have mercy."