Veteran Hip-Hop Manager Chris Lighty Passes Away

Sources close to VIBE have confirmed that Violator Management founder Chris Lighty has passed away.

Violator has worked with stars such as Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes,Q-Tip, Missy Elliott, Fantasia, Mýa, Diggy Simmons, Cormega, Ja Rule, Mobb Deep, LL Cool J, Nas, and more.

Jeff Robinson, who was close to Lighty, confirmed the tragic news on Twitter.

Jeff Robinson ‏@thejeffrobinson "So very sad about Chris lighty..Great long time friend,fellow bronxite and peer...incredible businessman and person."

UPDATE: The NY Daily News has reported more details on Lighty's death.

Hip-hop mogul Chris Lighty died Thursday morning after apparently shooting himself in the head in his Bronx apartment, sources told the Daily News.

Lighty, 44 — a longtime manager of 50 Cent, Diddy, Ja Rule and Mariah Carey — was found dead inside his South Riverdale apartment about 11:30 a.m., police sources said.

It appeared he died from a bullet to his head, sources said. A gun was recovered next to his body.

Law enforcement sources said Lighty — who divorced his wife, Veronica, last year — may have been dealing with financial struggles, including owing about $5 million to the IRS.

More industry insiders have sent their condolences.

FAT JOE (‏@fatjoe) R.I.P CHRIS LIGHTY THE MAN THAT SAVED MY LIFE!!!

DJ DRAMA ‏(@DJDRAMA) wow. no words. RIP Chris Lighty.

9th Wonder (@9thWonderMusic) My God.....my god...Chris Lighty.....Rest in Peace brother....#Legend

Karen Ciѵil ‏(@KarenCivil) Devastated to hear about the loss of Chris Lighty. My prayers & thoughts are with his family.

Decon (@Decon) RIP Chris Lighty. Our deepest condolences to his friends, family & team.

SCRAM JONES ‏(@SCRAMJONES) R.I.P. Chris Lighty - thats just crazy - #1 Hip Hop Manager

dream hampton ‏@dreamhampton So sad RT @insideplaya @clighty has passed due to suicide. RIP

isis ‏(@isarias) Just called to confirm it. My heart goes out... They're going too soon.... RIP @clighty. #prayersup

Pill (‏@Pill4180) Wow!! R.I.P Chris Lighty.... Hip-Hop Legend responsible for many careers in the music industry.

Ghostface Killah ‏(@GhostfaceKillah) Hard one to grab Yo damn.... My most humble prayers to the family of Chris Lighty!