Hip-hop manager Chris Lighty has passed away this morning of an apparent suicide. The founder and chief executive of Violator Management/Brand Asset Group allegedly shot himself in the head inside his Bronx apartment. He was discovered dead with a bullet wound to his head at 11:30am. The gun was found next to his body.

The 44-year-old has managed major hip-hop stars such as 50 Cent, Diddy, Ja Rule and Mariah Carey.

According to officials, it is believed that Lighty was facing financial troubles, including a $5 million debt to the IRS. He also divorced his wife, Veronic, last year.

Violator has also managed the careers of Busta Rhymes, Q-Top, Missy Elliott, Fantasia, Mya, Diggy Simmons, Cormega, and LL Cool J. 

Condolences have started to pour in upon news of Lighty's tragic death. Justin Bieber's manager Scooter Braun tweeted: " hard to believe it is true but RIP to my friend Chris Lighty. gone too soon."

Chuck D tweeted: "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 bullshit."

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