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It's been over a decade since Hip-Hop lost one of its most revered music executives.
On August 30, 2012, Darrel Steven "Chris" Lighty passed away following a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Lighty was found dead on the patio of his home in South Riverdale in the Bronx with a 9mm pistol next to his body. He was only 44. At the time, Lighty was in the process of moving his things out of the apartment and into a U-Haul truck parked outside. A gunshot was heard after he reportedly got into an argument with his wife Veronica over their divorce and money he owed to the IRS.
Light got his start in the music business in the late '80s by carrying crates of vinyl records for DJ Red Alert. He was eventually hired by Russell Simmons to work for his Rush Artist Management company. In 1989, Lighty and Mona Scott-Young formed Violator, which was a record label, management company and marketing agency that represented numerous rap stars like LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, A Tribe Called Quest, Missy Elliott and more.
Violator Records released several projects including Violator: The Album, which is a compilation featuring hits like Q-Tip's "Vivrant Thing." The album also features music by the Flipmode Squad, N.O.R.E., Fat Joe, Big Pun, Ja Rule, The Beatnuts and more. Violator's album did so well that they released a sequel The Album: V2.0 in 2001.
Not only did they release music, but they also helped artist land massive endorsements with major brands. Through Violator, Lighty was able to help LL Cool J get his first Gap commercial in 1997. He also cooked up endorsements for Sprite with A Tribe Called Quest and brokered 50 Cent's infamous multimillion-dollar deal with Vitamin Water.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and business partner Chris Lighty,” 50 Cent said after Lighty's death. “Chris has been an important part of my business and personal growth for a decade. He was a good friend and adviser who helped me develop as an artist and businessman. My prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed.”
Lighty was survived by his six children (two with Veronica and four from previous relationships). Rest in peace, Chris Lighty.