Veteran music executive Chris Lighty has (44) died from an apparent suicide.
The New York Daily News reports that the hip hop veteran shot himself in the head at his Bronx apartment following an argument with his estranged wife, Veronica.
Police sources told the paper Lighty stepped outside his South Riverdale apartment about 11:30 a.m., after a spat with his wife. Suddenly, a gun shot was heard and Lighty was found lying faceup with a 9-mm. pistol next to his body.
Lighty was the CEO at Primary Violator (a partnership between Lightly’s Violator Management and Primary Wave Music, home to Cee-Lo Green), Lightly was the longtime manager of 50 Cent and brought with him such artists as Mariah Carey, Soulja Boy, L.L. Cool J, Busta Rhymes and Diddy.
According to the Daily News, Lightly may have been dealing with financial issues following a divorce last year which included owing about $5 million to the IRS.
As the word spread around the industry, execs and artists tweeted their condolences. Rapper Fat Joe wrote, “That man saved my life. … I Would Be Nothing Without YOU!!! My Kids Appreciate YOU God Bless Chris Lighty.”
