Vibe has confirmed that veteran manager and founder of Violator, Chris Lighty has passed away. Chris and his company helped develop the careers of some of the best in the game including Mariah Carey, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Missy Elliott, Nas, Diddy and many more.
So very sad about Chris lighty..Great long time friend,fellow bronxite and peer…incredible businessman and person
— Jeff Robinson (@thejeffrobinson) August 30, 2012
Update.  According to the New York Daily News, Lighty’s death appears to have been a suicide. RIP to one of the greatest Hip-Hop managers of all time.