Chris Lighty

Darrell “Chris” Lighty (May 18, 1968 – August 31, 2012), was a hip-hop manager and business executive, best known for Violator Management.

Lighty is also responsible for his role in the management of breakout acts including Fat Joe, Chi-Ali, The Beatnuts, Warren G, Foxy Brown, LL Cool J, N.O.R.E., Q-Tip, Mobb Deep, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Monica and 50 Cent, among others.

In terms of business, Lighty helped to broker endorsement deals with Gap (LL Cool J), AT&T (Diggy Simmons), Ciroc (Diddy), with the most hugest money-grossing partnership being with Vitamin Water (50 Cent).

On August 31, 2012, after an argument with his estranged baby mama, Lighty was found dead in his home in Riverdale, New York with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His life and legacy was celebrated a week later at a public memorial, before being represented again at the 2012 BET Hip-Hop Awards.