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50 Cent Introduces His First Fragrance “Power By 50 Cent”

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of hip-hop manager and business pioneer Chris Lighty.

As Forbes noted “Lighty was the architect of what turned out to be one of the most lucrative deals in hip-hop history –50 Cent’s VitaminWater pact.,” which earned the rapper a whooping $100 million.

Additionally, Lighty founded Violator management and throughout his career managed artist like 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Diddy, and Ja Rule.

The New York Daily News provided the earliest report of his death:

Lighty, 44 — a longtime manager of 50 Cent, Diddy, Ja Rule and Mariah Carey — stepped outside his South Riverdale apartment about 11:30 a.m., after a spat with his wife, Veronica, police sources said.

Suddenly, a gun shot was heard and Lighty was found lying faceup with a 9-mm. pistol next to his body, sources said.

Law enforcement sources said Lighty — whose wife filed for divorce last year — may have been dealing with financial struggles, including owing about $5 million to the IRS.

Lighty, founder of Violator Management, merged with another talent company to form Primary Violator around the time of his divorce.

There’s already been an outpouring of grief shared by members of the music and entertainment community:

Rev Run: R I P to the kindest guy Chris Lighty. Thank you for being a manager to Diggy & a part of our family.. You are loved & will be missed

Rah Digga: Chris Lighty was everything to me in my Flipmode years. So busy rescuing others sorry we couldn’t rescue you. You will be missed brother…

Talib Kweli: Rest in peace Chris Lighty. Your words and your vision are constant inspiration to me. Forever.

Rihanna: Rest peacefully Chris Lighty, my prayers go out to family and loved ones! Dear God please have mercy

Fat Joe: R.I.P CHRIS LIGHTY THE MAN THAT SAVED MY LIFE!!!

Kim Kardashian: Such sad news about Chris Lighty. He was an amazing partner in my fragrance LightHouse Beauty & friend. You will be missed!