Chris Lighty, our dear friend and music industry legend has passed away. GlobalGrind is able to confirm that he has died.

Founder and chief executive of Violator Management/Brand Asset Group, Lighty has been a part of the music scene since 1988 when he joined Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen at Rush Management.

This will undoubtedly hit the music industry hard as Chris has worked with some of the greatest like Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Missy Elliott, Fantasia, Mya, Diggy Simmons, Ja Rule, Mobb Deep, LL Cool J, Nas and 50 Cent.