Considered to be one of the most powerful managers in hip-hop, an executive who distinguished himself between the go-getters and the forever-receivers. His ability to fuse underground Hip-Hop culture into mainstream commercial success has made him a legend amongst hip hop heavy weights.
Unfortunately, the man who has helped create many jobs within the Hip-Hop community died yesterday in an apparent suicide at the age of 44.
Chris Lighty was able to help companies create more jobs and opportunities for hip hop artist by building rappers brands outside of the streets and connecting them with companies such as The Gap and Sprite.
Job creation came in the form of advertising teams hiring creative development employees who had roots and or knowledge of the hip hop community and could help companies collaborate with artist and managers to explore new products to market to new demographics.
when he helped negotiate 50 Cent's stake in Glaceau, the company that makes Vitaminwater, it was with an eye toward not just lending his client's credibility but also letting the client do so on his own terms. Mr. Lighty didn't change his artists; he encouraged them to infiltrate.
In his own career he saw hip-hop through all its stages of success. He began by carrying crates for the venerable Kool DJ Red Alert; eventually became a road manager for Boogie Down Productions and the Jungle Brothers; and then an artist manager, with a roster that at various points included 50 Cent, LL Cool J, De La Soul and Mobb Deep. He also formed a label, Violator Records, which signed New York artists like Fat Joe and the Beatnuts, back when New York rap was both a distinctive style and a potential breadwinner.
In addition to Violator, he held executive positions at Def Jam and other labels and, before forming Violator, worked at Rush Artist Management under Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen, two of the executives responsible for bringing hip-hop into the boardroom.
Mr. Lighty's death comes at a sad time when the U.S. economy could use someone with his business savvy attitude and profitable outlook on situations. His impact on the job community and economic urban growth may possibly go unseen and unheard of, however all of those who Lighty has helped reach their full potential in lives will never forget him.
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