Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
50 Cent Funds Investigation Into Hip-Hop Mogul Chris Lighty's Death
By
Spadaque Volcimus
Published Sep 25, 2012
Modified Sep 25, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Spadaque Volcimus
Published Sep 25, 2012
Modified Sep 25, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
It's been nearly one month since hip-hop mogul Chris Lighty was pronounced dead from an apparent suicide. Several reports at the time said the 43-year-old father of five had been having financial problems, but many of his closest associates were skeptical. Lighty was widely known in the music industry as a manager of some of hip-hop's biggest acts—like 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Sean "P Diddy" Combs, Q-Tip and Busta Rhymes.
Now, according to reports, after being approached by the dead mogul's mother, rapper 50 Cent, one of Lighty's most successful clients, is spending his own money to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his former manager's death. Fiddy told MyFoxNY that Lighty was not financially desperate as some sources had said, because he had just booked an international tour for 2013 that would have netted him millions. And with that, hired private investigator Les Levine is searching for conclusive evidence, one way or the other, regarding what killed Lighty.
Although there were rumors the two had ended their business relationship, at the time of his friend's death, Fiddy released this heartfelt statement regrading Lighty's impact on his career: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and business partner Chris Lighty. Chris has been an important part of my business and personal growth for a decade. He was a good friend and adviser who helped me develop as an artist and businessman."
Tagged
50 cent
Chris Lighty
death
hip hop
investigation
suicide
Spadaque Volcimus
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Man shot by ICE in NYC's Marble Hill said federal officers never identified themselves
The wounded man said he didn't learn ICE agents were involved until he woke up in the hospital.
By
Arya Sundaram
and
Samantha Max
Published Oct 14, 2026 at 5:26 p.m. ET
Brooklyn school dean says MTA officers assaulted him over a $3 bus fare he says he paid
Kyle Taylor, a dean at Mott Bridges Academy, says he made a legal bus transfer.
By
Carol Chen
News
Brooklyn school dean says MTA officers assaulted him over a $3 bus fare he says he paid
Kyle Taylor, a dean at Mott Bridges Academy, says he made a legal bus transfer.
By
Carol Chen
National Grid customers in NYC will see higher gas bills this winter
By
Rosemary Misdary
Bruce Blakeman joins Gov. Hochul in support for expanding NY rape law
By
Jon Campbell
2 men accused of stabbing off-duty NYPD detective in the Bronx plead not guilty
By
Charles Lane
and
Brittany Kriegstein
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .