With news of hip-hop mogul Chris Lighty’s alleged suicide, artists with ties to the hip-hop community wrestle with the death of one of their own.  

August 27 was a day of remembrance for Chris Lighty. In his early years as a rising artist manager, he worked with KRS One and DJ Scott La Rock. In 1987, Scott La Rock was shot and killed. The last tweet Lighty penned on the 27th honored his friend’s memory. 

Rest in peace to my main man The Grand Incredible Dj Scott La Rock. I am still Criminal Minded. 8/27/87

— Chris Lighty (@clighty) August 27, 2012

Three days later (August 30) Lighty, who has managed the careers of 50 Cent, Diddy, LL Cool J and more, was found dead at his Riverdale, Bronx home with a gun shot wound to the head. He was 44 years-old. 

At the time of death, he owed the IRS $5 million and was reportedly going through a rough break-up with his wife. As the news sent a shock in music circles, fans, friends and former clients offered their condolences and reflected on the life of the man who helped move hip-hop forward.  

Here are the tweets from those who were affected by the life and death of Chris Lighty. 

U never know what can send a person over the edge or make them want 2 keep living. take it easy on people. We are so fragile.

— Mary J. Blige (@maryjblige) August 30, 2012

R.I.P. Chris Lighty. Gone way to soon. This is unbelievable. My prayers go out to the Lighty Family.

— Mary J. Blige (@maryjblige) August 31, 2012

Another tragic & inconceivable loss for the culture. #RIPChrisLighty

— Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) August 30, 2012

R.I.P. Chris Lightly who always had the best energy every time I had an encounter with him. He will be misse instagr.am/p/O9lRxLwa0g/

— Ludacris (@Ludacris) August 30, 2012

R.I.P my manager Chris Lighty, I know you’re in a better place. this shit got me so fucked up big bro we just talked on the phone 2 days ago

— Soulja Boy (@souljaboy) August 30, 2012

Prayers for my dear friend r.i.p ChrisLove you

— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) August 31, 2012

R.I.P. Chris Lighty. He Was A Dear Friend Of Mine And I Still Can’t Believe It.

— iamdiddy (@iamdiddy) August 30, 2012

I Would Be Nothing Without YOU!!! My Kids Appreciate YOU God Bless Chris Lighty

— FAT JOE (@fatjoe) August 30, 2012

R.I.P. to my old friend “Chris Lighty”. Tragedy has once again struck the music industry & this time it hitinstagr.am/p/O9kXSYGoko/

— Handsome Ass Nigga (@thegame) August 30, 2012

This is by far the most devastating news I’ve ever heard. Lighty was one of my closest friends. Rest in peace CL.

— D-Nice (@djdnice) August 30, 2012

–Erik Parker, CBS Local