Update!

Chris Lighty's Shocking Death: Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Ice-T and More React

Stars share their thoughts in regards to the passing of the music mogul and longtime manager of celebs such as 50 Cent and Mariah Carey

By Alyssa Toomey Aug 30, 2012 9:31 PMTags
Sean 'P-Diddy' Combs, Chris LightyJemal Countess/WireImage

The apparent suicide of hip-hop manager and rap mogul Chris Lighty (also known as Darrell Lighty) has sent shockwaves through the music industry.

The longtime manager of 50 Cent, Diddy and Mariah Carey, who was found dead in his apartment with a gunshot wound to the head, is being hailed by his friends as they try to cope with his sudden passing.

In a statement supplied to E! News, 50 Cent called Lighty "an important part of my business and personal growth for a decade. He was a good friend and advisor who helped me develop as an artist and businessman. My prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed."

Fellow rap pioneer Russell Simmons said he was "deeply saddened by the loss of a hip-hop hero. Chris Lighty has been a dear friend of mine since he was a kid. Was a brilliant partner in business and I was so proud of all that he had accomplished. He is an amazing example of how a passionate kid from the street can go to the most even-keeled, smart, thoughtful manager in the business and a generous philanthropist. He was loved by everyone who knew him, including me. He will be missed greatly by all of us."

Meanwhile, Twitter quickly filled with similar statements of grief from Lighty's close friends and fans.

Diddy: R.I.P. Christ Lighty. He Was A Dear Friend Of Mine And I Still Can't Believe It.

Nicki Minaj: "Another tragic & inconceivable loss for the culture. #RIPChrisLighty"

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

Nick Cannon: "I'm devastated right now. I can't believe my big brother Chris Lighty is gone... He was a pioneer, a mentor, and a great friend RIP. I truly believe to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord, but I just feel like Chris's work wasn't finish on earth"

Ludacris: "R.I.P. Chris Lightly who always had the best energy every time I had an encounter with him. He will be missed"

Terrence J: "RIP to Chris Lighty. Dude gave me life changing advice & wisdom. A tragic loss, he will be deeply missed. Prayers to the family."

The Game: "R.I.P. to my old friend "Chris Lighty". Tragedy has once again struck the music industry & this time it hit"

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

John Legend: "RIP Chris Lighty. Hip-hop visionary."

Ice T: "If you are REALLY in Hip Hop you know Chris... If you're not... You have NO idea how important and what a great person he was..I can't hold back the tears.... Man!! No matter how big Chris got... He always treated me like the young kid I met, hustlin hard at the 'New Music Seminar.' Awwwwww man... Chris was my dude. I can't believe this. we go back...."

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

Kimora Lee Simmons H: "Devastated by the death of Chris Lighty.... we all love you so much! RIP friend...."

Brandy Norwood: "R.I.P. Chris Lighty! This is such a shock:( My heart goes out to his family and friends."

Yo Gotti: "R.I.P 2 My Manager CHRIS LIGHTY"

Omar Epps: "Really sad & confused right now.. RIP to my OG CHRIS LIGHTY. Chris Lighty was a pioneer in hip hop & the music biz period! He was a good man & a good friend. Prayers for his family & his children.."

DJ Khaled: R.I.P chris lighty!! Chris is hip hop, a friend & a gr8 person! When I came in the game he acknowledged me from the beginning & aspired 4 me 2 B gr8! Chris always wanted 2 help everyone! & did! Much luv 2 the family & my prayers R w/ them!

Pete Wentz: "RIP chris lighty."

Scooter Braun: "hard to believe it is true but RIP to my friend Chris Lighty. gone too soon"