Rap Radar

Aside from the cyphers, BET kept the Hip-Hop Awards stage occupied throughout the night. One of the highlights was the emotional tribute to Chris Lighty from Missy, Q-Tip, Fat Joe and 50 Cent.

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photo: raulTS

Just saw 50cent and Fat joe air check and shake hands!!!!!!!!!!!!

—
Funk Flex !!!!! (@funkmasterflex) September 29, 2012

Out of respect for the recent lost of a mutual friend, peace has been made. Curtis and Joey shared the same stage during rehearsals for Chris Lighty’s tribute at the BET Hip-Hop Awards. Nice!

During his interview with Sway, Dave Lighty speaks on the alleged suicide surrounding his brother, Chris Lighty’s death and the private investigation at the request of his family.

According to MyFoxNY, 50 Cent has hired a high-powered team to investigate the death of Chris Lighty at the request of Lighty’s mother. According to a will obtained, Lighty left everything to his estranged wife and a $1.6 million trust fund for his children.

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While out in Montreal, Wyclef shares what he learned from Baby Chris. He also mentions trying to get 50 Cent to come to Haiti during their last convo and addresses whether he spoke to Lauryn Hill during last week’s funeral.

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Funeral services for Chris Lighty were held this afternoon at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Chapel in Manhattan. The famed parlor also hosted The Notorious B.I.G. and Aaliyah’s memorials.

Lighty’s estranged wife Veronica, was in attendance and so was LL Cool J, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Lyor Cohen, Mary J Blige, Diddy, 50 Cent and Fat Joe. Friends remember Baby Chris here.

Sad day in music. According to NY Daily News, legendary executive Chris Lighty committed suicide outside his Bronx at home this morning following an argument with his estranged wife, Veronica. He was 44.

Lighty first got his break working with Kool DJ Red Alert and RUSH management. He founded Violator Management in 1989 and helped mold the careers of Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, Mariah Carey, 50 Cent and many others.

He furthered his brand in 1999 with the release of  Violator: The Album, Vol. 1 and Violator: The Album, Vol. 2 in 2001. Last September, the company merged with Primary Wave Talent agency. Condolences to the Lighty family.

Sidebar: Danyel Smith Remembers On NPR

As part of a 50/50 joint venture, Violator Management have partnered with Primary Wave Talent to form Primary Violator. The two firms will consolidate artists such as 50 Cent, Cee-Lo, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes and more. CEO Chris Lighty spoke on the deal.

I am excited to launch Primary Violator with two of the most talented and respected executives in the industry. The music business is all about innovation and this strategic partnership will create a more diversified company, which will bring forth a wealth of opportunities for our clients.

Primary Wave CEO, Larry Mestel added:

Teaming Chris Lighty and Blue Williams creates the most powerful, intelligent and hardworking pop culture management team in the music business

Al Lindstrom continues his conversation with Chris Lighty. This time, they speak on Chris’ first meeting with 50 Cent, helping Drake land his Sprite deal, and guiding his clients.

In the first part of Al Lindstrom‘s convo with the Violator Management mogul, Chris discusses his days at Rush Management, working with Lyor Cohen and Russell Simmons and choosing artists for the Violator roster.