The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of one of its pioneers. Manager Chris Lighty has died after reportedly committing suicide.

Hip-hop journalist Touré tweeted that Lighty shot himself. “Chris Lighty, smart and successful record exec, and an undeniably great guy, is dead. Self inflicted gunshot wound. Tragic,” he wrote.

As founder and owner of Violator Management, Lighty was instrumental in the careers of superstars including 50 Cent, Diddy, and Mariah Carey.

Some of his friends took to Twitter to express their sympathy. “R.I.P CHRIS LIGHTY THE MAN THAT SAVED MY LIFE!!!” tweeted Fat Joe. “I Would Be Nothing Without YOU!!! My Kids Appreciate YOU God Bless Chris Lighty.”

Nick Cannon also expressed his sadness. “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.” [RapUp]