( CNN ) -- Chris Lighty , who managed several of hip hop 's biggest artists , apparently shot himself to death in his Bronx , New York , apartment Thursday morning , a New York police spokesman said . Lighty , 44 , was found with a gunshot wound to his head and a semi-automatic firearm next to his body at 11:30 a.m. , the police spokesman said . While the death appears to be a suicide , police investigators will wait until the medical examiner 's report before closing their investigation , the spokesman said . Lighty founded Violator Records & Management , which counts Mariah Carey , Soulja Boy , 50 Cent , Busta Rhymes , and Diddy among their artist . Rapper 50 Cent , in a statement sent to CNN , said he was `` deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend and business partner . '' `` Chris has been an important part of my business and personal growth for a decade , '' 50 Cent said . `` 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 . '' CNN 's Jane Caffrey contributed to this report .
Lighty , 44 , was found with a gunshot wound to his head and a gun near by . Investigators will wait until the medical examiner 's report before concluding it was suicide . Comment: word Lighty is dead .