Died On This Date (August 30, 2013) Chris Lighty / Managed 50 Cent, Diddy, Mariah Carey, Ja Rule

Chris Lighty
DOB Unknown – August 30, 2012

Chris Lighty was a respected artist manager who counted Sean “Diddy” Combs, Mariah Carey, Ja Rule and 50 Cent as clients.  Raised in New York City, Lighty landed his first significant gig in 1988 with Russell Simmon’s Rush Management.  After learning the ropes and building a solid reputation as a man who could build brands, Lighty formed Violator Management.  His early roster included Busta Rhymes, L L Cool J, and Missy Elliott.  Before long, Lighty was representing some of the biggest names in entertainment, and while doing so, becoming one of the most significant business forces in rap history.  Chris Lighty reportedly died from a self-inflected gunshot wound at his home on August 30, 2012. He was 44.

Thanks Kelly Samojlik at New Releases Now for the assist.

Died On This Date (April 9, 2009) Randy Cain / The Delfonics

Randy Cain (Born Rudy Cain)
May 2, 1945 – April 9, 2009

Randy Cain at right
Randy Cain at right

As one of the Delfonics, Randy Cain helped put Philly soul on the map back in the mid-1960s.  The group, originally called the Four Gents formed while Cain was still in high school.  The vocal group went on to record some of the era’s most memorable songs including “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind),” and “La La (Means I Love You).”  Both of which found new audiences when they were prominently featured in Quentin Tarantino’s Jackie Brown.  The Delfonics’ songs are favored by many of today’s Hip Hop artists including Nas, the Nortorious B.I.G., and Missy Elliott.  Cain left the group in 1971 but returned for a reunion in the mid 80s.  He later sued the group and their label for back royalties.   Cain’s lifeless body was found in his home.  Cause of death is not known.  He was 63.

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Delfonics