Photo: WENN.com

Influential hip-hop manager Chris Lighty has been found dead, aged 44 with reports in America suggesting that he committed suicide.

Lighty was behind the careers of some of the biggest names in hip-hop including 50 Cent, Diddy, Busta Rhymes, and Mariah Carey
 
TMZ reports that Lighty's death may have been a suicide with unconfirmed reports suggesting he shot himself during a row with his ex-wife. There are also claims Lighty was in financial trouble and owed the IRS $5m.

50 Cent released a statementabout his former manager, saying: "Chris has been an important part of my business and personal growth for a decade.
 
"He was a good friend and adviser who helped me develop as an artist and businessman. My prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed."