Mariah Carey pays tribute to Chris Lighty

MARIAH CAREY has paid tribute to her former manager CHRIS LIGHTY following his death, insisting "words cannot express" her sadness over her friend's passing.

The hip-hop heavyweight was found dead at his apartment on Thursday (30Aug12) in an apparent suicide, and stars including Russell Simmons, Sean 'Diddy' Combs and The Game remembered their pal after hearing the news.

Carey has now added her own tribute, writing on Twitter.com, "Love & heartfelt prayers go out to Chris Lighty's family & all of us whose lives he touched. Words cannot express the sadness we share today."

Missy Elliott also opened up about her memories of the music manager, telling her followers on the site, "ChrisLighty U taught me 2 (to) B (be) Fearless! U help build So many Artist Careers! This is such a sad time 4 (for) all the lives u touched. My Prayers go out to The Lighty Family this is a very difficult time."

Mary J. Blige ‏added, "R.I.P. Chris Lighty. Gone way to (sic) soon. This is unbelievable. My prayers go out to the Lighty Family", while Nicki Minaj wrote, "Another tragic & inconceivable loss for the culture. RIPChrisLighty."