Music

Hovain Hylton, one of hip hop’s most beloved managers, has died

James Isaacs

Hovain Hylton, the beloved manager and music mogul, has passed away, his family has confirmed.

In a message shared on his official Instagram account, it was revealed that the Hip Hop manager (real name Jonathan “Hovain” Hylton) died at his home on Friday (November 25). A cause of death has not yet been revealed.

“It is with deep regret that we inform all family, friends and colleagues that Jonathan ‘Hovain’ Hylton passed away while at his home on Friday, November 25,” the message began. β€œHe was a beloved and devoted father, husband, son, brother and a proud Brooklyn representative.

“We would like to thank all of his close friends for all the love and support you have shown during this difficult time. We ask that you all continue to keep his family in your prayers and respect their privacy at this time.”

The Brooklyn native got his start in the entertainment industry by shadowing the late boxing promoter Butch Lewis. “Working with Butch showed me how to be self-made,” Hovain said in a biography his official website. “Butch was the ultimate businessman, he always closed the deal and never made any excuses.”

From there, he teamed up with Randall “Sickamore” Medford as part of the Famous Firm, through which the duo managed the career of Rich Hill, Tommy Hilfiger’s son, as well as launched the Famous Factory live show series with XXL Magazine.

Hovain later established Hovain Hylton Management, where he not only managed artists, but also initiated major brand deals and marketing strategies. With more than 10 years of experience in the music industry, some of the biggest names in music and culture have trusted Hovain with their careers.

Some of the artists Hovain has worked with include Busta Rhymes, Lloyd Banks, Troy Ave, Dave East, Rob Markman, Young Guru, Wale, Karen Civil and more.

Tributes have begun pouring in on social media for the Brooklyn native.

Young Guru, who was managed by Hovain, wrote: “I have no words. I loved this man. He was more than my manager, he was my brother. I swear it’s too much. RIP my brother [six broken heart emojis] @hovain you were special.”

A-Trak called Hovain “a pillar of New York Hip Hop” in his tribute. “Can’t believe Hovain passed wtf. He was one of the good ones. Everyone loved him. A pillar of New York hip-hop, of hip-hop in general, just a good guy. Damn,” he wrote on Twitter.

Westside Gunn, who praised Hovain for being one of Griselda’s “biggest supporters,” wrote: “@Hovain was one of Griselda’s biggest supporters, he would help anyway possible. I am eternally grateful. [two palms out emojis] RIP HOVAIN prick.”

β€œDamn.. RIP @Hovain.. one of the nicest, most solid guys I’ve ever met in this game. Always checked on me when shit was dark,” Belly wrote. “You will be missed bro [three dove emojis].”

Bay Area rapper LaRussell tweeted: β€œLong live The Greatest [two prayer emojis and black heart emoji]. @Hovain went so hard for me. He’s been putting on plays for me since the day we met. I wouldn’t be where I am without Hov telling EVERY single person he knew about me. ‘It was God’s plan, it was your will.’ – Hovain”

Hit-Boy revealed that Hovain had recently approached him about making some music with his client and former G-Unit rapper Lloyd Banks. β€œHovain had just pitched me to do some music with Lloyd Banks [prayer emoji] God bless his family.”

“Damn, RIP Hovain,” Skyzoo wrote. “A good BK man who really represented the culture and the district. Rest well G [prayer and dove emojis].”

HipHopDX sends its condolences to Hovain’s friends and family. You can see more tributes to the late music executive below.

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