Beloved Brooklyn, NY hip-hop manager Jonathan “Hovain” Hylton died suddenly of unknown causes on Black Friday, Nov. 25.
His family confirmed his death in a post on his Instagram page on Saturday.
“It is with deep regret that we message to all family, friends, and colleagues that Jonathan ‘Hovain’ Hylton passed away while at his home on Friday,” the statement read.
“He was a beloved and devoted father, husband, son, brother, and a proud Brooklyn representative. We’d like to thank all of his close friends for all of the love and support that 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.”
— Hovain (@Hovain) November 26, 2022
The well-liked hip-hop veteran previously managed such bold name artists as Cam’Ron, Jim Jones, Styles P, Lloyd Banks, T-Pain, and more.
Hovain worked with Ye West to promote his Sunday Service events.
The day he died, Hovain tweeted: “Good morning and thank GOD for another day.”
Good morning and thank GOD for another day.
— Hovain (@Hovain) November 25, 2022
On Nov. 18, he tweeted: “tomorrow may never come.”
tomorrow may never come. pic.twitter.com/mAozpNovnX
— Hovain (@Hovain) November 18, 2022
Last week, Billboard recognized Hovain as a leading music executive, Revolt.TV reported.
Hovain, president of management at Cinematic Music Group, taught “The Business of Music” course for three semesters at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, according to Billboard.
Music mogul Jonathan "Hovain" Hylton #diedsuddenly at his home after thanksgiving with his family. He was a household name in the industry and partnered with Ye/@kanyewest to promote Sunday Services. We don’t know the cause of death but we pray he’s not another victim of the ? pic.twitter.com/6Z6VzwQQcB
— DiedSuddenly (@DiedSuddenly_) November 26, 2022
Tributes poured in to social media for Hovain.
Rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris wrote:
“Damn Hov… Rest Up… Appreciate your knowledge & your positive energy… May God Bless your family with peace. Love & Light from my family to yours. Long Live Hovain.”
DJ Vlad tweeted:
“Life is precious and you never know how much of it you have left. Hovain tweeted this 24 hours ago. Now he’s gone. Spend the time you have on this earth to your greatest capacity and love the people who love you. RIP Hovain.”
Rapper Young Guru, who was managed by Hovain, wrote on IG:
“I have no words. I loved this man. He was more than my manager he was my brother. I swear this is too much. RIP my brother [six broken heart emojis] @hovain you were special.”
Outkast‘s Andre 3000 tweeted:
“Didn’t know this man personally, but I always appreciated the presence he had in the industry and on my timeline, all the people I respect always respected him. RIP @Hovain man.”
Hovain had just hit me up about doing some music with lloyd banks ?? God bless his family
— Hit-Boy (@Hit_Boy) November 26, 2022
Hovain was one of the kindest, most involved, supportive and loving friends and collaborators you could ever have. Man this hurts.
— Van Lathan Jr (@VanLathan) November 26, 2022
