Photo Credit: Prince Williams/WireImage
The Hip-Hop Community Mourns the Death of Manager Jonathan ‘Hovain’ Hylton
Hip-hop manager Jonathan ‘Hovain’ Hylton died on Friday, sparking social media tributes from Curren$y, Lloyd Banks and more.
Hip-hop artists, journalists and more have come together to mourn the untimely passing of veteran hip-hop manager Jonathan “Hovain” Hylton. The news of Hylton's death was announced on Saturday (November 26), one day after his passing.
“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. He was a beloved and devoted father, husband, son, brother, and a proud Brooklyn representative,” the statement read.
It continued, “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.”
\u201c\ud83d\udd4a\ufe0f\u201d— Hovain (@Hovain) 1669476801
Tributes immediately poured in, including one from Lloyd Banks, who Hylton managed since his 2021 return to music.
\u201cThank you for everything my brother \ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffd\u201d— Lloydbanks (@Lloydbanks) 1669511101
Banks also went to Instagram with another post, sending condolences to Hylton's family.
“HOV!!!! Been thinking about all of the conversations we’ve had..the plans..goals..even down to the little things like the Knicks & Nets..what borough Bred the greatest rappers,” Banks wrote. “the phone wouldn’t even ring twice when I called..you were one of the good guys in this business..everything you did was for your family.”
Acclaimed music journalist and Rap Radar co-host Elliott Wilson also made a Twitter thread about Hylton, acknowledging the manager for being a pillar in hip-hop.
\u201cI'm still processing the sudden passing of my friend @Hovain. It's a painful loss for me, but Hovain touched so many lives\u201d— Elliott Wilson (@Elliott Wilson) 1669601138
Hylton was last recognized in the 2022 R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players list of Billboard, where he spoke about his partnerships with Joey Bada$$, Smoke DZA, comedian Druski and the late Nipsey Hussle.
Read more tributes to Hylton below.
\u201cCan\u2019t 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.\u201d— Nappin 4Tay (@Nappin 4Tay) 1669482813
\u201c@Hovain was one of Griselda biggest supporters he would help anyway possible I\u2019m forever grateful \ud83e\udd32\ud83c\udffd\ud83e\udd32\ud83c\udffd RIP HOVAIN the dot connector\u201d— WESTSIDEGUNN (@WESTSIDEGUNN) 1669482925
\u201cHovain forever. Unmatched positivity u always fought for your folks \u2026We all love u bro. Damn\u201d— Spitta (@Spitta) 1669487847
\u201cHovain forever. Unmatched positivity u always fought for your folks \u2026We all love u bro. Damn\u201d— Spitta (@Spitta) 1669487847
\u201cWow, RIP Hovain. I met him early on in my career as I got to know his artist Troy Ave. He was genuine, kind, and believed in the talent he supported. Just a dedicated guy to the music industry and always wanted to give back \ud83d\ude14\u201d— Eric Diep (@Eric Diep) 1669480122
\u201c\ud835\udde7\ud835\udddb\ud835\uddd4\ud835\udde1\ud835\uddde \ud835\uddec\ud835\udde2\ud835\udde8, Hovain. \ud835\udde7\ud835\udddb\ud835\uddd4\ud835\udde1\ud835\uddde \ud835\uddec\ud835\udde2\ud835\udde8!\u201d— brian b.dot\u2122 miller (@brian b.dot\u2122 miller) 1669485234
\u201cHovain was one of the kindest, most involved, supportive and loving friends and collaborators you could ever have. Man this hurts.\u201d— Van Lathan Jr (@Van Lathan Jr) 1669479179
\u201cSuch a good soul. A special soul. A necessary soul. He\u2019s helped and done so much for others. Always warmth and love when he\u2019s around. Never hesitated to let me know i was doing good. Never hesitated with advice. Such a gentle soul. Sending @Hovain\u2019s family so much love.\u201d— THIQUE (@THIQUE) 1669481891
\u201cI only know a few good men\u2026\u2026 @Hovain was one of them .. his genuineness made him undeniably a golden individual!!\u201d— little farma (@little farma) 1669508239
\u201cDamn 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 \ud83e\udd32\ud83c\udffe\u201d— T.I. (@T.I.) 1669486825
\u201cheart hurts right now... too much loss, man. Hovain was one of the best in the biz. anytime he bet on something, that shit came to life. thank you for always being solid. RIP King Hovain.\u201d— Mack. (@Mack.) 1669483734
\u201c\ud83d\udc94 \nRIP Hovain\u201d— Rob Markman \ud83d\udcad (@Rob Markman \ud83d\udcad) 1669501863
\u201cWow! I didn\u2019t know Hovain well but I always felt nothing but good energy whenever I spoke to him. And he was close to people I love and respect. RIP Hovain.\u201d— Carl Chery (@Carl Chery) 1669479514
\u201cRest well Hovain. One of the good guys who really loved this and showed love without hesitation.\u201d— brandon / jinx / big jinx (@brandon / jinx / big jinx) 1669478947
\u201cHovain was one of the last of a certain breed in this game. Hip hop just took a major L. \ud83d\udc94\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffb\u201d— Statik Selektah (@Statik Selektah) 1669496604
\u201cFinally got some time to sit \ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffe. \n\nRIP @Hovain \ud83d\udda4. You're already missed dawg. What a beautiful legacy left behind. The list of achievements and dots connected is endless. Your contributions changed hip hop and music forever \ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffe\n\n"Be of service"\u201d— LaRussell (@LaRussell) 1669522962
\u201cHovain was one of the kindest dudes in the music biz. I have been nagging him about a Banks verse for real late 2 constantly ... always warm ..never got annoyed with my nagging .. just a sweet soul \n\nRIP Hovain\u201d— Real Late 2 Soon Come (@Real Late 2 Soon Come) 1669480505
\u201cRIP to Hovain. Kind soul. Always showed love. ALWAYS. Industry lost a very important person\u201d— IG: Mickey.Factz (@IG: Mickey.Factz) 1669479522
\u201cFuck man. RIP Hovain. Thanks all the love you showed me back in the day G\u201d— Double or Derrick (@Double or Derrick) 1669478433
