Def Jam Exec VP Shakir Stewart Commits Suicide

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Def Jam Executive Vice President, Shakir Stewart was found dead today (November 1), AllHipHop.com has learned.

While details are being confirmed, sources stated that Shakir's body was found about an hour ago in his New York apartment.

Stewart replaced Jay-Z's position at Island Def Jam and was named Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings in June of 2008.

Stewart began is career at Def Jam in 2004, as VP of A&R for the legendary label.

As A&R, he signed artists like Young Jeezy, Rick Ross and others.

Prior to working at Def Jam, Stewart worked for Hitco, where he signed Beyonce to a publishing deal and signed Ciara during his tenure at LaFace Records.

Shortly after signing with Def Jam, Stewart told AllHipHop.com that he was looking forward to signing a new, fresh crop of talent to the storied record label.

"My main thing is to keep supporting the artists that have cultural relevance, a message, a real fan base and that can touch the hearts of men and women," Stewart told AllHipHop.com of his vision. "My commitment is to the artists of quality music and talent."

Most recently, Stewart over saw the release of Young Jeezy's latest album The Recession, LL Cool J's Exit 13 and Nas' untitled album.

"That's an honor for me because these are artists [whose careers] I've watched from day one. I remember buying 'I Cant Live Without My Radio,' 'I Need Love' and 'Rock The Bells' from LL, and Nas' Illmatic when that first came out. To be able to be a part of their careers now and work hand in hand with them in creating their albums now…this is [probably] Nas' most anticipated and controversial album ever…I'm for keeping the brand culturally relevant globally, coming in and being a part [from any standpoint] with a company that's had this type of history, recognition and respect is a huge honor and a challenge. I'm up to it, I'm a fan of the music and artists and I'm just passionate about it so I'm just ready to go."
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YO! Damn. R.I.P.
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DF!!!
 
Def Jam Exec VP Shakir Stewart Commits Suicide
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http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/topics/Music+Stars


November 01, 2008 , 9:10 PM ET

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Mariel Concepcion, N.Y.
Def Jam executive VP Shakir Stewart reportedly committed suicide today (Nov. 1) in Atlanta, according to sources. No other details were available at deadline.

"L.A. Reid and all of us at Island Def Jam Music Group are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Shakir Stewart," read a statement sent from the label today. "Shakir was an amazing man in every sense of the word. A truly incredible friend and father who was an inspiration to not only our artists and employees, but to his family and the many people that had the privilege of counting him as a friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time."

Stewart succeeded Jay-Z at the top of the Def Jam ladder in June and also retained his duties as senior VP of A&R at Island Def Jam. The Oakland, Calif., native signed such artists as Rick Ross, Young Jeezy and newcomer Karina Pasian.

Stewart cut his teeth as a music executive at Hitco Music Publishing, where he was creative director and later senior VP of creative/GM and signed Beyonce Knowles.

Even before he gained a rep for promoting rap concerts during his Morehouse College days, Stewart was "the guy who was the head of passing out fliers at seven clubs a night, seven days a week in 20-degree weather," he told Billboard this summer.

Stewart said at the time it was his goal to help develop "new, young executives ... The hot executive who's 21, 22 years old and has a serious passion for music and the desire to work 27 hours a day. That's where I was at that time in my life. And that's who I'm looking to mentor. I don't see many people like that. Instead, I see a lot of kids who want to live the lifestyle but don't want to put in the work and do what it takes."


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..i DREAM about being in this guys position he was in at Def Jam.
i don't know anymore.
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R.I.P.
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Crazy, R.I.P. May the Lord have mercy on his soul cause suicide is a very serious thing in the eyes of the Lord.
 
WHOA.

damn.

that's crazy...

Originally Posted by ILLIONAIRE

No, +$%%+#+, way.

Didn't he just take Jay-Z's spot as Def Jam president?
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word...that was my reaction.
 
Damn. That's crazy. I just found out about this cat when he got the Jay job. Ain't that the spot you been doin' all this interning and all thishard work for? Than you just go out like that? I'm guessin' though it was probably more than just the job. No excuse for takin' your life. Ican't even say RIP to a cat who commits suicide. My prayers are with his family though. That's a tough think to deal with. Your family member takingtheir own life.
 
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WOW. Damn.....

I used to see him in the office all the time. He was a cool guy, always looking like he was going somewhere important, but be mad cordial to peopl...damn...Idon't wanna speculate but it prolly was something more than work. He was responsible for DJ's success regarding Jeezy...damn..that's wild...
 
I feel sorry for his family, but he committed suicide. SMH @ him. Could his life have been that bad that he needed to end it? Selfish imo.
 
i never closely followed him so i don't know thesi never closely followed him so i dont know the story behind it..but this seems unlikely from such asuccess story
 
I'm hearing he struggled with depression.

Being at that label at this point in time doesn't help either.

RIP
 
Damn...I remember reading an article on him awhile ago saying he was the one saving Def Jam by signing Ross and Jeezy. RIP
 
smh ... R.I.P. ... yo i dont understand ... can sumbody please tell me y he merked his self? ... i thought spit was goin good for the n' ... i mean he jushad gotten promoted for christ sake ... spit is wild
 
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