From Billboard:
"Def Jam executive vice president Shakir Stewart committed suicide today (Nov. 1) in New York [Atlanta area], according to sources…"
"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."
Updates:
In an AP Report are more details and an early statement.
MTV has more from the family’s statement
Update 2:
Rick Ross and Usher discuss the passing of Shakir Stewart and his role in the music industry.
At the end is a chilling bit taken from the police report:
"Stewart’s fiancée had sensed a drastic change in his character and had called a family friend over to help talk to him. When the friend, identified as Herb Smith, stepped outside to call 911, he heard the fatal gunshot."
That must be so hard for them to have gotten so close to helping and then it’s suddenly over. It sounds like the kind of thing nobody could have expected and, yet, you know people close to him will always wonder if they could have done something more.
Related ProHipHop Coverage:
Shakir Stewart New Def Jam Executive Vice President
I READ ON ANOTHER WEBSITE THAT HE WAS IN MARIETTA, GA….WHICH SOURCE IS ACUTALLY CORRECT? WAS HE IN NY OR ATL? SOMEONE MUST BE MISINFORMED
Omg,This is devastating!
….my long time friend since Highschool…He has always been a visionary and saw things clearly for his long lived future…Through all his successful accomplishments, nothing’s ever changed him as a all around, truly loved and well respected man. He was an angel to most, a strong motivator, a very sincere individual, just a great person to anyone whoever came in contact with him.
May God continue to bless all the family and friends and bring forth strenght, faith and understanding during this time.
God has all the answers.
Bless
I’m sure the details will be clarified soon enough.
It’s so sad to see someone at the top of their game take themselves out like this.
Perhaps the reasons why will soon become clear as well.
Ive known Shake for years would never expect something like this… presure from work??? Never – this guy was a work horse and his accomplishments show this… It must be something else on low – I hope clear & true details emerge…
SHAKE WAS A TRUE TOWN VET. HIS CHARISMA,CHARM AND “REAL” PERSONALITY WILL BE MISSED. MAY ALL BE WELL TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.REST IN PEACE