Def Jam Records VP Shakir Stewart, who succeeded Jay-Z as the head of the record label, died in Atlanta on Saturday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.Stewart had a tremendously successful career and appeared particularly enthusiastic about his recent promotion to Jay-Z's vacated position after having signed several of the label's most successful artists including Rick Ross and Young Jeezy as VP of A&R. Before working at Def Jam, he worked for Hitco publishing, where he was credited for signing Beyonce to a publishing deal and Arista, where he signed Ciara.
"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 said in a recent interview when asked about his goal as head of the label. "I'm a fan of the music and artists and I'm just passionate about it so I'm just ready to go."
He was discovered in the bathroom of his Atlanta home on Saturday afternoon, and pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. He was 34.
"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," Def Jam said in a statement. "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 who had the privilege of counting him as a friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time."
Departed Music Personalities
Island Def Jam executive Shakir Stewart, who became head of the legendary rap label following Jay-Z's departure, killed himself on Nov. 1. Police say he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was 34 years old.
Rock and jazz keyboardist Merl Saunders, who recorded albums with music titans like The Grateful Dead and Miles Davis, died at the age of 74 on Oct. 24 after complications from a stroke.
Christopher Felver, Corbis
Soul songstress Dee Dee Warwick died on Oct. 18 after months of declining health. Warwick, the sister of soul legend Dionne, also achieved a great deal of success, both as a solo artist as well as with her sister.
Getty Images
Levi Stubbs, Oct. 17: The iconic lead singer, second from left, who gave voice to Four Tops classics like "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "Baby I Need Your Loving" died at 72 from complications of cancer and a stroke. Abdul Fakir, far left, is now the sole living member of the original quartet.
AP
Nick Reynolds, Oct. 1: The Kingston Trio led the folk music uprising in the late 1950s, paving the way for the Dylans and the Baezs of the world. Reynolds, right with Dave Guard and Bob Shane, had been in the hospital with acute respiratory disease before his family took him off life support. He was 75.
AP
Norman Whitfield, Sept. 16: The Motown tunesmith responsible for anthems like 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine' 'Car Wash' and 'War' died shortly after awakening from a diabetes-related coma. He was 67.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Richard Wright, Sept. 15: With Pink Floyd, he unleashed new sounds from his collection of synths and organs that gave the band its signature psychedelic sheen. Wright, who also wrote mammoth cuts like "Us and Them" for the band, died following a battle with cancer. He was 65.
AP
Jerry Reed, Sept. 2: He started off as a guitarist, eventually had a string of country hits and also made the jump to the big screen with successful turns in Burt Reynolds films like 'Smokey and the Bandit' and 'Gator.' Reed lost a battle to emphysema at 71.
Doug McKenzie, Getty Images
Steve Foley, Aug. 23: The bespeckled drummer from Minneapolis will always be known as the replacement Replacement for his brief tenure after Chris Mars left the beloved band in 1990. His death at 49 is being attributed to an accidental prescription drug overdose. He appeared in one video for the band, the visually quirky 'When It Began,' pictured.
YouTube / Rhino Records
LeRoi Moore, Aug. 19: As a founding member of the Dave Matthews Band, Moore's saxaphone playing helped propel the band's sound to major success. He was 46.
AP
Reader Comments(1 of 7)
deeat 11-03-2008
wow was life that bad
Cherishat 11-03-2008
Apparently ! What a horribly callous statement to make about something so serious and sad. "Success" and money .. believe it or not shallow American .. do not equal happiness.
Donnaat 11-03-2008
I wonder if he voted before he killed himself.
Kennedyat 11-03-2008
you are an idiot.
God Bless You!!at 11-03-2008
what an incredibly crass, insensitive cruel remark.
What are you, eight years old?
wl944sat 11-03-2008
OMG that was hilarious
stokerj123at 11-03-2008
donna that was awesome!!! lol
pattdobbsat 11-03-2008
That's one vote Obama won't get
malreathlivesat 11-03-2008
Brody was a troubled soul born into troubled times
Could something have been done
To prevent this tragic act
Did we miss some crucial sign
Or overlook a single fact
Of all the many inquiries
That come to mind today
We wonder just what injuries
Could have made him leave this way
Brody was a troubled soul born into troubled times
The problems he just could not face could have been yours or mine
He found a permanent solution
To some temporary woes
He decided in confusion
We grieve with what he chose
Though our time with him must cease
We still have lives to live
We all pray that he is at peace
And above all we forgive
Brody was a troubled soul born into troubled times
The problems he just could not face could have been yours or mine
As he struggled for the light the world grew ever dark
He just could not keep up the fight
Suicide had found its’ Mark
copyright George T Mero 2008 All rights reserved
Heidiat 11-03-2008
For those who can not understand or comprehend the pain. It is a pain that does not go away. I pray that none of you have/or will ever lose a loved one to suicide. I know that pain and I live with it everyday.
imprtchik03at 11-03-2008
Please stop with the crappy poems. Stop posting your shit on an article about a dead man. Have some respect and stop trying to profit from the man. Your "work" is horrendous and talentless anyways lol...
Marieat 11-03-2008
This was lovely God bless this young man and his family and friends. Marie Lindsey
Jakkiat 11-03-2008
What a beautiful soul you are...you will be blessed with greater prosperity.
startinoverat44at 11-03-2008
Don't worry. Acorn will registor him before the funeral and he will be able to vote twice.
heart86at 11-03-2008
You are an ignorant moron! The man took his life we don't know why, his family is left here to deal with this horrible pain death is not a joke, have some respect. Remember sometimes when you joke about someones tragedy, the same thing may happen to you or someone you love. Think before you speak!