Shakir Stewart: Def Jam Exec Dead Of Suicide

By Brennan Williams, BlackVoices.com

Def Jam Records Executive Vice President Shakir Stewart, 34, who replaced Jay-Z's vacancy at the label, was found dead in Atlanta on Saturday afternoon from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to sources.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports, Stewart's body was found in the bathroom of his home around 4PM on Saturday. He was later taken to Kenne Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

On Saturday evening Def Jam released a statement on the executive's sudden death. "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," the statement read. "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."

According to Billboard, the Morehouse graduate got his start as a music executive at Hitco Music Publishing where he signed R&B superstar Beyonce. Following his stint at Hitco, Stewart was appointed A&R consultant at LaFace Records from 2000-2004 to which he signed Ciara to the label.

In addition to discovering new talent Stewart oversaw various projects as Def Jam VP of A&R, including Nas' controversial 'Untitled' LP and L.L. Cool J's August release 'Exit 13.'

Black Music Notes October 30

10/30/08: Common
Despite various setbacks actor-rapper Common will finally release his long-awaited album, 'Universal Mind Control' on December 9. Originally the Chicago native titled his next project 'The Believer,' but has since changed the title to the name of his current single. Common recently revealed to 'MTV News' that the album's concept reflects his vision on making music people can enjoy. "It's a lot of stuff going on in the world right now. Sometimes people need to release," he said. "I felt that energy abroad, going to different parties in Spain and London, even back in the States. It was good times. I want people to have good times musically." And with production by The Neptunes and Kanye West fans can expect to hear Common's 'Universal Mind Control' in local clubs everywhere this winter.

10/30/08: Beyoncé
As previously reported, international superstar Beyoncé is set to release her highly-anticipated third solo album on November 18. Now it appears the cultural icon will release her first double album entitled, 'I Am Sasha Fierce.' According to Beyoncé the double disc set introduces the world to her alter ego 'Sasha Fierce,' as she explains: "I have someone else that takes over when it's time for me to work and when I'm on stage, this alter ego that I've created that kind of protects me and who I really am," she revealed in a statement. "That's why half the record, I Am, is about who I am underneath all the makeup, underneath the lights, and underneath all the exciting star drama. And Sasha Fierce is the fun, more sensual, more aggressive, more outspoken side and more glamorous side that comes out when I'm working and when I'm on the stage. The double album allows me to take more risks and really step out of myself, or shall I say, step more into myself, and reveal a side of me that people only know me see." 'I Am Sasha Fierce' features the singles 'If I Were A Boy' and 'Single Ladies' which is currently at the #10 slot on Billboard's Hot R&B, Hip-Hop songs.

10/30/08: Mos Def
In the coming months multi-talented rapper-actor Mos Def will be busy not only promoting his forthcoming role alongside Beyoncé in the film 'Cadillac Records' but also prepping the release of his new album. According to Billboard, Mos Def (born Dante Terrell Smith) will release his new album 'The Ecstatic,' on February 9. The album's lead single 'Life in Marvelous Times' will be available exclusively through iTunes on November 4. Meanwhile 'Cadillac Records' is due in theaters December 5.

10/30/08: Babyface / Angie Stone / Robin Thicke
Beginning November 11 'VH1 Soul' will bring viewers to some of America's most 'soulful' cities with their new series 'Soul Cities.' The original series, hosted by award-winning author, director Nelson George, is a combination of music, travel, and nostalgia. Providing a unique glimpse at the less-often-explored building blocks of soul music and reveals the neighborhoods where their favorite artists grew up. Artist such as Babyface, Angie Stone, Robin Thicke, Raheem DeVaughn, and LaBelle among others will provide live music showcases and conversation about their roots. 'Soul Cities' will premiere in Philadelphia on November 11 and conclude in Los Angeles December 16.

10/30/08: Herbie Hancock
Jazz pioneer Herbie Hancock is gearing up to hit the road next summer with his forthcoming European and American tour. Billboard reports The Grammy Award-winning composer will be joined by Chinese pianist Lang Lang, who performed alongside Hancock at this year's Grammy Awards. Although tour plans are currently being finalized, the duo plan on visiting 10 venues in the U.S. and London's O2 Arena. Until then, fans can expect Hancock to appear on Kanye West's November 25 release '808s & Heartbreak.'

10/30/08: Jay-Z / Meli'sa Morgan / Mary J. Blige
R&B songstress Meli'sa Morgan recently received an RIAA Platinum Award for being a co-writer on Jay-Z's classic debut album 'Reasonable Doubt' and Mary J. Blige's 2005 release 'The Breakthrough.' Morgan contributed to Blige's song 'Good Woman Down,' while Jay-Z sampled her late 1980s hit 'Fool's Paradise' for his single 'Can't Knock the Hustle.'

10/30/08: Tony Rich
Responsible for penning tracks for the likes of Johnny Gill and Boyz II Men, singer songwriter Tony Rich returns to the music scene with his latest opus 'Exist.' The Hidden Beach Recordings release, which features the lead single 'Part The Waves,' challenged the singer to think outside of the box and try new creative techniques to record. "It put me in a position to where I really started to delve into all of my creative options," he recently told Eur Web. "I really started working on my oil paintings, doing my photography, and my poetry, which brought me to the point of creating 'Exist.' 'Exist' was the result of that and I have a book that parallels with the record that's composed of all of my writings." Tony Rich's 'Exist' is in stores now.

Earlier this year L.L. told BlackVoices.com he felt pretty optimistic about Shakir's executive position, which would lead the two to pursing future business ventures.

"We have a great relationship," Cool J said. "I own my catalog and they administrate my catalog, so we're going to always have that relationship moving forward. I feel really good about Shakir [the new president], and I feel really good about L.A. Reid."

Stewart's family along with his fiancee Michelle Rivers, released a joint statement on Sunday revealing that he was "in deep pain" in the weeks leading up to his death.

"We would like to thank Shakir's friends for the tremendous outpouring of love and support we have received during this difficult time," the statement reads. "It has helped us to cope with our overwhelming grief and sadness. It is difficult to express or explain in words what led to the tragic occurrence on Saturday. Over the past several weeks, Shakir's behavior was inconsistent with the man we all know and love. As much as we all tried to help him, Shakir was in deep pain and largely suffering in silence. Please remember Shakir for who he was ... a wonderful father, partner, son and friend."