R.I.P.--Shakir Stewart, Def Jam Executive

Def Jam's former executive vice president of A&R, Shakir Stewart committed suicide this evening. Sources say his body was found in his New York apartment. No further information was given on the situation.

Hailing from Oakland, California Shakir was always a grinder on the promo scene. On the streets hustling various parties he would promote or assist with flier promotions. In order to master the field he enrolled in Morehouse College. He graduated in 1996, with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. He made his name by putting together the best of dirty south shows. He dealt with everyone from Scarface to Luke to Nasty Nas. He was able to form a great promotional company that funded his other projects. The music studio Noontime Music was created and went on to be just as successful. It wasn't long after that Epic Records presented Stewart with a joint venture

All his accomplishments caught the attention of Hitco Music Publishing, signing Shakir as their Creative Director. While working there it was discovered that Shakir A&R talents were rare. Antonio "L.A." Reid, then President of Arista and Hitco's owner, offered him an A&R consultant position with LaFace Records, of which he was the CEO. He was the man responsible for introducing Ciara to the world.

After a successful run at Hitco, Shakir resigned and was hired as Vice President of A&R at Island Def Jam Music Group. It was during this time he brought Young Jeezy and Rick Ross to the Def Jam label. And in October 2006, after only eighteen months on board, Shakir Stewart was promoted to Senior Vice President, A&R, Island Def Jam Music Group, by Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group, Antonio "L.A." Reid, and President of Island Def Jam, Shawn Carter.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Stewart family.