Def Jam Exec Found Dead
Posted by Bossip Staff
Shakir Stewart reportedly committed suicide in Atlanta:
New York City-based Def Jam Recordings says that the executive that succeeded Jay-Z as the head of the legendary hip hop music label has died. The company said in a statement that executive vice president Shakir Stewart died on Saturday. The cause of death could not immediately be confirmed. Stewart signed such artists as Rick Ross and Young Jeezy to the label before being named in June to the post once filled by Jay-Z. In that role, Stewart oversaw the development of new talent, managed producers and guided the label’s vision. He traveled between Atlanta and New York for his job, and was a graduate of Morehouse College.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. R.I.P.
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thats so sad. r.i.p.
damn. whats up wit ‘08
What is this world coming to??
I really hope no one is feeling sorry for him, it the likes of him that promote gang/drug violence, and treating black women like ***** via music in the black community, and would argue against taking responsiblity and would blame others instead.
Sorry but my heart doesnt bleed.
Dang… what a shame.
We gotta remember that money and fame will still leave you feeling empty at the end of the day if we do not cultivate a relationship with God. What good is it for a man to gain the WHOLE world but loose his soul?
Choose God today people!!!
On another beat:
I hope dude voted early before ending it all.
oh ***** i went to high school with him
damnnn
guess all the money couldnt buy happiness
glad i got me a down ***** ***** and a house i can move too
Where is the happiness in promoting drugs, violence, treating women like ***** and murder? This is what goes on in these record companies….Only satan can be happy about that.
Maybe if he promoted postive black music and there wasnt a link in the musice he was banting out to the destruction of the black community he could be slighty more happier with life.
I wouldnt be happy if I were a record producer or company owner and my goods had nothing but a negative impact on a m*****….it is dirty money!
hmmn tracey…i second that
good point.
but then again we all live pretty equally *****ed up lives…
he just obviously couldnt stomach his no more
anyways….gotta get back to freakin the misses
Tracey,
That aint cool *****ody should be happy when someone dies. Why don’t you blame those weak minded individuals who believe what they see in the videos. I like to think that if a black woman or for that fact black man is carrying himself in a respectable manner then this hip hop stuff will be just music. Come on are we so shallow as blacks that we gotta blame the music. White people don’t blame rock and roll for their drug use in society.
Look every rapper is not out to produce violence against women as a matter of fact half them ni**as aint even gangstas. Wow Ice Cube and Snoop live in the suburbs.
that’s so terrible….my condolences to his family.
Anyone that commits suicide is a coward.
a coward? suicide has been around from ancient times, are you WESLEY DIKES calling the ways of the samurai alike a coward?
Well I’m not putting myself in the judgement seat of a dead man. Sometimes people feel like they are professional successes and personal failures. So just make sure the people in your life know that you value them. You never know what issues people are truly dealing with.
R.I.P bROTHER
That was a cool dude. RIP
Tracey
Your comments are your opinions and may have a few good points but at this time the comment was inappropriate. And you’re just as evil and cold hearted for display your thought at such as moment. Grown up and take your point to another or a later blog. Not on one the display the death of someone. Grown up….
@ TruthBeSpoken -
Since when did the rule say that its inappropriate to state any opinion on a thread that displays the p*****ing of a person. Plenty of candid comments were placed on the J Hudson family threads! You probably just need to remove the stick from your *****!
Goes to show that a wonderful degree, money and power can’t bring you happiness. I don’t know if he sought help or not, but it’s just so unfair to the ones that love him.
Such a nice looking young man as well as a sad situration. Whatever happen that caused him to take this sort of action only he and his creator knows. The mind is a fragile thing. The music industry need to clean up their acts with all this homo stuff going on L.A. Reid get your ***** together before your house come crashing down the Lord giveth and he also takes. What took your blood, sweat and tears to build can be torn down in a second.
y’all some ignorant people
My heart aches for my people. I guess the money, fame, or success really doesn’t bring that happiness everyone’s chasing.
Personally, I’m at a point in my life that–it’s no longer about happiness. Happiness can be such short lived–then you’re on another quest to find happiness again. It’s a cycle that repeats itself; much like a dog chasing its tail.
I’d rather have peace of mind.
I wonder why he did it……., everytime someone commits suicide the first thing that comes to mind is “I wonder why they did it”.
I wish his family well.
R.I.P. I met dude years ago. He was really humble and an overall cool dude. I believe he also signed Beyonce to her publishing deal.
Anyways, very disappointing to hear. Tracey, unless you knew him and his stand point personally, I think you should moreso concern yourself with the state of mind of the consumers. How can you blame a young black man trying to get ahead in life?
Peace & Blessings to his family!
Everybody on boards that met him said he was a nice person. He received Jay’s job. Seemed to have everything going for him. He got this far I doubt mental illness.
@ TJ
Actually white folks do and did blame rock musik for suicides, murder suicides and all other *****’d up ***** white folks do….hence the censorship committe who rates the movies we see iun the theatres and the family coalitions who lobby for the warning labels on musik….
May his family have peace. I wish I could say that I wish he was in a better place but I know he is NOT if he really committed suicide. He must have been really depressed. Why would someone so successful kill himself, we will never know.
It’s an apparent suicide, which means it has not been confirmed as the cause of death. Supposed “suicides” always have to be investigated. Don’t p***** judgment until you know more about his mental state and his lifestyle. R.I.P.
Why are some you coming down on Tracey?
Here’s her comment–
“Where is the happiness in promoting drugs, violence, treating women like ***** and murder? This is what goes on in these record companies….”
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Actually she’s got a point. Look at the entertainers today in are so called “hip hop” culture.
What do they glorify? Violence, promiscuity, drugs— the list goes on.
Then we have very educated people who promote it??!
Not to speak ill of the dead but *****–the industry is sometimes a front for a bunch of unsavory things and characters–such as money laundering!!!!!
Here’s the rest of her comment–
“Maybe if he promoted postive black music and there wasnt a link in the musice he was banting out to the destruction of the black community he could be slighty more happier with life.
I wouldnt be happy if I were a record producer or company owner and my goods had nothing but a negative impact on a m*****….it is dirty money!”
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Her entire post makes sense.
No. We don’t know why he committed suicide but we see that HE chose to end his life!!!
I’ve never heard of someone so content with their life they decided to end it.
People are so annoying with the whole “I guess money cant buy you happiness” *****.
No one said it would.
Just because people get paid well for doing something they LOVE doesnt mean they arent human beings with feelings.
Does it make you feel better that you’re not wealthy? DO you feel better you’re not famous? You’re no better than anyone else. You just happen to also not have a lot of dough to go with it.
I don’t check this stuff after I post my opinion, so waste your time if you must.
*our
Jay-Z is behind this…I just know it.
R.I.P.
Hello to All on this blog,
Kudos to all who have refrained from judging, though it is natural to wonder and ask questions when one takes his/her life. To clarify, unbeknownst to many at the present time, Shakir likely suffered from (multiple) strokes throughout the week preceding the tragedy. As one who was know to work ‘27′ hours a day, Shakir’s health was the sacrifice, and ultimately his life. So a more appropriate discussion, it seems, would be the impact/importance of one’s overall heath, being cognizant of stress factors, amounts of rest, and ultimately, one’s spiritual relationship with God, who can save us from even ourselves. Prayer that people may come to know God, not judgement of the man, is what’s in order at this time. Thank you in advance for your well-wishes on behalf of his fiancee and two todder children.
shakir was a good person and we will miss him sooo much……we are praying for your soul…R.I.P.
….
@ jj proud jamaican…
I was gonna say the same thing! LOL
Actually, being a good person doesn’t cut it. you and I have to put forth effort to show good work in all that we do whether in our personal or business life and also remember to put God first.If not, life goes down the drain
1TruDiva w/The PlatinumVocals got her Halloween revenge!!
My heart aches for my people. I guess the money, fame, or success really doesn’t bring that happiness everyone’s chasing.
Personally, I’m at a point in my life that–it’s no longer about happiness. Happiness can be such short lived–then you’re on another quest to find happiness again. It’s a cycle that repeats itself; much like a dog chasing its tail.
I’d rather have peace of mind.
______________________________________________________
I couldn’t have put it better myself! His friends and family have lost someone they love. They will be in my prayers. May they find peace and comfort in their time of loss.
1TruDiva, I feel you. At the same time, her comment seemed cruel and was actually unnecessary.
That is so horrible. Especially since he had a family. You just never know what a person is going through.
FriendofShakir
Hello to All on this blog,
Kudos to all who have refrained from judging, though it is natural to wonder and ask questions when one takes his/her life. To clarify, unbeknownst to many at the present time, Shakir likely suffered from (multiple) strokes throughout the week preceding the tragedy. As one who was know to work ‘27′ hours a day, Shakir’s health was the sacrifice, and ultimately his life. So a more appropriate discussion, it seems, would be the impact/importance of one’s overall heath, being cognizant of stress factors, amounts of rest, and ultimately, one’s spiritual relationship with God, who can save us from even ourselves. Prayer that people may come to know God, not judgement of the man, is what’s in order at this time. Thank you in advance for your well-wishes on behalf of his fiancee and two todder children.
______________________________________________________
May he find the peace, rest and salvation he so desperately needed.
@Bird
That is so horrible. Especially since he had a family. You just never know what a person is going through.
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I just feel sorry that his kids have lost their father, and his friends and family have lost their loved one. Especially with the fact that his kids were toddlers! That will hit them hard.
@Tracye: true that, but a little harsh, but I feel you.
@1TruDiva: well said
Well, it is interesting to know that the music industry *****s on its executives just as much as the talent. Whatever took this young guy out was the lifestyle, either too much work/play and no rest or too much BS and no integrity. And this is hip-hop, so let’s not forget possible foul play.
ADI A
Actually, being a good person doesn’t cut it. you and I have to put forth effort to show good work in all that we do whether in our personal or business life and also remember to put God first.If not, life goes down the drain
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True, but normally people (in general) don’t make it easy to be that way.
Also folks, his children are now penniless. Insurance companies don’t pay out on suicides. I think a Morehouse man who is an executive would have know this.
R.I.P
Prayers to his fam and friends.
People are so quick to throw their Sherlock Holmes 2 cents like they psychic or something.
This probably isn’t even work related. Could be personal ish, work ish. *****ody in here knows yet.
R.I.P
@ about it
Also folks, his children are now penniless. Insurance companies don’t pay out on suicides. I think a Morehouse man who is an executive would have know this.
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Damn, that’s right. Those poor kids……
Damn…I met the dude earlier this year when he came by my job. very nice guy. Sorry to hear about his p*****ing.
Don’t believe everything you read- I agree that someone (at Def Jam) was behind his death.
Condolences to his family and friends and may he be at peace in the arms of the Lord.
I work hard EVERYDAY to make sure the needs of my family are met. At the same time, I’m trying EVERYDAY to keep the physical and emotional stability of me and my children intact.
Suicide (if that’s the real cause of death) is selfish. Period! What would cause such a “successful” man (in society’s eyes) to want to end his life?
Did he think of his children?
Don’t we have enough of our children being raised without their fathers in their lives????
Too many people equate money, power with success and sometimes they pay the ultimate price for it.
Shakir was cool peoples. I did not know him well but he was cool from what I do know. A handsome, college educated, capable, and talented young man. Poor baby! I am praying that your spirit and soul get the rest it needed. God help these men! I am so sorry *****ody was able to intervene. You will be missed bro!
This doesnt make sense!!! People are dropping like flies and I cant believe that this dude will committ suicide. Dude was living his dream. But if it is some truth to it, it is what it is. People need to realize that even the people who appear to have everything, have nothing if they’re empty on the inside. RIP
Condolences to his family. Just on Friday nite, while some friends and I were getting dressed in our costumes for a Halloween party, one of the ladies got a call from a friend whose 23 year old sister killed herself earlier that day and she found the body. It was so sad and quite shocking. You never know what folks are going thru and what causes some to really go over the edge.
Suicide is a selfish act. However, who are we to judge? At the point of one deciding to take their own life, they are probably in such emotional pain and so hopeless, that thinking of those who will be left behind is the last thing on their minds…or else they just might choose differently.
That’s really sad to hear….and he was such a handsome brother.
Hmph! Responsible for Young Jeezy & Rick Ross huh? Oh yeah, big loss to the music industry and humanity, there.
They say he blew his brains out…..
Rick Ross?????????????????
The RICK ROSS that felt shameful about having a legitimate job??
Blew his brains out?
Damn! I wonder who found him?
Candid Canuck
CORRECTION
I’m white
WHITE TRASH blames Ozzy, Judas Priest and sues them for suicides
Ahhh, Judas Priest. British Steel and Screaming for Vengeance was/is the *****.
Shot himself or a Dead Man Tell No Tales situation????
Let’s see if in the next 3 months or so Def Jam is the target of a Federal probe.
@ Marquis–
I read recently that there’s do*****ented proof of Marquis De Sade’s IQ being higher then Einstein’s.
Is that true?
Just Ask Rick Ross to find out what happened…He is a cop on Def Jam…He is already undercover as a rapper, so he’ll get his other cop buddies on this case asap!
I wonder what made him do it???? Did he hear talk of being demoted or fired from his position and was devestated at the thought of all the evidence and misjudgements that he has made in his roll to the company and trying to move ahead??? Was his wife or spouse cheating???? I wonder was his issues were??? Well, may this brotha R.I.P!
Why did he do it?
RIP… All I can say is watch what you wish for!! The industry is very dirty and you really have to have a thick skin to survive it. Sometimes people right cheques that there bodies and soul can’t cash.
You can do something today and it could be nothing but the haunting you have to go through tomorrow makes you wonder if it’s all worth it.
hmm was it really suicide or homicide???
My condolences to the family,friends and fans.. Was it really a suicide?? Sounds like an investigation needs to be done…I hope you can RIP, my brother…
Where was Jay-Z at the time of the murder?
Sometimes people write cheques that there bodies and soul can’t cash.
Deep Jamdown
this is such a sad and unfortunate sitiation.
My codolences go out to Shakir’s family and friends.
I did not personally know Sharkir, but I knew of him from his days as the co-founder of a production company in ATL.
But some of the comments on her are just plain despicable.
@Tracy and Tru Diva.
Both of y’all need to such the ***** up and learn to got damn respect and manners. A man is dead because of some cir*****stances that you will probably never know.
It is cold hearted and calous people like you that is the reason why society is so *****ed up, especially back america.
This is not the time or place to p***** judgment and preach about the virtues of moral responsibility in music. Maybe you should look at the conditions of peoples lives that would make them act out the images in hip hop.
I would hope that when an unfortunate cir*****stance touched you life, others is be more comp*****ionate to you.
And for the record,
People that commit suicide are NOT selfish or cowards. These days people are so overwhelmed and stressed out in their lives that many do not see any other way out. Many do not feel like anyone would understand or care about them or what they are going through. Mainly because we live in a very selfish, arrogant, mean, nasty, apathetic, dismissive, and cold hearted society of stupid mothetr*****ers that don’t give damn about anybody.
I am an insurance agent. Insurance companies will pay out benefits to the beneficiaries after the life insurance policy has been in force for two years. Then after that time any proceeds will be paid out in a insurance claim.
Rest In Peace Shakir Stewart .
Mainly because we live in a very selfish, arrogant, mean, nasty, apathetic, dismissive, and cold hearted society of stupid mothetr*****ers that don’t give damn about anybody
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An environment mainly promoted by the record industry.
@The beautiful one:
It is all in the fine print and most, if not all, life insurance policies will not pay out on suicides, death during the commission of a crime, drug overdose — especially in this financial tsunami we are about to encounter. Please read the fine print of the policies you sell.
Man, I haven’t been on Bossip in like 6 months and I had to come on tonight because after reading about Shakir’s death – this is another instance where I don’t think someone at Def Jam had anything to do with this as some have suggested above.
I believe there were some demons that could not escape and he felt there was no other way to deal but to take his life and leave those behind to guess so that he didn’t have to admit to those demons.
Remember, when you have pain so deep that you feel like the best thing to do is kill yourself is some serious f*cked up sh*t.
How did they come up with that conclusion so fast? That was an inside job. Shakir did not commit suicide.
My condolences goes out to his family in Oakland, Ca. Shakir did not commit suicide at all. He had no reason to do so. He has gone through many trials in his life so he was tough enough to handle whatever life brought him. For your information he was brought up in a well to do family and christian family. You don’t know him or his family and money does not destroy people, people destroy people. Don’t be so quick to judge someone esles life especially when you have no absolute clue of what is going on.
He was a personal friend of my family whom battle the demons of being in the closet. He always felt threaten and fearful of losing his status if the truth of his homosexuality was revealed. That, in and of itself caused much heartache and unhappiness. Please, let’s forget the BS for one day and mourn the loss of another black man.
And he had 2 children…????
htwn2atl, at least you actually knew him, there are folks on this thread that are gettin’ attitude and only knew of him.
If this is the case, this was not an excuse to commit suicide (if he really did and this is not some sophisticated hip-hop murder). Gays have more freedom and respect than ever, esp. in Atlanta and NY
#1 It is very rare for a black male to commit suicide.
#2 More rare for a successful black male to commit suicide.
#3 He looks totally gay to me in all the photos I have seen of him.. And it is more likely that a gay man will commit suicide because of the stigma of his sexuality. Maybe he found out he had HIV.
#4 Because of the business he is in, I am suspecting that he could have been blackmailed and threatened with exposure. I am sure that could cause someone of his stature to commit suicide.
Still, I think there is more to this. They better investigate.
Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah!!!
It’s funny how you share some of the same sentiments as I yet you tell me to STFU???!!!
First of all, I didn’t need to STFU–I WAS TYPING!
Second–If you would’ve typed something to the effect of it being an inappropriate time, I MIGHT have conceded. Offending someone whether in a post or otherwise does NOT make my day. I typed what I felt about suicide and I stand by my feelings.
I also typed of the effect(s) it may have on his children because THAT was my opinion.
I also gave my opinion about children being raised without their fathers.
Just like another poster typed about the speculations in the J-Hud thread–people are entitled their opinion.
GTFOOH–thinking that when someone dies, EVERY DAMN BODY’s gonna automatically think something positive.
If you really believe that, again–refer to the J-Hud thread. Their bodies weren’t cold yet there was speculation.
Thats human nature.
Suck me off Diva
@ K.J YOU CANT EXPECT A TEN OR 15 YEAR BOY OR GIRL TO NOT KNOW THE DIFFERNCE BTWN WHATS REAL AND WHATS NOT IN VIDEOS THAT SHOWS WOMEN BEING USED BY MEN MEN KILLING FOR DRUGS AND MONEY AND SEX.. OF COURSE THATS WHAT THEY’L MIMIC N BY THE THE TIME THEY REALISE WHATS GOING ON THEIR HAIRS BEEN LOVED OFF….. THE WEAK MINDS R THOSE YOUNG KIDS WHO HAVE NO GOOD ROLE MODELS
he going to hell then. if you take your life away your gonna to hell.
ether 2 things why he killed self he gay and it was about to come out and he killed his self 2nd or he beenwith a white woman and he killed his self. ether way he was probly a useless colored man and i dont give a got damn lol
damn that was really mean of me. i bet he was a sorry ***** black man. but any who cant really say rip cause he killed his dumb *****. he done this to his self. and anybody kill they selfs know where they going too is hell.
maybe jigga bumped him!
i guess some people don’t want the SOUTH to continue to grow….this was gonna be a huge power move for the SOUTH, so the shadows had to make a move. (THINK ABOUT IT)
@BLACKWOMAN YOU FRECKLED FACE RETARDED RETARD WE KNOW YOU A FLAT BACK PANCAKE ***** HAVING WITH A LIL MEAT ON THE BOTTOM CRACKER.GO TO WOSSIP YOU ARE NOT WANTED HERE.***** SAY ONE THING FOR ME,OBAMA, O-B-A-M-A- THATS RIGHT *****.
PEOPLE PLEASE!…don’t know the guy but my heart goes out to him…for all the people leaving negative comments and joking about this brother’s death BE CAREFUL…GOD IS SITTING IN HIS JUDGEMENT SEAT!….you will know his power is REAL when you JUST MIGHT get a call that the person you love the most has been tragically killed!…and please don’t take what i’m saying lightly!….people just pray…seriously….
so sad!yet i dont think he actually killed himself!..maybe a deal gone wrong type *****..
It said cause of death not immediately known – so why is Bossip calling it a suicide?
lol yo The Bear you crazy
Daywalker- your post was really nice and thoughtful. That was my first thought, when they said that he was a father. I feel bad for his fiance, kids, family and loved ones…..I didn’t know that life insurance policies don’t pay out for suicides..I hope he has something put to the side, if not, is there a memorial or fund, that they have set up for donations?? If you know of one or have an email, for him, that would be great. I’d like to do something..
May God bless him and give him peace…
Well said, finally a good report on this stuff