Click Here

      *A lot of people in the music industry are shaking their heads in disbelief over the news that Def Jam Executive Vice President Shakir Stewart has committed suicide in Atlanta.

      Cobb County Police spokeswoman Cassie Reece told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Stewart's body was found in the bathroom of his home around 4 p.m. Saturday. He was taken to the Kennestone Hospital with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and later pronounced dead.

      Stewart, 34, was promoted to the Executive VP post in June following the resignation of Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter. He also retained his duties as senior VP of A&R at Island Def Jam. In his role, he oversaw the development of new talent, managed producers and guided the label's vision.

      On Sunday his fiancée, Michelle Rivers, released a joint statement with the rest of his family:

"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."

      Def Jam has also released a statement in the aftermath of the tragedy:

"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," read a statement from the label. "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 that had the privilege of counting him as a friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time."

       Before succeeding Jay-Z, Stewart signed such artists as Rick Ross, Young Jeezy and newcomer Karina Pasian to the label. The Oakland, Calif., native traveled between Atlanta and New York for his job, and was a graduate of Morehouse College, where he gained a reputation for promoting rap concerts.      

       Stewart got a jump start in the industry as a music executive at Hitco Music Publishing, where he was creative director and later senior VP of creative/GM and signed Beyonce Knowles.

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT CREDIT CARD?
     All credit cards are not created equal. That's
     why you need a card that makes sense for
     your unique credit needs. To find out more
     about our guaranteed solutions, click here.