Industry Mourns Passing Of Def Jam's Shakir Stewart

Shakir Stewart

ALL ACCESS extends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of DEF JAM EVP SHAKIR STEWART on his sudden passing on SATURDAY (11/01) from what's reportedly a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his home in MARIETTA, GA.

IDJMG Chairman ANTONIO "L.A." REID promoted STEWART to EVP at DEF JAM RECORDINGS in JUNE (NET NEWS 6/3), saying, "The bold young management style that SHAKIR has established at DEF JAM is one of the major reasons behind the label's success today," said REID. "From his solid roots in music publishing, he has grown to master the world of Hip-Hop and Urban music." 

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

STEWART was responsible for signing such talent as R&B sensation CIARA, rap stars RICK ROSS and YOUNG JEEZY, publishing the successive #1 hits: DESTINY CHILD’s "Survivor," OUTKAST’s "The Way You Move," both BEYONCE’s "Crazy in Love" and "Baby Boy," and assembling and organizing USHER’s massive hit ,"Yeah," on the 12-time platinum album "Confessions."

Additional details regarding funeral and memorial services as we hear about them.

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