Def Jam Exec Dead in Apparent Suicide

Shakir Stewart took the helm of Def Jam Records in June
By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 2, 2008 12:11 PM CST
Def Jam Exec Dead in Apparent Suicide
In this image released by Def Jam Records, the latest CD for Karina, "First Love," is shown. Karina Pasian is one of the new artists recently signed by Shakir Stewart.   (AP Photo/Def Jam Records)

Shakir Stewart, who took over at Def Jam Records when Jay-Z stepped down in June, was found dead yesterday, Billboard reports. The rap executive apparently committed suicide, though few details are available. Stewart had signed artists such as Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, and Karina Pasian to his label, and in a previous stint at Hitco snagged Beyoncé.
(More Def Jam stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X