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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

(Newser) – 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.

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.
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)
Jay-Z passed on his post as president and CEO of Def Jam Records to Shakir Stewart in June. Stewart was found dead yesterday of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Jay-Z passed on his post as president and CEO of Def Jam Records to Shakir Stewart in June. Stewart was found dead yesterday of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound.   (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams, file)
Shakir Stewart was promoted to Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings in June.
Shakir Stewart was promoted to Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings in June.   (PRNewsFoto/Island Def Jam Music Group)
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