The Def Jam Executive Vice President that replaced Jay-Z as the head honcho committed suicide Saturday. Shakir Stewart was found dead Saturday morning and the cause of death is being reported as a self-inflicted gun shot wound. It’s odd that someone that fought his way to the top of a very competitive industry would go out like that. Stewart was responsible for signing Beyonce to Hitco Music back in the day and had recently signed such artists Rick Ross and Young Jeezy to Def Jam.

Late Saturday night, Island Def Jam issued the following statement: “LA 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. 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 who had the privilege of counting him as a friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time.”

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