Shakir Stewart

Shakir Stewart

Shakir Stewart Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 3, 2008.
ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) - The executive who succeeded Jay-Z as the head of hip-hop music label Def Jam Recordings died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound near Atlanta, police said Sunday.

Executive vice president Shakir Stewart, 34, died on Saturday, his New York-based label said in a statement.

Stewart was found Saturday afternoon in the bathroom of his home in the Atlanta suburb of Marietta, Cobb County police spokeswoman Cassie Reece said Sunday. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

Police described the shooting as self-inflicted and would not say who discovered Stewart.

The record label issued a statement Sunday on behalf of Stewart's fiancee, Michelle Rivers, and his family.

"Over the past several weeks, Shakir's behavior was inconsistent with the man we all know and love," the statement said. "As much as we all tried to help him, Shakir was in deep pain and largely suffering in silence."

Stewart signed such artists as Rick Ross and Young Jeezy to the label before being named in June to the post once filled by Jay-Z.

The Oakland, Calif., native came to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College, where he graduated in 1996, his label said in an announcement for his promotion in June.

He previously worked with the Hitco publishing company, where he signed R&B star Beyonce, and Arista Records, where he signed R&B star Ciara.

Christopher Hicks, a friend of 18 years and fellow music executive, last spoke with Stewart about a week ago.

"Whatever happened over the past 24 hours is not a testament to who we all know," Hicks told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sunday. "He was a one-of-a-kind individual. If you looked on his Blackberry (stamp) it said 'One of one."'

Def Jam called Stewart "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."


Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press

Sign Shakir Stewart's Guest Book

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April 18, 2018

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June 10, 2017

RaQuel JOHNSON posted to the memorial.

April 16, 2017

RaQuel JOHNSON posted to the memorial.

237 Entries

April 18, 2018

Happy Belated Birthday!

RaQuel JOHNSON

June 10, 2017

We miss you Happy Fathers Day

RaQuel JOHNSON

April 16, 2017

Missin you my hero Happy Easter

Raquel JOHNSON

February 6, 2017

Miss you lots Happy Valentines Day my Angel your smile stays with me I miss it. No one can ever smile like you keep making it beautiful up ther. My hero

RaQuel JOHNSON

December 25, 2016

MERRY CHRISTMAS missing you my friend praying for your family as well HAPPY HOLIDAYS To MR Shakir Stewart Entire family.

Raquel JOHNSON

November 22, 2016

Missin you my dear friend continue to lite heaven up with your beautiful smile. Happy thanksgiving to the family rest eazy angel

reshunda T

September 3, 2016

RIP Angle

RaQuel Johnson

September 2, 2016

Thinking of you today my Hero Oh how we all do I'm sure And I know that your lighting up heaven wit that Georgus smile. You left to soon I thought you would be here you were and still is an inspiration to me and for me. God has blessed me to have had such a wonderful human being in my life. Miss you my angel rest Eazy my Friend.

Raquel Johnson

June 18, 2016

HAPPY FATHERS Day you are and will be celebrated on this day everyone loves and miss you. From here to ther everywhere may you continue to light up heaven with your georgus SMILE rest eazy.

Raquel Johnson

April 9, 2016

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Shakir God has a beautiful angel Rest in heaven

Racquel Johnson

April 8, 2016

The family of MR Stewart I've seen God work in others and in me as well and he will work for you the family. Just know that he's at peace and with someone who truly has him in the palm of his hands B blessed stay encouraged and know that he will always b with you he's just gods special angel watching over you. May God keep you all day by day. Amen

Antoinette Holbert

February 25, 2015

He brought the World Young Jeezy and many more!!! I appreciate him may he REST PEACEFULLY!!

Rhonda Bell

November 18, 2014

I am originally from Detroit. I appreciate your life story and was deeply moved. "Rest in Paradise" Shakir Stewart

Andrea Johnson

November 17, 2014

He is now a guardian angel to all of us, rip..

crystal booker

November 17, 2014

May you rest in peace gone but never to be forgotten my prayers are with your family and friends

Mal B

October 30, 2014

It is my prayer that God remains the light for your children. That they have comfort, peace & love even though you are no longer here in the physical. RIP Shakir, you left an irreplaceable legacy.

Missy B

October 28, 2014

R.I.P

Missy Boston

October 28, 2014

R.I.P

October 28, 2014

God sent for his son who died too young... Rest In Peace

Angela Long

October 28, 2014

I didn't know you but what I do know that you were great father and a great son I will keep your family in my prays RIP mr Stewart

sheryl Lyles

October 27, 2014

Resthe In Paradise may you find Peace in God's eternal life.

R S

July 6, 2014

Shake! I had the pleasure of seeing your babies. They are your clones. Made my day! I MISS YOU!

November 8, 2013

After 5 years...may u continue to rest in peace with the spirit of love shadowing your loved ones....RIP

November 6, 2013

5 years! I hope your son & daughter have peace. I miss you!

November 5, 2013

Hi Shakir, it's been 5 years and I still miss you soooo much! Your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. You're an angel in the sky.....

Gina Robinson

February 26, 2013

Still miss you so much after all these years friend God Bless You!

deedee

December 23, 2012

another one of gods angel has been call home. R.I.P.

November 1, 2012

Been four years today and not a single day goes by that I don't wish you were here and wonder why did you have to go. Rest in peace angel! Your family is always on my mind and in my prayers.

August 23, 2012

My heart still bleeds for you and you family everyday. I still don't understand why you're not here.

Mycena B Dickerson

October 16, 2011

It has been said that "time will heal all wounds." But that may take years. So don't be surprise if the pain of losing your love one is still very fresh. What can you do ? Don't Give Up !! And keep praying for Almighty God's Kingdom (Matthew 6:9-13)that will remove all tears and pain ! ! !

l w

July 20, 2011

I'll never forget you,

Tatyana Hinton

June 9, 2011

R.I.P....words can not express your impact on the world, your loved ones, and people you never knew.

B J

November 1, 2010

WE MISS YOU MORE THAN WORDS CAN DESCRIBE!

C M

November 1, 2010

Shake I miss you so much, I miss your smile and our talks and how much you encouraged me to do the best in this industry. You were a great friend, colleague, mentor and father. You will never be forgotten x

Venita Broussard

October 28, 2010

RIP Mr. Stewart.

Atlanta Music Community

September 29, 2010

Shake, you are soooo missed, you are always loved and respected.

A R

August 26, 2010

I know you see my pain. I know you know how much I miss you. Michelle I hope you read this.... You have been blessed by Shakir. You have his son and daughter. Those that knew him know how much the 3 of you meant to him. How much he adored you. I hope your heart is beginning to heal and I hope your babies know how amazing their father was. I wish you peace.

steph clark

August 8, 2010

you are allways on my mind such a wonderful friend

SB

June 26, 2010

I met Shakir many years ago when I was introduced to him through a friend. Instantly, I liked his presence and that doesn't happen with me much. He was a good man. Respectful, kind, and humble. It's a shame they don't make men like him these days.
I felt like he was always 10 steps ahead of everyone - just the way he moved or talked. When I talked to him on the phone, I used to feel like he was always in a rush, but soon got used to the fact that was just how he was. I guess it comes from him being an ambitious person and having a lot on his plate. People I know always spoke so highly of him. That says a lot about him as a person.
He was truly one of one.
I hope that I get to see you in another lifetime Shakir.....

Krickett .

February 23, 2010

I special ordered the issue of Vibe Magazine that spoke about Shakir. It was a very deep article, and I am glad they addressed it; because the rumors were disturbing, even to me, and I didn't know him personally. Its sad the things that people say, and assume that you are okay because of money and status. I pray that he is at peace now. I really hope to meet a good guy like him one day - regardless of what he was dealing with - he sounded like such a great man!

January 21, 2010

I usually don't buy magazines unless they are about home decor but i just love Drake and had to read the articles inside the VIBE 2010 issue from front to back. The Lord knows what's best. Eventhough sometimes man dont understand but he does. God will give you all strength as the days go by. Peace be unto the entire family. Take a moment to reflect on happy times. Share memories of Shakir with the childrenn so they will now how wonderful he was. My deepest sympathy and prayers. Bree Dallas,TX

January 21, 2010

I usually don't buy magazines unless they are about home decor but i just love Drake and had to read the articles inside the VIBE 2010 issue from front to back. The Lord knows what's best. Eventhough sometimes man dont understand but he does. God will give you all strength as the days go by. Peace be unto the entire family. Take a moment to reflect on happy times. Share memories of Shakir with the children so they will know how wonderful he was. My deepest sympathy and prayers. Bree Dallas,TX

Bridgette L. Williams

July 31, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

L. A.

March 19, 2009

Rest my angel,rest. I will always carry you in my heart and your family will always be in my prayers.

Felicia Thomas

January 7, 2009

big cousin i miss u soo much! I remember sitting next to you in church when iwas little! My mom would get the holy spirit and i didnt know what was going on and you would say everything is ok! I still have the photo of me you and mckenzie one easter when mckenzie was maybe 2 years old! now she is a young women!The last time i saw uyou told me to take care of my little boy and that is what im doing! Its hurts so much to know that you were hurting! Love you and miss you your little cousin Felicia! P.S. tell mom hi and i miss her and her baking!

S Greene

January 2, 2009

May your soul rest in peace now and may your burdens be gone now ! God bless you and your family!

Sierra Crockett

December 30, 2008

My heart truly goes out to the family and all the love ones of mister Shakir Stewart. may he rest in peace. You'll forever be remembered with much love. God rest his soul.

Antoine

December 30, 2008

Shake, we never got to work together and that is a loss on my part. You were such an intelligent young man. Some times the trials of our life is to much and the help seems to far. I pray for your fiance and child. God rest your soul.

Antoine " Zone 6 Luxury tax "

Taneka Chambers

December 28, 2008

Still so hard to believe that someone so loved and talented could give it all up. We have to help our brothers and sisters when they are in need. We may never know the real reason behind Mr. Stewart's death but we all need to know that we can achieve it all and still not be happy within ourselves. To the family put God first and let him heal your heart in time. Cry and laugh at all the memories that you had with him. I will continue to pray for you. R.I.P. Mr. Stewart God Bless

Kalin Hayes

December 23, 2008

Im still having a Hard time knowing that you're gone...The Man Who gave me my 1st Job as an Intern...I remember Bugging you everyday for like 4 months. I still pray for your family

KELVIN LAYNE

December 22, 2008

may he rest in peace!

December 14, 2008

Our last exchange was just as beautiful as our first...

My thoughts and prayers remain with your family. Rest In Peace, Shakir.

K Miller

December 13, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. There are no words at times like these however we can rest in the fact that he will no longer suffer and what ever he was trying to escape is in God's hands now. My prayers are with you during this sad time.

A Fan

December 9, 2008

You never know how much they need you, or just one kind word until it's too late.

My thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this time.

Josiah Larkin

December 7, 2008

Was searching for my cousin Rahmu and ran across this. Haven't seen him since highschool. My prayers go out.

LADY J

December 6, 2008

Although I never met Shakir I could not be more impressed by how nice of a guy he seem to be. His advice to the "Brutha to Brothers" group was sincere and heartfelt. It is a sad ordeal that he ended his life in such a way but only God knows what was troubling him. Many may wonder how could they be so close but yet so far from him. Find comfort in the fact that you were able to be a part of his life and joy and rest that he was a partaker in yours. Let the "if I, woulda, coulda, shoulda", and everything else that pleagues the mind when unexpected death comes to our doors be removed from your daily thoughts. Know that he has been called home and is resting in a better place or at least a better frame of mind. "Being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord". Prayer goes out for peace, love and strength to be departed to love ones and friends. Sincerely LADY "J"

SHALENA MCBEAN

December 6, 2008

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE, I WILL PAY FOR YOUR SOUL BECAUSE WHATEVER YOU HEART AND MIND WAS GOING THROUGH IT WAS A LOT BROTHER AND I PRAY THAT YOUR FAMILY JUST REMEMBER THE BEST TIME'S THEY SHARED WITH YOU AND MAY GOD KEEP THEM IN HIS HANDS OF COMFORTAND PROTECTION DURING THIS HARD TIME. MAY YOU REST WITH PEACE

Kiesha Powell's and family

December 4, 2008

My deepest sympathy to Shakir's family and love ones.

dorian barringer

November 24, 2008

may god bless you, and your family. lets all just keep pushin and thankin god cause we never know when itz r time.one luv shakir may u rest in peace..........yung83

Brandon Cober

November 23, 2008

Shake thank you for getting me to go to Morehouse, and living with u allowed me to see what hard work can bring u. Smacks and I learned so much from that year we can never repay what we got from u ,but by our pushin u will see it ..... God Bless ya patna see ya at the crossroads GOD willing.. R.I.P Shake..

Kim Ferguson

November 23, 2008

I didn't know Shakir personally but I am just as sad as those that did know him. From what everybody is saying he was a good guy. As I sit and watch the show Brutha to Brotha I can't help but ask myself WHY?? I truly can see the person everyone described. My condolences go out to all his family, friends, and colleagues. May he R.I.P.

ASP

November 22, 2008

Whether we were blessed to know Shakir the up and rising young man in Oakland,the college student ahead of the game at Morehouse, or the hardworking icon who had an ingenious eye for talent...we were all blessed to have our moment in time with this angel. Shakir worked hard & played even harder because he knew God would call him home early.Shakir, you are being mourned all over this country because you were a wonderful person,celebrity status or not! I know it is a sin to ask God why,so i pray whatever pain Shakir was in..he is now truly at peace. I pray he is with his loved ones that passed on before him. I love you "old man"...God Bless

CARNEKA SMITH

November 19, 2008

I AM SAD TO SEE A TALENTED EDUCATED BLACK MAN LEAVE THIS WORLD IN SO MUCH PAIN U WILL TRULY BE MISS.

C A Thomas

November 19, 2008

To the family I just recently had a loss, and my prayers go out to you I'm no longer asso. with the industry any more, but god had some work for him to do up.

Ron Herman

November 19, 2008

GOD was searching his list of missing angels and he came across you. You will serve him well in the kingdom as you served in your life here on earth. p.s. see you when i get there. Ron Tiffany Ta'kayla herman [Rockford IL] LETS REJOICE!

J Jimerson & Family

November 18, 2008

I recently saw Mr. Stewart on the reality show "Bruthas" just last week, and again last night, he seemed like such a happy, pleasant and very intelligent young man, Lord only knows what a person is going through. May God be with his family and friends, as my family will keep them ALL in our prayers, R.I.P.

Rahmu Brown

November 18, 2008

It's ironic...
Last week i seen Shake on some reality t.v. show while I was sitting with my wife.. I told her that Shakir was one my Oakland patnas in high school. I hadn't seen him since 1994 when i was going to CAU... I was just wonder how he was doing until I received a phone call from a mutal friend with the bad news....
Rest In Peace Brotha...
SM c/o 93

STEPHANIE HENRY

November 18, 2008

MY HEART JUST GOES OUT TO HIM, AND HIS FAMILY. I'M SO SAD TO HEAR THIS. HE WAS A DOWN TO EARTH BRUTHA! WITH EDUCATION.
HE HAD SO MUCH TO OFFER. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH HE , AND HIS FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU SHAKIR!!!!!

STACEY SWEAT

November 17, 2008

MY SHAKIR STEWART REST IN PEACE AND MAY THE MEMORY OF HIS LIFE SUCCEED THE MEMORY OF HIS DEATH.TRULY A BEAUTIFUL LOOKING MAN

K. Simmons

November 16, 2008

My heartfelt sympathy to the family. Shakir will be missed. I remember hearing him on Alan Watt podcast entitled cuttingthroughthematrix on Oct 27 (around the 26 minute mark) and he was very intelligent and articulate in his desire to educate the populace on some of the ills of the music industry. I could hear and sense the pain not realizing the depths of it.

I learned alot from him and about him on that evening and gained much respect for his speaking out. I'm wiser for that conversation.

These times can be tough but with God - all things are possible!

May we all extend a hand up to the family and keep them in our prayers.

RIP - Shakir

jamilah Gipson

November 16, 2008

hi there I am from detroit, I had the privelge of watching him on brutha he was truly charismatic and down to earth, my prayers go out to his family.

Toni Reaves

November 15, 2008

I just watched him on the premier of the show "Brutha" and I am so saddened to learn of his death. May your soul rest in peace. My deepest sympathy for his immediate family and his extended family,

Michi

November 15, 2008

Still in great shock over your passing but wishing your family God's grace my Morehouse brother! You were truly special and will be SORELY missed! Rest now.

Lannett Clark

November 14, 2008

RIP my brother...will be praying for your family.

Marcus and Charrhonda Myers

November 13, 2008

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Nia

November 13, 2008

God Bless his soul and his family.

40/40 Club Las Vegas 4/29/08

November 13, 2008

40/40 Club Las Vegas 4/29/08

November 13, 2008

40/40 Club Las Vegas 4/29/08

November 13, 2008

40/40 Club Las Vegas/Post Jay-Z and Mary J. Concert 4/08

November 13, 2008

40/40 Club Las Vegas/ Post Jay-Z and Mary J. Concert 4/08

November 13, 2008

Maisha Parker

November 9, 2008

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Shake. All of my memories of him included a laugh, a hug or a great conversation. The stamp he left on everyone he met is a testament to the man he was and we'll all miss him. R.I.P. Shake

lavette wardell

November 9, 2008

Bless the family with love and prayers and try to be strong.

PEGGY Magee

November 9, 2008

MY HEART GOSE OUT TO THE FAMILY I WILL KEEP YOU ALL IN
MY PRAY MY GOD BLESS YOU ALL

November 9, 2008

Shakir your soul is timeless and lives on forever. I hope to know you in another space and time. im sure Marquel was waiting for you in Heaven......

jitaun tucker

November 8, 2008

I love you im am blessed to have had you as a freind. I remember you me and allen hangin on newyears eve we had a ball.Last i seen youi was at the club eight years ago and you were as humble as can be with all the people around you, it was me that was stuck up you made me get loose that quick. I ask my freind about you out of no were on halloween at about (9:30Pm) i had a dream that this same person told me of a nother freind of mine passing.She left my house and to hours after she came back to tell me the dream was about you. my god shake you got a lot people that love you hurting i will miss you forever. May god bless your soul and michelle and your kids and family. Jitaun lrest in peace!

Keli

November 8, 2008

First I would like to thank God for Shakir. I knew him back when we were freshmen. Me at Clark he at Morehouse. He was what everyone said, genuine and real. I can't believe this has happened. Shock isn't the word. To his family, his fiance' and children, God Bless you and keep your hearts in God's Hands and you will make it through.

Lisa Rodriguez

November 8, 2008

My prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy. I work at a bank in NYC where he frequently visited. I had no idea who he was, even though i knew his first & last name. He was so nice to all of us there. He will be truly missed.

Marsha Reese

November 8, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Tundra Ivy

November 8, 2008

I am sorry to read about the loss of Shakir. No doubt you are striken with grief and pain. Please rest assure that Shakir is resting in peace. Ecclesiastes 9:5 says: that he is "conscious of nothing at all".

AGNES JENKINS

November 8, 2008

SHAKIR,YOU WILL BE MISSED MAY GOD BE WITH YOUR FAMILY.

LaWanda Smith

November 8, 2008

May God Bless the family through this time of greif and lift their heads up high as he did when he (God) first brought him (Shakir) into your lives. We to lost a Loved one at an early age we will share the greif with you by saying a prayer for the family............ (Amen)

A. FAN

November 8, 2008

RIP

cynthia Walker

November 8, 2008

To The Stewart Family: I am sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Stewart .My the God of comfort be with your family at this time. Philippians 4:7

Angela Silver

November 8, 2008

My sincere condolences to the Stewart family.May God Bless you all.

marcus ford

November 8, 2008

may his soul find peace with our heavenly father, remember the lord never make mistakes

Debbie McElveen

November 8, 2008

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.

V.C. Robinson-Toure

November 7, 2008

Blessed and highly favored...Gone but never forgotten...Truly loved and greatly missed...

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April 18, 2018

Someone posted to the memorial.

June 10, 2017

RaQuel JOHNSON posted to the memorial.

April 16, 2017

RaQuel JOHNSON posted to the memorial.