Shakir Stewart

Born and raised in Oakland, California, Shakir Stewart attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, graduating in 1996. Stewart began his music industry career at the publishing company Hitco where he was responsible for signing artists like Beyonce. He moved on to Arista Records where he worked in A&R, signing Ciara. Leaving Arista, Stewart became music consultant to the Tyra Banks hosted tv series "America's Next Top Model" in 2003. From this position, he joined Def Jam Recordings where he was responsible for signing Young Jeezy and Rick Ross, among others. Upon the departure of Jaz-Z from Def Jam, Stewart was named to succeed him. On November 1st, 2008 Mr. Stewart committed suicide at his home in Marietta, Georgia with a self-inflicted gun shot.