The face of Def Jam Recordings is changing—slightly. Antonio “L.A.” Reid announced today that Shakir Stewart (the man behind signings like Rick Ross and Young Jeezy) was promoted from his position as Senior VP, A&R of Def Jam Recordings to Executive VP. Stewart will report directly to Reid, and to Steve Bartels, President & COO, Island Def Jam Music Group, on operational matters. Stewart will be based in Atlanta and New York.
Stewart, a graduate of Morehouse College, has been the go-to-guy for finding talent since his days at LaFace Records from 2000 to 2004, when he brought R&B siren Ciara to the company. He also played an integral role in bringing Beyonce to the firm.
“The bold young management style that Shakir has established at Def Jam is one of the major reasons behind the label’s success today,” Ried said in a statement announcing Stewart’s promotion. “From his solid roots in music publishing, he has grown to master the world of hip hop and urban music.”
His new role will grant him the power to take the reign of all day-to-day activities, guide producers and acquire and develop new talent and maintain the freshness of the brand.
The Oakland-bred music lover has no plans of stopping his growth, and said he recognizes where he feels most at home. “The past four years have been an unforgettable experience for me,” Steward said in a statement. “Having the opportunity to work with a brilliant music man such as L.A. Reid, along with the most amazing team in the music business, has afforded me the knowledge and inspiration to take the next step in my career and continue to amplify and expand Def Jam's stellar reputation in the industry."
June 03, 2008 @ 12:10 pm
Shakir Stewart Named Executive VP at Def Jam
Music exec promoted from Senior Vice-President, A&R
Article tags: Antonio "L.A." Reid, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy
Page printed from:
http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2008/06/shakir_stewart_named_executive_vp_at_def_jam/
Comments
1.
so4real2 says:
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I would like to say that this is another sad story of a great person who is gone too soon. He was of greatness accoriding to those who knew him. But what we as PEOPLE must understand is that MENTAL ILLNES IS VERY REAL ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE GOING THROUGH IT. Apparently this young man was going through some form of it.
We as a people must STOP looking over MENTAL ILLNESS AS A MAJOR PROBLEM IN OUR COMMUNITY JUST LIKE AIDS. THIS IS A VERY REAL DISEASE AND MUST NOT BE OVER LOOKED OR TAKEN LIGHTLY. IT MUST BE TREATED AND TAKEN SERIOUSLY. REMEMBER THE YOUNG GUY WHO KILLED HIMSELF ONLINE SO THAT OTHERS CAN WATCH. This is so very real for the PERSON THAT IS GOING THROUGH IT. WE MUST REMEMBER THAT THE MIND IS VERY POWERFUL AND MUST NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY. The mind can make others think that you are ok and that things are ok, and in an in-
stant make you take your own life. I just hope PEOPLE IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY STOP SHUNNING MENTAL ILLNESS AND GET HELP FOR IT JUST LIKE YOU WOULD IF YOU HAVE CANCER. IF THE BODY IS SICK THEN YOU GO TO SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT IT SO WHY IS IT SUCH A BIG DEAL IF YOUR MIND IS SICK AND YOU GO SEE A DOCTOR ABOUT IT. WE MUST WAKE UP AS A PEOPLE AND LEARN TO NOT BE AFRAID TO SEEK HELP FOR THE MIND WHICH CONTROLS THE BODY. IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED MORE AND MORE FREQUENTLY AND STOP HIDING IT IN THE CLOSET. THIS IS WHAT HAPPEN TO THE LATE GREAT DONNY HATHAWAY AND THE WONDERFUL MRS. PHYLLIS HYMAN. WE KNOW SOMETHING IS WRONG BUT YET INSTEAD WE AS FAMILY SOME FRIENDS, ASSOCIATES AND OTHERS JUST PLAY IT OFF AS SOMETHING ELSE. STOP THIS IF YOU SEE YOUR FRIEND FAMILY MEMBER OR SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU WHOM YOU LOVE CARE FOR OR JUST HAVE A GENERAL CONCERN FOR THEN PLEASE TRY AND HELP THEM. BECAUSE MENTAL ILLNESS HAS A GOOD WAY OF HIDING ITSELF BEHIND A HAPPY FACE AND A GOOD WORD AND A SMILE SO LEARN TO PAY MORE CLOSE ATTENTION TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMEBERS IF YOU THINK THAT THEY NEED HELP DON'T HESITATE TO GET THEM HELP AFTER ALL THAT IS WHAT FRIENDS AND FAMILY IS FOR RIGHT TO LOOK AFTER YOUR PEEPS WHEN YOU SEE THEY CAN'T CLEARLY SEE ABOUT THEMSELVES. DO SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING PLEASE DON'T LET ANOTHER PERSON GO AWAY BECAUSE NO ONE WOULD HELP WITH A GREAT DEAL OF CONCERN OR THE WILL TO MAKE THEM BETTER BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY. Thanks WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 19, 2008 at 1:55 am
2.
MissSuccess says:
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Hey Erica.
Congrats on your first story. Looking forward to great things from you. If you're wondering who this is...ask B.
-Miss Success
"You can't control how you are perceived, but you have 100% control over how you are presented."
June 3, 2008 at 12:27 pm