Me and Shake, we’re men’s men. We had kids, we’re responsible fathers. And the man that I know wouldn’t take his life. That man was strong, it ain’t no street pressure, music business, L.A. Reid, these fake ass artists…that ain’t gon’ tear nobody like Shake down. It’s just something that I can’t see, nor accept. We wouldn’t do that.
More details into the recent tragic death of Def Jam Record’s Vice-President, Shakir Stewart, have emerged. On Sunday, Stewart's family released a statement about the executive's death.
"We would like to thank Shakir's friends for the tremendous outpouring of love and support we have received during this difficult time," the statement from Stewart's fiancée, Michelle Rivers, and family read.
"It has helped us to cope with our overwhelming grief and sadness. It is difficult to express or explain in words what led to the tragic occurrence on Saturday. Over the past several weeks, Shakir's behavior was inconsistent with the man we all know and love. As much as we all tried to help him, Shakir was in deep pain and largely suffering in silence. Please remember Shakir for who he was ... a wonderful father, partner, son and friend."
According to Georgia’s Cobb County police, 34-year-old Stewart— who died Saturday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, reportedly shot himself with a handgun in the bathroom of his house on Lindsey Drive in Marietta, Georgia. Stewart was pronounced dead at Kennestone Hospital later that day.
“Whatever happened over the past 24 hours is not a testament to who we all know,” Christopher Hicks, a music executive and longtime friend of Stewart, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sunday.
Police have not confirmed who found Stewart’s body, or any motives leading up to the suicide.
Stewart is best known for signing rappers Young Jeezy and Rick Ross to Def Jam Records. On June 3, Stewart was promoted to VP of Def Jam, where he reported directly to his mentor, Island Def Jam’s chairman, Antonio “L.A.” Reid.
On Sunday night, Blog Talk Radio hosted a special online show called, “Celebrate Shakir ‘Shake’ Stewart.” Former college roommates, hometown buddies, and industry friends called in to share memories of Stewart. Many were left confused over Stewart’s exit.
“It had to be something very very bad for him to even think about doing something of this nature,” Atlanta record executive Ian Burke, said. “And whatever it was, I guess it was something that… I guess he felt, at the time, he couldn’t turn back from.”
Industry mogul Kenny Burns, Stewart’s friend of 17-years, recalled how he and Stewart dreamed of making it big in the industry.
“From that time and period, all of us were looking for something. The business was starting to bubble and we were all blessed to be there early. Looking back, we were like, ‘Aww shit, we need to get in that, the women, the girls’… But it just became more important to make a mark and build a legacy.”
Burns, clearly shaken, says he doesn’t believe Stewart killed himself.
“Me and Shake, we’re men’s men. We had kids, we’re responsible fathers. And the man that I know wouldn’t take his life. That man was strong, it ain’t no street pressure, music business, L.A. Reid, these fake ass artists…that ain’t gon’ tear nobody like Shake down. It’s just something that I can’t see, nor accept. We wouldn’t do that.
"Like, [Stewart] wouldn’t leave his kids without insurance like that. We tried to rush to the hospital before they rushed him to the morgue yesterday…” Burns says, before breaking down in tears on the phone.
“I want to say something about this fake ass business that these young’ns are enthralled with: this business is not that. Educate these people. Money does not make you happy. I don’t believe he took his life. But it’s because of this fake ass business, and these niggas and bitches,” Burns said. “I’m personally setting up a college fund for his kids.”
For more on Shakir Stewart, go here. Stay tuned to VIBE.com for further details regarding this tragedy.
Comments
1.
tayloyal says:
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Hate to sound negative but im going to be real, maybe it wasnt self inflicted, perhapes it was a murder if everyone know he had no prior issues! maybe the one who would call the cops then hear a gun shot....dont sound right and besides the media is all screwed up cause one article saying it was in the bathroom and one saying somewhere else in the house. Question why one would start dialing 911, and if such a friend why leave???knowing he was "wigging out"???? what a friend, it may have been a so-called friend arguing over money/jealousy there is no evidence of him having any issues whatsoever, unbelievable how a man with such respect and so many people around him have no one in which he can confide in about any issues!! let's all think. R.I.P Shakir and my blessings to the family and friends who truly cared for him, god will work it out and the truth will be set free, God bless!
December 22, 2008 at 12:41 pm
2.
Save says:
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On Aug, 26, 08 My son 30, died from suicide. I'm still trying to deal withh it. So many questions why, and there are no aSuicide FAQs
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Suicide FAQs
by Kevin Caruso
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What is the number one cause for suicide?
Untreated depression.
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Why do people die by suicide?
Because they are in intense pain and they want the pain to stop.
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I feel suicidal. What should I do?
Get help immediately. Go to the home page of this website and take action.
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How many people die by suicide each year in the U.S.?
Approximately 30,000.
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How many people attempt suicide each year in the U.S.?
Approxiamtely 750,000.
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Is it true that more people die by suicide than by homicide?
Yes. More people die by suicide than by homicide.
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Do most people who attempt suicide actually die by suicide?
No. It is estimated that 1 person out of 25 who attempt suicide die by suicide.
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If I have thoughts of suicide am I abnormal?
No. Thoughts of suicide are extremely common. But if you have thoughts of suicide you should seek treatment immediately.
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If I think about suicide does that mean that I will die by suicide?
No. The vast majority of people who think about suicide do not attempt suicide or die by suicide.
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Are people that die by suicide weak?
No. Most people who die by suicide are very strong, but they have untreated depression.
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Do young people ever die by suicide?
Yes. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 24.
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Do children die by suicide?
Yes. Some children under the age of 10 die by suicide.
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Does suicide make pain go away?
No. suicide compounds pain exponentially. All of the suicide survivors feel excruciating pain. And the person who died by suicide can no longer feel, and thus there is no relief from pain.
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Does suicide solve problems?
No. Suicide causes many problems and never solves any of them.
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I want to die by suicide. Which method should I use?
You shouldn't use any method. You should not die by suicide. Period. You need to get help if you are suicidal. Make appointments with a doctor and a therapist immediately.
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Do some people who attempt suicide end up brain damaged?
Yes. Many people who attempt suicide permanently damage their brains and oftentimes remain in a care facility for the rest of their lives.
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My school does not have a suicide prevention program. Can you help us?
Yes. I have prepared a school prevention program that uses pages from this website. And there is no charge. Please visit the Free Suicide Prevention Program for Schools page for more information. All schools should implement a suicide prevention program.
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I know someone who is suicidal. What should I do?
Get help for them immediately. Call 911 or call 1-800-SUICIDE.
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I feel depressed and suicidal. Can I treat myself?
No. You need professional treatment. Never try to treat yourself for depression or suicidal thoughts. Make appointments with a doctor and a therapist immediately.
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I'm depressed and suicidal but I don't want to take antidepressants. Do I really need to take them?
Your doctor or psychiatrist will need to make that decision with you. Taking medicine for depression is no different than taking medicine for any other illness.
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Take care of yourself,
Kevin Caruso
nswers. I want to share this with someone:
November 3, 2008 at 2:27 pm
3.
grannyd says:
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Wow, yet another tragedy. Society has yet to share that suicide is happening at an epidemic rate amongst black and white males. Please check out Nov. 08 Atlanta Magazine on Suicides " More Georgians take their own lifes than die from murder" by Chandra R. Thomas - www.AtlantaMagazine.com. I lost my only child to suicide in February 2008 and have started an awareness campaign on the facts that everyone in society should know about suicide and the signs of suicidal victims. My son who was an sophomre honor student at Morehouse College showed no visible signs that he was suicidal. He was excited about his life and was here one day and gone the next. Please check out www.Kelvin-Mikhail.info for more information on this epidemic that is plaguing our black males. For more information my contact is 202-340-2009
November 3, 2008 at 7:30 am