Representatives for Def Jam have confirmed the death of the label’s Executive Vice President, Shakir Stewart. Sources told AllHipHop.com that Stewart died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Stewart replaced Jay-Z’s position at Island Def Jam and was named Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings in June of 2008. He began is career at Def Jam in 2004, as VP of A&R for the legendary label. As A&R, he signed artists like Young Jeezy, Rick Ross and others. “L.A. 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,” Def Jam told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “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.” Source 

This is awful…..what could have pushed him to take his own life? The pressures of his job? depression?

Rest In Peace Shakir Stewart.