Hip-Hop legend exec Shakir Stewart commits suicide

AP reports: 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.

Hip Hop News shares the statement of the company: “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,” the statement reads. “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.”

Stewart‘s fiancée, Michelle Rivers, released a joint statement on behalf of his family and friends to thank everyone for their love and support. The statement also reveals that the high-ranking executive was “in deep pain and largely suffering in silence” prior to his death. Stewart‘s friends and Def Jam co-workers also released a similar statement.