Shakir Stewart, Executive Vice President of Def Jam Records died of an apparent suicide today. ?Details are sketchy, but WVEE DJ Greg Street, is currently dedicating his evening show to the fallen exec. 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.?

He was last heard from around 2:00pm today. ?All of Atlanta is shocked by the news and my sincere condolences go out to the Stewart family.

Updated 1:00am ~?Def Jam Statement:

?LA 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 said in a statement released to?VIBE?today. ?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.? ? ?Via Vibe.com