November 1, 2008 Shakir Saeed Stewart's life ended by his own hands. A successful music industry executive, engaged to be married with two small children was dead. He was 34 years old.
First reports stated he had been shot, possibly killed in a robbery attempt. Then confirmation, Shakir committed suicide. He lead a life filled with star power. Forever the friendly, charismatic, laid back guy who had the details on who was having a party, rockin a show or recording the next big track. His demeanor was cool and friendly, when you'd see him at a gathering, party, video shoot or just grabbing a bite to eat at Marco's Pita, Shake radiated warm energy.
2008 something changed. Friends remembering seeing him in April of that year and noticing he was a little different. Still cool, obviously working but a bit aloof. In early June it was announced that he would take the spot Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter left vacant and become Senior VP Def Jam Records. Shake had hit a career milestone. He was at the top of the food chain, something he had worked for and earned. Then fall came. The day after All Hallow Eve. That Saturday morning began with text messages, phone calls, email messages etc. Calls from LA, New York and Atlanta all asking "What the hell is going on with Shakir?" Nobody had solid answers. Then confirmation from a life long friend. Shakir was dead, he committed suicide. Silence replaced the buzzing phones and message lines. Weeping filled the air. People gathered in small groups to try to make since of it. Was he dealing with some deep depression? He had been deeply affected years prior when his longtime girlfriend was killed in a traffic accident during Christmas. Was it the pressures of the music business? With a position like the one he was in, sure there was going to be pressure but what kind to make you take your own life in the house with your fiance and children? No one knew except for the man who lay dead on the bathroom floor.
The service in his honor at Morehouse's King Chapel was filled with celebrities, friends, acquaintance, business partners past and present and associates.You could hear a pin drop. The speakers spoke of the man who lived a full life. The video showing his life in pictures had the room choked up but still very much composed. As we watched and sat silent, the elephant in the room whisper why? But still no answers.
Most have come to grips with the idea that they will never know the truth as to why Shake took his life. Some have committed to remembering the man that they knew as just that, the man that they knew. A cool dude always trying to make something pop. It is with that notion that we also remember Shakir Saeed Stewart, a smart, charming, well dressed and respected son, father and friend. May your memory live on.
Industry Life and Times Writers
First reports stated he had been shot, possibly killed in a robbery attempt. Then confirmation, Shakir committed suicide. He lead a life filled with star power. Forever the friendly, charismatic, laid back guy who had the details on who was having a party, rockin a show or recording the next big track. His demeanor was cool and friendly, when you'd see him at a gathering, party, video shoot or just grabbing a bite to eat at Marco's Pita, Shake radiated warm energy.
2008 something changed. Friends remembering seeing him in April of that year and noticing he was a little different. Still cool, obviously working but a bit aloof. In early June it was announced that he would take the spot Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter left vacant and become Senior VP Def Jam Records. Shake had hit a career milestone. He was at the top of the food chain, something he had worked for and earned. Then fall came. The day after All Hallow Eve. That Saturday morning began with text messages, phone calls, email messages etc. Calls from LA, New York and Atlanta all asking "What the hell is going on with Shakir?" Nobody had solid answers. Then confirmation from a life long friend. Shakir was dead, he committed suicide. Silence replaced the buzzing phones and message lines. Weeping filled the air. People gathered in small groups to try to make since of it. Was he dealing with some deep depression? He had been deeply affected years prior when his longtime girlfriend was killed in a traffic accident during Christmas. Was it the pressures of the music business? With a position like the one he was in, sure there was going to be pressure but what kind to make you take your own life in the house with your fiance and children? No one knew except for the man who lay dead on the bathroom floor.
The service in his honor at Morehouse's King Chapel was filled with celebrities, friends, acquaintance, business partners past and present and associates.You could hear a pin drop. The speakers spoke of the man who lived a full life. The video showing his life in pictures had the room choked up but still very much composed. As we watched and sat silent, the elephant in the room whisper why? But still no answers.
Most have come to grips with the idea that they will never know the truth as to why Shake took his life. Some have committed to remembering the man that they knew as just that, the man that they knew. A cool dude always trying to make something pop. It is with that notion that we also remember Shakir Saeed Stewart, a smart, charming, well dressed and respected son, father and friend. May your memory live on.
Industry Life and Times Writers
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