Shakir Stewart, the record label big hired as Executive VP of Def Jam after Jay-Z's departure was found dead today.

Stewart was found dead today with a gun shot to the head, sources have told SOHH. We are being told that the gun shot was self-inflicted.Stewart, a native of Oakland, CA, graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta before becoming a successful music publisher at Hitco publishing where he signed Ciara and Beyonce.

He was later hired by Def Jam in 2004, holding the position of VP of A&R before being promoted to Executive Vice President of Island Def Jam shortly after Jay-Z's departure in 2007. He is credited with signing big name acts such as Rick Ross and Young Jeezy. (From Sohh.com)