Jay-Z Def Jam Successor Died From Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound

Shakir Stewart, the man who succeeded US rapper Jay-Z as executive Vice President at Def Jam records, died on Saturday from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, it's been confirmed.

Stewart was found dead in the bathroom of his home in Marietta, a suburb of Atlanta. Police did not say who discovered his body.

The Californian took over from the rapper in June and was responsible for signing the likes of Rick Ross and Young Jeezy.

Stewart also signed R&B star Beyonce, Jay-Z’s wife, during his time at another company, Hitco Music Publishing.

In a statement, his family said: "Over the past several weeks, Shakir's behaviour was inconsistent with the man we all know and love."

A statement from Def Jam described Stewart as an "amazing man in every sense of the word".