Atlanta Music Scene

And according to the press release just hitting desks, that will make him responsible for the day-to-day activities of the legendary hip-hop label, including signing and developing new talent, overseeing producers and “guiding the creative vision and brand recognition” of Def Jam.

You know, what hip-hop giant Jay-Z’s job was, before he left.

But Stewart won’t go so far as to say that. “I don’t really say ‘I’m replacing Jay-Z’. He’s a personal friend. He’s a legend. He’s an icon. But obviously there was a void at the label when he left, and I have accepted that role to lead the company into the future, with L.A. Reid.”

Reid and Stewart’s relationship goes back to the late ’90s, when the Morehouse College graduate identified the talent in a pre-superstar Beyonce and signed her to Reid’s Atlanta-based publishing company, Hitco. Stewart was also an A&R consultant at the now-closed Atlanta imprint, LaFace Records, and Arista Records, to which he signed local Grammy winner Ciara.

Since 2004 he had served as senior vice president of A&R for Def Jam, and vice president, during which time he signed Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy and Miami hip-hop star Rick Ross.

“The bold young management style that Shakir has established at Def Jam is one of the major reasons behind the label’s success today,” Reid says in the announcement. “From his solid roots in music publishing, he has grown to master the world of hip-hop and urban music.”

Stewart will continue to be based in New York and Atlanta because, “Atlanta is still on the forefront of music,” said the Oakland, Cal. native. “This is where I grew up professionally. This is where my friends are. This is home. How could I just abandon a place where there is so much incredible, creative talent?”

Were you at Morehouse when Stewart and fellow entertainment powers Ryan Glover, Christopher Hicks and Noonie used to throw parties as Ivory Coast Entertainment? Ever tried to get a record deal from him? Agree with what he says about the Atlanta music scene, now?