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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > November > 07
Friday, November 7, 2008
Shakir Stewart’s Public Farewell
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
(The cover of the program, with Stewart’s daughter Micaela and son Sebastian)
(The back page)
Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin sent her “sincere and heartfelt condolences” to his family.
Morehouse College offered its King’s Chapel for the 1996 graduate’s service.
And Atlanta’s Grammy-wining R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo performedthe tear-jerker “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” in tribute.
But what probably resonated the most about the public memorial for Atlanta music executive Shakir Stewart Friday afternoon were the personal memories shared by those within his industry, who knew and loved the 34-year-old.
The chapel of artists (LL Cool J, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Chrisette Michele), politicians (Atlanta City Councilman Ceasar Mitchell, and fellow mayoral candidate, state Sen. Kasim Reed), fellow executives (Island Def Jam’s Steve Bartels and Karen Kwak) and industry tastemakers (MTV’s Fonzworth Bentley, BET’s Kenny Burns, DJ Toomp, DJ Don Cannon, Big Oomp, Isaac Hayes III) laughed along with Christopher Hicks as he imitated his friend “Shake’s” signature cool whisper from the podium. And when Shawn “Pecas” Costner recalled that the highlight of Island Def Jam Music Group’s annual Christmas party was what the executive vice president of Def Jam Recordings would wear.
“Was that a red velvet blazer?” Costner asked out loud. “With fur?!”
The crowd stood on its feet, arms raised, shouting “Hallelujah!” as Ted Lucas took on the role of powerful preacher, shouting “Thank you Lord!” at the podium, off the stage and out the chapel door.
And sobs could be heard throughout the sanctuary as a video tribute played depicting Stewart the child (as Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” played); the Morehouse Man (to the tune of Prince’s “Purple Rain”); the partner and father (to Maxwell and Ginuwine ballads) and finally “Shakir Stewart —The Man” (with music from Rick Ross and Young Jeezy, whom Stewart signed to record deals).
“Remember Shakir for what you know him to be,” Hicks said. “And Shake would have wanted us to know this: That we’ve got to have some balance.”
Stewart was found dead at his Marietta home last Saturday of an apparent suicide. A private funeral service and burial was held Thursday.
Were you in attendance Friday or at any of Stewart’s other services? And if so, what stood out to you about the tributes and/or Stewart?
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Public Service for Shakir Stewart Today
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What is being called a celebration of the life of Atlanta music scene power Shakir Stewart (pictured above, far right, with Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Sean Garrett) will be held at King’s Chapel at Morehouse College today at 3 p.m. .
Guests are encouraged to arrive an hour early. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that donations be sent to The Shakir Stewart Memorial Fund, through any SunTrust Bank, benefiting his children, Micaela and Sebastian Stewart.
For more information or to make a donation, go to www.shakirsstewart.com or directly to PayPal.
The 34-year-old executive vice president of Def Jam Recordings — and a Morehouse graduate — was found dead at his Marietta home Saturday of an apparent suicide. A private funeral was reportedly held Thursday.
