Def Jam exec deals with business, loss

But then, smiling and joking is not what you expect from a guy who just assumed the title held by his longtime friend, Shakir Stewart, who reportedly committed suicide at his east Cobb County home in November.

Island Def Jam Music Group Chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid hired Hicks — a local behind-the-scenes power in publishing, artist development and management within his own company (Noontime) and others (Atlantic Records, Warner/Chappell)— three months after Stewart's death.

Last week, the No. 1 album in the country (Rick Ross' "Deeper Than Rap," with executive producer Shakir Stewart) was from Hicks' Def Jam label.

In an interview at his intown office, Hicks discussed the position he holds at the legendary rap label and the position he's in personally:

So let's start with the obvious — what is it like to have Shakir's job after his death?

"I don't think that I have Shakir's position. I think, well, let me explain it this way: When you're working at a company you want to grow and you want to evolve. And I worked at Warner Music Group in a dual capacity: I ran the urban music department at Warner/Chappell and basically restructured that company — from an urban standpoint. Then I also worked at Atlantic Records.

"And I think that there came a point in time where I just didn't know how I was going to continue to grow in the manner that I'm accustomed. And I think that, then, Shakir was very helpful in kind of fostering and growing a relationship with L.A.

"I'm really like an R&B and popular music A&R [artist and repertoire] person. That's my taste and tone. And Shakir was very much rap-driven — on the basis of his [artist] signings. So we had talked about and thrown around a couple of different concepts."

So you're saying Shakir was instrumental in bringing you to Def Jam?

"We floated several concepts: One being that I would do a joint venture with [his] company [Content] and work very closely with them in that capacity. ... It would have a record company component. A publishing component. And then just an overall new business component.

"Then it evolved into creating a position I actually have now, where I would kind of run the black pop, R&B side of the label. And Shake would run the rap side of the label. ... L.A. has since hired a staff to kind of cover those bases."

So what distinguishes what you're doing now from what the three of you were envisioning you would do?

"In all honesty, [Stewart's] absence. Him not being at that building left a gaping hole. He was the centerpiece of the building. ... You can't replace dude. Anybody who knew him knows he was a very special individual. I think anybody he touches, touched, is very privileged. And I'm not saying that lightly either. He was a close friend of mine. So I've never viewed it to be taking his spot ... As I've been in this seat, it's one of the misconceptions that I've had to deal with; but I'm very much at peace with it. I don't think I have a relationship with L.A. without Shakir. Clearly."

So when you go into work each day — at your New York office, or here —what exactly are you charged with doing?

"I'm pretty much responsible for making sure that all the people that work on Def Jam proper are driven and that we're making our release dates. And that our product is where it's supposed to be. And then, I have an entrepreneurial mindset. So I'm here to bring new, different ideas about how we can conduct our business, moving forward.

"I'm the result person. People come to me when they're looking for a specific result. I complement L.A. because he's put me in a position to continue what I've done in my career. I don't write, sing, produce or dance. I'm really only as strong as the relationships around me. And my being able to help facilitate those relationships and move those agendas forward, I really pride myself in that; because that's why I am where I am today."

How much of a challenge is it leading the best-known label in rap?

"Though R&B and popular music are my taste and tone, I think I know a little something about the other side of the trade. I mean, when I was at Warner/Chappell, I signed T.I. I signed Lil Wayne. So I'd like to believe I guess right from time to time."

How difficult do you think it will be to reintroduce your artist, Rihanna, back into the marketplace?

"Rihanna has had how many No. 1 hits, over a short period of time and the course of a mere three albums? When it's time, all we'll need is another hit, and she'll be fine."

Finally, as a friend, how are you coping with the loss of Shakir? Has anything become clearer as time has passed?

"Tough question because how do things become better or clearer if your friend is still gone?

"Sometimes I think, maybe we should have all kept in closer touch. Maybe we would have seen something, noticed something, been able to [trails off]. You just don't get over someone like Shake. That's what was special about him."