A private funeral service will be held for Atlanta music executive Shakir Stewart, who was found dead at his Marietta home Saturday of an apparent suicide.

Arrangements are pending, said a spokesman at Murray Bros. Cascade Chapel in Atlanta.

Stewart, 34, was found dead in the bathroom of his home on Lindsey Drive off lower Roswell Road in east Cobb. Police believe he shot himself with a handgun. They declined to release any further details Monday.

Stewart ran the day-to-day operations of Def Jam Recordings, the best known hip-hop label in the country. He was named executive vice president about five months ago, succeeding rap superstar Jay-Z.

"It is difficult to express or explain in words what led to the tragic occurrence on Saturday," Stewart's fiance, Michelle Rivers said in a statement released through Island Def Jam Music Group. "Over the past several weeks, Shakir's behavior was inconsistent with the man we all know and love. As much as we all tried to help him, Shakir was in deep pain and largely suffering in silence."

An autopsy report will take up to 12 weeks, according to the county's medical examiners office.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Blooper celebrates the Atlanta Brave’s 5-0 win over the New York Mets during a MLB game Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Truist Park. This year, the venue is a first-time host of the MLB All-Star game. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

Credit: Daniel Varnado for the AJC

Featured

Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC