The family of Def Jam's Shakir Stewart is preparing for a private funeral this week, after the exec was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Monday.
According to the Cobb medical examiner’s office, the autopsy report will take up to 12 weeks. Police are also withholding official details about the untimely death. Still, speculation amongst industry insiders is beginning to make its<--more--> rounds, with some suggesting that the demise of the A&R star might be related to his involvement with the infamous Black Mafia Family.
Stewart's suicide was shocking in light of his recent promotion to Executive Vice President of A&R just this past summer - a position he called his "dream job." He filled a vacuum left at Def Jam after the exit of rap star and former president of the label, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter.
Official statements from the Stewart family expressed their sadness and implied that something had changed about their loved one in the days before his death.
“It is difficult to express or explain in words what led to the tragic occurrence on Saturday. Over the past several weeks, Shakir's behavior was inconsistent with the man we all know and love,†a statement read.
According to a music industry source, Stewart was completely engrossed by his work and never seemed happy. Though his salary and respect in the music business was generous, sources say that Stewart was always attracted to the fast life, and he was even known to borrow large amounts of money.
"He enjoyed the hustle, the wheeling and dealing. He was always on the move, never sitting still...and always in touch with gangsta types," said a source. No organized crime ties have been confirmed.
According to the Cobb medical examiner’s office, the autopsy report will take up to 12 weeks. Police are also withholding official details about the untimely death. Still, speculation amongst industry insiders is beginning to make its<--more--> rounds, with some suggesting that the demise of the A&R star might be related to his involvement with the infamous Black Mafia Family.
Stewart's suicide was shocking in light of his recent promotion to Executive Vice President of A&R just this past summer - a position he called his "dream job." He filled a vacuum left at Def Jam after the exit of rap star and former president of the label, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter.
Official statements from the Stewart family expressed their sadness and implied that something had changed about their loved one in the days before his death.
“It is difficult to express or explain in words what led to the tragic occurrence on Saturday. Over the past several weeks, Shakir's behavior was inconsistent with the man we all know and love,†a statement read.
According to a music industry source, Stewart was completely engrossed by his work and never seemed happy. Though his salary and respect in the music business was generous, sources say that Stewart was always attracted to the fast life, and he was even known to borrow large amounts of money.
"He enjoyed the hustle, the wheeling and dealing. He was always on the move, never sitting still...and always in touch with gangsta types," said a source. No organized crime ties have been confirmed.
The Black Mafia Family (BMF) quickly gained notoriety and respect among the hip-hop community.
The group began to draw unwanted attention from federal agents in 2003 once they established a high-profile operation in Atlanta, where they erected billboards, held lavish parties, created DVDs, and boasted of their connections with rappers Young Jeezy and Fabolous.
In 2005, agents raided several key BMF operations in Georgia, Michigan, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri and California.
Brothers Demetrius "Big Meech" and Terry "Southwest T" Flenory were apprehended in 2005 and indicted under the CCE (Continuing Criminal Enterprise) law, which carry life sentences. The brothers pleaded guilty in November 2007 to the CCE charges and laundering drug money in hopes of serving the minimum 20 year sentence. However, evidence presented by prosecutors resulted in 30 year sentences for both men.
Demetrius and Terry were sentenced on September 12, 2008 to 30 years in prison, for running the cocaine organization known as The Black Mafia Family. BMF was founded by the brothers in Detroit during the late 1980s.
After quickly securing valuable contacts with international coke suppliers, the organization grew to a nationwide criminal conspiracy within a few years.
At their peak, Demetrius and Terry Flenory are estimated to have controlled a cocaine empire worth $270 million.
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