Music producer Shakir Stewart dies

NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. music producer Shakir Stewart was found dead of a possible suicide Saturday in Atlanta, sources told a trade newspaper.

Although Billboard reported on its Web site that sources said Stewart committed suicide, TMZ reported the cause of his death was still under investigation.

Billboard.com said no other details regarding his death were available by the time it posted its story.

The Oakland, Calif., native, who was in his early 30s, replaced Jay-Z as head vice president of Def Jam Records in June after the hip-hop mogul left the position late last year.

Stewart is best known for signing artists such as Rick Ross and Young Jeezy to the label. He also signed Beyonce when he previously worked for Hitco Music Publishing.

"L.A. Reid and all of us at Island Def Jam Music Group are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague Shakir Stewart," Stewart's record label said in a statement issued to Billboard.com. "Shakir was an amazing man in every sense of the word. A truly incredible friend and father who was an inspiration to not only our artists and employees, but to his family and the many people that had the privilege of counting him as a friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time."