In Memory of ODB

More Details on Shakir Stewart's Death

by Linda Hobbs
A day after Def Jam’s Shakir Stewart committed suicide, the family of the executive released a statement: “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.”

Now newer details are emerging regarding the “inconsistent behavior.” According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Stewart’s friend Herb Smith, who was present at Stewart’s home the day of the tragedy, told police that Stewart was “wigging out” before his death.

On October 31, Stewart’s finance Michelle Rivers, first noticed things were strange with Stewart when they went out for Halloween. At a loss, Rivers called Smith to talk to him.

Smith says that he went over to Stewart’s Marietta home, to find his friend visibly shaken. Stewart never confided in Smith, nor Rivers, what was wrong and he eventually told Smith to leave the house and go “back home to his wife and children.”

Smith told police that soon as he stepped out the door he called 911. Seconds later, he heard a gunshot. Rivers, who was in the couple’s kitchen at the time, found Stewart on the master bedroom floor with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head— not the bathroom, as previously reported.

A private funeral for the executive was held Thursday. On Friday, a public memorial at Stewart’s alma mater Morehouse, was held at the King’s Chapel in Atlanta, where Def Jam artist Ne-Yo sung “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday.” Guests included many of Stewart’s Def Jam family: LL Cool J, Chrisette Michele, Steve Bartels and Karen Kwak. Other mourners included DJ Don Cannon, Big Oomp, Atlanta City Councilman Ceasar Mitchell, and DJ Toomp. A biographical video tribute (to the tunes of Michael Jackson, Prince, Maxwell, Ginuwine, Rick Ross and Young Jeezy) was played.

Autopsy reports will be available in 12 weeks.

Dee Dee Warwick Dies

by: Linda Hobbs

Singer Dee Dee Warwick, sister of Dionne Warwick and cousin of Whitney Houston, died Saturday. She was 63.

Warwick succumbed in a nursing home in Essex County, New Jersey. According to NME, her sister Dionne was by her side. Warwick’s exact cause of death is still unknown.

The soul singer is best known for her 60s and 70s hits, “Foolish Fool” and “She Didn't Know (She Kept on Talking).” She also worked as a background vocalist for Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett before going solo. Warwick most recently lended her vocals on sister Dionne’s one-woman autobiographical show hit “My Music & Me” this year.

Dolemite Dies

by: Linda Hobbs

Comedian and “Dolemite” star Rudy Ray Moore died from complications from diabetes Sunday evening. He was 81.

Moore succumbed in a nursing home in Akron Ohio, the Associated Press reports. A comedian who wasn’t afraid to push boundaries, Moore was best known for his role as a pimp in 1975’s “Dolemite”. He soon became an icon in hip hop, collaborating with rap stars 2 Live Crew, Busta Rhymes, Big Daddy Kane and Snoop Dogg.

Lead Singer of The Four Tops Dies

by: Linda Hobbs

Levi Stubbs, the lead singer of legendary Motown group, The Four Tops, has died. He was 72.

The Four Tops are best known for the hits, “Standing in the Shadows of Love” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Stubbs, a Detroit native, laid the ground-work for future male lead singers, particularly with his signature groan and, at times, manly high-pitch. The group, formed in 1954, suffered the lost of members Lawrence Payton in 1997, and Renaldo “Obie” Benson, who passed in 2005.