I know I’m late posting this, but I just saw it for the first time yesterday.
Jermaine Dupri’s new artist Q Da Kid delivers an emotional, uplifting song from his heart to the late industry veteran Shakir Stewart.
As most of you know, Shakir passed away last year from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Prior to his death, Shakir had become a victim of the economy and several flopped projects at Def Jam. In other words, he was about to lose his dream job.
Those closest to him say in his last days, Shakir was a different man — his spirit was broken. I can’t say any more because I promised someone I wouldn’t.
Anyway, Q Da Kid says it all. A little background for you. The guys in the background are other industry veterans who all came up with Shakir and are all instrumental in helping launch the careers of other artists over the years.
They are all humble men and if you seem them in the clubs you would never know of their contributions to the entertainment industry. The light skinned man is lovingly referred to as “Cheez” and he is the son of the late writer Donald Goins.
The little boy in the video is Sean Jean model Lil Von, the son of Big V Johnson, who is seen at the 1:42 mark in the video. Big V and Shakir were very close since their college days. Big V used to work for Def Jam also.
Just yesterday I posted a picture of Big V celebrating at Shawn “Tubby” Holiday’s birthday. I told you he was married to Nicole in the 3 Brown Girls. Lil V is their son.
I also see “Stay Fresh” (in the dark blue jacket and ball cap at the 2:26 mark) who is A&R at BME Recordings, which used to be co-owned by Lil Jon.
So if you see these guys out & about, thank them because these are the guys who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep Hip Hop alive and relevant.
