Rob Stone, founder of Cornerstone Agency and Fader magazine, reportedly died on Monday after a private battle with cancer. Stone’s family, longtime friend, and co-CEO of Fader, Jon Cohen, broke the news via social media. He was 55.
“It is with a heavy heart and sadness we share the news of the passing of Rob Stone,” read the caption on an Instagram post shared on Stone’s account by family on Monday morning. “Rob bravely fought cancer over the past year. He chose to keep his diagnosis private in order to focus on his family. He was a truly amazing person who lived an incredible life.”
Cohen remembered his childhood friend with a series of photos that dated back to graduation with the following caption:
“I will love you forever Rob Stone. Our partnership was incredible. The things we accomplished together we could have never dreamed of doing when we were 15. Yes we did want to kill each other at times but the love and respect we had in building our company for 28 years was special. But way bigger than our success was our friendship. There is no one I loved having at my side more than you. We experienced so much together. I will tell your story and our stories together for the rest of my life. There are so many incredible ones. Thank you for all that you taught me. Thank you for always having my back and thank you for always making me laugh. I will think of you at every Knick game, I will feel your presence every time I hear a Biggie song and laugh with you during every ridiculous NY Jet loss.”
Rob Stone notably entered the entertainment industry in the early 90s with the launch of his Cornerstone Agency. Eventually, the company would become an influential marketing agency known for its unique incorporation of hip-hop with iconic brands such as Coca-Cola, Nike, and the NBA.
The success of Cornerstone led Stone and Cohen to create Fader magazine in 1999. The publication has become a visionary outlet known for its inspirational documentation of up-and-coming artists who have become global superstars. Together, the companies would grow to become a small empire with over 100 employees and more than $100 million in annual revenue.
In 2022, Stone expanded the publication with the launch of Fader Films, the first release of which was the late-rap star XXXTentacion’s documentary Look At Me.
Tributes from industry veterans and artists flooded social media after the news of Stone’s death. “I love you Rob and will miss you like crazy Lauren we got you,” commented legendary record executive Steve Rifkin, who helped Stone and Cohen launch Cornerstone.
Sway Calloway commented, “Love this man and his family. I’m going to miss our friendship from the beginnings of our careers. So for him watching over my daughter.”
“Damn Damn Damn This one hurts,” wrote DJ Enuff.
Stone is survived by his wife, Lauren Stone, and their three children.