1. 95Issue 37
L.A. Reid has many titles under his belt: musician, songwriter, record
producer, music executive, former music judge, and now chairman and CEO
of Epic Records. The entertainment industry undeniably recognizes his
contributions in music, business, and entrepreneurship. The Grammy Award-
winning executive has mentored some of the biggest names in music including
P!nk, TLC, Toni Braxton, Mariah Carey, Usher, Donnell Jones, and Outkast. His
work is commended because he understands the importance of being business
savvy, turning a prospective artist’s dream into a reality, and composing and
recording material that will leave the world stunned. L.A Reid turned his life-
long passion of music into a business empire emulated by aspiring business men.
But achievements didn’t come automatically--he took risks, embraced his humble
beginnings as an artist, believed in his former record label, and wasn’t afraid of
change and the process of evolution.
Reid’s musical debut began when he was a
member of the R&B band, The Deele, which
also included Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds.
The group recorded their groundbreaking hit,
“Two Occasions” in the 1980s. Even though
the group disbanded before the single was
released,itisstillconsideredoneofthegreatest
R&B tracks of all time. The group performs
the single occasionally at concerts because it
will always be a Top 10 hit for listeners. Fans
can sing the lyrics to a significant other when
trying to reconcile. After his stint in Deele
ended, Reid launched LaFace Records with
Babyface in Atlanta, Georgia in 1989. Reid’s
professional accomplishments show how he
utilized his gifts and talents to help others
make names for themselves in the music
industry. Already knowing the “ins and
outs” of the music business, he reached out
to Clive Davis, founder of Arista Records,
for funding to start his label. From that point
on, Reid and Babyface received mainstream
success as executives and LaFace was one
of the biggest record labels in the 1990s.
Reid handled all of the business affairs and
Babyface was a prolific songwriter for their
musical acts. Aspiring artists were intrigued
by the success and record sales of the artists
who were signed to the label at the time. The
label had experienced a few stumbling blocks
(bankruptcy and lawsuits from Braxton and TLC), but it will always be known for
creating memorable moments in R&B history.
After a number of business affairs, Reid teamed up with Arista Records and
became CEO of the label for four years. While there, he sharpened up his expertise
as a lead businessman. Under his leadership, artists experienced overnight
success. Usher released his diamond selling album, Confessions in 2004, P!nk’s
Missundastood sold five million records, Avril Lavigne’s debut album, Let Go sold
six million records and Outkast’s Grammy Award-winning album Speakerboxx/
The Love Below sold 10 million records. Unfortunately, Reid was released from
his contract in 2004. But one failed professional endeavor didn’t stop him from
helping other artists regain their prominence. Eventually, he became Chairman
and CEO of Island Def Jam Music Group. During his time at Island Def Jam,
Mariah released her multi-platinum selling album, The Emancipation of Mimi and
was responsible for other artists’ success including Rihanna, Jay-Z, Ne-Yo, and
former teen sensation, Justin Bieber.
As Chairman and CEO of Epic Records, Reid is embarking on a new journey in
his life as he discovers up and coming artists for the near future. Reid mentioned
his future musical endeavors with journalist Roy Trakin: “My greatest joy is in
seeing an unknown become somebody. By taking this Epic job, I needed to do that
again. Doug [Morris] told me there’s a place for people like me… it’s called the
insane asylum.” As the music industry continues to evolve, there will always be
unfinished business for Reid. He knows consumers are waiting to hear about his
next move or what musical act he will place on the scene. Indeed, we shall see.
words DOMINIQUE CARSON
ICON
ANTONIO
“LA” REID
One of
Music’s Biggest
Innovators