After Delivering 21 Savage, DJ Khaled & Future, L.A. Reid Packs His Bags

Music mogul L.A. Reid is heading to greener pastures. The hip-hop executive is reportedly leaving his spot as Epic Records chairman after a six-year stint.

According to reports, Reid’s run at prestigious label has come to an unexpected end.

Antonio Marquis “L.A.” Reid is leaving his post as chairman of Epic Records, Variety has learned. The veteran executive joined the Sony Music label in July 2011. During his six-year run, Reid signed such hit acts as Meghan Trainor, Future, Travis Scott, Fifth Harmony, and DJ Khaled, the latter of whom currently has the No. 1 song in the U.S. with “I’m the One.” He also brought Mariah Carey back into the Sony fold, after having signed the singer at his previous position as chief executive of Island Def Jam. It is unclear what Reid’s next move will be, though he is an executive producer on the scripted drama “Cotton Club.” (Variety)

Last month, rap veteran Rick Ross shared a clip of L.A. praising his Rather You Than Me album.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSoqtVFDkr-/?taken-by=richforever

Back in January, rap newcomer 21 Savage credited Reid for inspiring him to join Epic.

“Yeah, I’m finna ink something up real soon. What you heard? [Epic Records?] Yeah, yeah, shout-out L.A. [Reid]. [I signed] ’cause he black. He black. He’s probably the last black CEO. How not? Why not? I know he’ll understand me before anyone else understands me. I ain’t just wanna sign on some straight business sh*t. I wanted to sign to someone who believes in me and understands me. They was adamant. Like, ‘We want you over here.’ Sh*t, we started f*cking with him. … He’s a legend.” (Rap Radar Podcast)

Last year, Reid spoke out on the type of music protégé Future contributed to hip-hop culture.

“I think I might have said that you need a lyric sheet. But it’s a feeling. That’s soul music, what Future is doing. That’s soul music. It’s a different version of it but that’s soul music. That’s not traditional rap. Right? And that’s what you’re saying? But then that would be judging him by a bar. You have to judge artists by who they are.” (“The Breakfast Club”)