S. Samuel
Renowned record label Island Def Jam and rap mogul Antonio "L.A." Reid have reportedly terminated their affiliation with the chairman stepping down from his position.
According to a source from the label, Reid’s employment was terminated Monday (September 20) afternoon.
Record executive LA Reid during his tenure at Island Def Jam was responsible for heading over mega acts like Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Pink and Justin Bieber. Despite the fact that these artists are huge on popular consciousness, LA Reid still hasn’t been able to pull off any super sales. So… according to information on the entertainment wire, LA Reid got LET GO: “Def Jam fired L.A. Reid,” the source tells us. “He got the boot from the Board of Execs yesterday.” (Dime Wars)
Additional reporting suggests Reid may just be one of a few high-profile executives to lose their jobs.
Of course, the Def Jam folks are planning to keep the announcement very P.C. They will likely put out a statement saying things were cordial and/or mutual. But that’s def not the case, according to our source. Def Jam indeed did not renew his contract. We’re not privy to the details on the reasons behind the split. But we do know lots of politricks were involved. We also hear Sylvia Rhone, Executive VP at Def Jam’s parent company Universal, is next on the chopping block if Kelly Rowland’s next album doesn’t do well. So new blood will be riding in to Def Jam/Universal soon. Who will it be…. (The YBF)
Last February, Reid announced Def Jam’s acquisition of rapper Shyne.
“I have come here to stand by Shyne and to officially kick off our partnership with Island Def Jam Music Group and Gangland Records and so it is really an honour to be here, really very special place. I am here because great people are worthy of travelling many many miles for it and I come here to say that your country is great and I hope you guys know that this is a great man from your country who deserves this kind of respect and who deserves this kind of support. So that is why we are here.” (7 News Belize)
Since the mid-2000’s, Reid has earned a name for himself as the company’s chairman and CEO.
In 2010, Antonio “L.A.” Reid continues his sixth year as Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group. While nurturing the careers of Island Def Jam’s core artist roster and bringing an array of new artists to the forefront, he has aggressively guided the company into a future where the synergy of artists, music, video, new technologies, new business models, and a host of unforeseen marketing and promotion innovations are all being developed. (Island Def Jam)
No further details have been revealed as of now.
Check out a recent L.A. Reid interview down below:
