Island Def Jam CEO L.A. Reid steps down

Antonio “L.A.” Reid will leave his job as chairman of Island Def Jam to become a judge on Simon Cowell’s upcoming show “The X Factor,” a source familiar with Cowell’s offer confirmed to Billboard Wednesday.

Island Def Jam will continue to be run by Steve Bartels. Barry Weiss, the former Sony Music executive joining Universal Music Group this month, is expected to add oversight of Island Def Jam to his duties.

In his frewell letter Reid wrote: “I am extremely proud of our beautiful roster and all we have accomplished in my seven years with IDJ. We continue to have incredible success together with today’s most phenomenal superstars – Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Bon Jovi, Jennifer Lopez, Ne-Yo, Rick Ross, The Killers, The Dream, Chrisette Michele, Jeezy and Ludacris to name a few.”

L.A. Reid had a great influence on Rihanna’s music. It is yet unknown how and if it will affect her career anyway. He was recently quoted by Vogue magazine saying about Rihanna: “She became a star before she became an adult. Her nature is to protect herself.”

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TK-75523

I'm gonna miss LA Reid as the CEO. He has kinda always been there and I wish he could stay there longer thou.
I LOVE RIHANNA <33333333333333333333333
JungleDisturbia

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo he was awesome and Rihanna really liked him! :( Bye Mr. L.A. Reid… we will miss you!
Cathyhi5

L.A. Reid has made another career move and I feel its good for him. I think he will do very well on X-factor, he will be a good complement to Simon, maybe like how Randy was. He knows how to pick winners and stars and would def do that on X-Factor, better than how AI has done I believe. I wish him all the best. Simon picked well ans smart. Kudos b/c this guy L.A. really knows the business WELL.
dee

I think he would be a great judge he is very smart and knows talent and music very well.
bodacious

heres wishing you the best that life has to offer to you and yours mr. reid.!!!!!!!
RYK101

this is how it will be: rihanna will release a greatest hits album, it will be her last album for DefJam and then she will leave the label, cause now Jay-Z and LA Reid are gone which were i think, the most important persons for her career sin day one
Cathyhi5

@Ryk101, I have said that awhile back that greatest hits album would and should be next. Idk the timeline 4 Rih exit from Def Jam, but nothing last 4eva.
Cathyhi5

Its been a good ride with L.A. Reid @ the helm of Island Def Jam after leaving LaFace successes but I think he followed up well @ Def Jam. Rih and L.A. Had quite a run in music together and he has been, must have been a real strong support in her growth from 16 when she arrived @ Def. So, now he embarks on further tier in his professional life. I am certainly looking 4ward to X factor and hat ir sure to be a huge hit come fall.
Cathyhi5

Ugh, typos. On A further tier. And WHAT IS sure to be. Ugh, two typos, eh.
ohmyfenty

http://fuse.tv/music/polls/battle-of-the-fans-pop…

vote rihanna, we're going upopppp!!