The Hitmaker Behind the Superstars: How L.A. Reid Helped Shape Modern Music

#NOLAZINE - Few music executives have influenced as many generations of artists as Antonio “L.A.” Reid. From his beginnings as a drummer to becoming the leader of several major record companies, Reid built his legacy by recognizing talent, developing superstars and helping create songs that defined popular music.

His career includes the success of LaFace Records, leadership positions at Arista, Island Def Jam and Epic Records, three Grammy Awards and involvement in the careers of artists such as TLC, Usher, Toni Braxton, Outkast, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Mariah Carey, Future and many others.

From musician to hitmaking producer

Before becoming an executive, Reid was a professional musician. He played drums in the R&B group The Deele alongside Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. The group became widely known for its 1988 hit “Two Occasions.”

Reid and Babyface eventually developed a successful songwriting and production partnership. Along with songwriter Daryl Simmons, they created music for artists such as Bobby Brown, Karyn White, The Whispers, Johnny Gill and Boyz II Men.

Reid helped write and produce Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road,” which became one of the biggest R&B songs of the 1990s. The record earned Reid, Babyface and Simmons a Grammy for Best R&B Song. Reid has received 10 Grammy nominations and won three awards during his career. The Recording Academy documents his Grammy history.

Building the LaFace Records empire

In 1989, Reid and Babyface co-founded LaFace Records through a partnership with Arista Records. The Atlanta-based label became one of the most important Black-owned creative forces in popular music.

LaFace helped introduce the world to Toni Braxton, TLC, Usher and Outkast. The label also worked with acts including Goodie Mob, Donell Jones and Pink.

TLC became one of the bestselling female groups in music history, releasing classic albums such as CrazySexyCool and FanMail. Toni Braxton developed into an international R&B star, while Usher grew from a teenage singer into one of the most successful entertainers of his generation.

Outkast’s success helped establish Atlanta as a major center of hip-hop. By believing in André 3000 and Big Boi, Reid helped open doors for a Southern rap movement that eventually transformed the entire industry.

LaFace did more than produce successful records. The company helped change how the music business viewed Atlanta and Southern talent. Reid’s ability to recognize artists with long-term potential became one of his greatest strengths.

Leading Arista Records

Reid’s success at LaFace eventually led to his appointment as president and CEO of Arista Records in 2000, succeeding legendary executive Clive Davis.

During his time at Arista, Reid worked with artists including Pink, Avril Lavigne, Ciara, Outkast and Usher. Several projects connected to the company became major commercial successes.

Usher’s 2004 album Confessions became one of the defining R&B albums of its era. Outkast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below became a diamond-certified release and won the Grammy for Album of the Year.

Reid proved that he could move beyond operating a specialized label and successfully lead a major record company with artists representing multiple genres.

Helping Mariah Carey make a historic comeback

In 2004, Reid became chairman and CEO of Island Def Jam Music Group. One of his greatest accomplishments during this period was helping Mariah Carey rebuild her career.

Carey released The Emancipation of Mimi in 2005, producing major records such as “We Belong Together,” “Shake It Off” and “Don’t Forget About Us.” The album returned Carey to the top of the charts and became one of music’s most celebrated career comebacks.

Under Reid’s leadership, Island Def Jam also experienced success with Kanye West, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Young Jeezy and Rick Ross. Reid’s guidance helped develop new stars while supporting established performers seeking another major moment.

Bringing hip-hop success to Epic Records

Reid became chairman and CEO of Epic Records in 2011. During his tenure, the label strengthened its presence in hip-hop and pop music.

Epic achieved success with Future, Travis Scott, DJ Khaled, Meghan Trainor and Fifth Harmony. Reid helped position Future as one of the leading artists of his generation. In 2017, Future made history by releasing two consecutive albums that debuted at No. 1.

Reid also oversaw the 2014 release of Michael Jackson’s posthumous album Xscape. The project featured previously recorded Jackson vocals updated by producers including Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins and Stargate.

His years at Epic demonstrated that even after decades in the business, Reid could continue identifying artists and sounds capable of connecting with younger audiences.

Awards and recognition

Reid’s accomplishments have been recognized throughout the entertainment industry. In addition to his three Grammy wins, he and Babyface received the BMI Icon Award in 2006 for their influence as songwriters and producers.

In 2013, Reid received the Recording Academy’s President’s Merit Award in recognition of his contributions to music. He was also honored with BET’s Business of Entertainment Award in 2016.

That same year, he released his memoir, Sing to Me: My Story of Making Music, Finding Magic, and Searching for Who’s Next. The book became a New York Times bestseller and documented his journey from Cincinnati musician to one of the industry’s most powerful executives.

A legacy built on recognizing greatness

L.A. Reid’s greatest accomplishment may be his ability to see potential before the rest of the world recognizes it. He understood that TLC could redefine the girl-group format, that Usher could become a global entertainer and that Outkast could carry Southern hip-hop to an international audience.

He also understood the value of reinvention. Whether helping Mariah Carey return to the top or rebuilding Epic Records around a new generation of stars, Reid repeatedly demonstrated an ability to match talent with the right music and moment.

From playing drums with The Deele to co-founding LaFace Records and leading some of the world’s largest music companies, L.A. Reid helped create a soundtrack that spans several generations.

His name may not always appear in the largest letters on an album cover, but his influence can be heard throughout R&B, hip-hop and pop music. L.A. Reid did not simply discover successful artists—he helped build superstars and reshape the modern music business.