L.A. Reid becomes Chairman and CEO of Epic Records

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

After seven years of running Island Def Jam, L.A. Reid abruptly quit. When Reid announced his departure, there were rumors of him leaving for Simon Cowell's "The X Factor." Soon, those rumors proved to be true. However, L.A. Reid said this did not mean he was done with the music industry.

Reid said he would likely go on to establish his own record label and continue signing artists. Only a few months after leaving his role with Island Def Jam, L.A. Reid began doing work for Epic Records. The past few years have been relatively rough on the label and they need leadership.

Doug Morris, the CEO of Sony, announced the decision to make the former Island Def Jam head the new CEO of Epic Records. He credited L.A. Reid's success in the music industry as his inspiration to make him the head of the label. L.A. Reid said he looks forward to making Epic Records the music company of the future, taking them to the next level.

L.A. Reid has been instrumental in the development of several Sony artists, both past and present.

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L.A. Reid may launch New Record Label

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

Long before he joined Def Jam, L.A. Reid had been a force in the record industry. Had it not been for Reid, many of the legendary hits people enjoy may have never been released. This was one of the reasons Def Jam decided to hire him. With the help of Jay-Z, Reid helped introduce Rihanna and Ne-Yo, among others.

But, when his contract with Def Jam expired, L.A. Reid decided not to renew. Following seven years with Def Jam, Reid opted to sign a deal with Simon Cowell. Reid is now one of the judges for his new series, "The X Factor." While his new gig pays more than Def Jam, it does not mean he is done with music.

During the late 1980s, L.A. Reid helped launch LaFace Records with singer Babyface. The label soon became home to such acts as Usher and TLC. Partnered with Arista Records, LaFace Records released several hits, solidifying L.A. Reid as a force in the music industry. Reid remained with LaFace for fifteen years before he decided to move on to Def Jam.

Now, after seven years at Island Def Jam, L.A. Reid is strongly considering creating a new record label. The label will follow the format of LaFace and what he turned Def Jam into, R&B. Reid reminded the people of who he is and how quickly he can make things happen. L.A. Reid said he is no idiot when it comes to doing business. He has been trying to be in control of his own career, once again, and a new label to go along with his "X Factor" deal may be what he is looking for.

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L.A. Reid talks Def Jam departure

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

Last month, news surfaced about L.A. Reid leaving Def Jam. He left his role with the label for a job as a host on Simon Cowell's new series, "The X Factor." In many ways, the job is much better than the job at Def Jam. Reid had been with Def Jam for nearly ten years and helped establish Ne-Yo and Rihanna, among others.

L.A. Reid has finally broken his silence about leaving Def Jam for the new Simon Cowell project. The executive said he will miss his old job, while he will love his new one. Reid said it was actually a tough decision to leave Def Jam. He had been with the label for so long and he had a hard time leaving for a new venture.

While L.A. Reid will miss Def Jam, he is very excited about judging the talent on "The X Factor." Walking out the door of Def Jam was indeed tough on him. But, "The X Factor" was an offer Reid could not refuse. Now, he is waiting in anticipation for filming to begin. Throughout his career, L.A. Reid has been around talented artists, so he is truly one to judge.

Simon Cowell went out and found the best when he decided to launch "The X Factor."

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Nicki Minaj said her life will Never be the Same after meeting Simon Cowell

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

For most of last week, Nicki Minaj was rumored to be a part of a new Simon Cowell television pilot, "The X Factor." Cowell was able to pull L.A. Reid away from Def Jam to be one of the judges for the show. Rumors suggested Nicki Minaj had agreed to become another judge for the show.

Simon Cowell has several projects planned for 2011-2012 and he does want to work with Nicki Minaj. Over the past year, she has taken it upon herself to become a superstar. A year ago, Nicki Minaj had just reached superstar status. Nicki Minaj has had several meetings with Cowell.

After meeting with Simon Cowell, Nicki Minaj revealed she has had a longtime crush on him. She said her dream date was with Cowell and it happened during their meeting. During the meeting, Nicki Minaj told the former "American Idol" jude her life would never be the same. While she has met all kinds of men since taking over the rap game, none of them can compare to Simon Cowell.

Nicki Minaj says she is serious when she says her life will never be the same since she met Simon Cowell.

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Nicki Minaj not doing "The X Factor"

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

For most of this past week, there has been discussion of Nicki Minaj joining "The X Factor." It was just yesterday when JR reported of how the show may be using Nicki Minaj's name for extra promotion. Simon Cowell, the executive producer of the series, landed a major coup when L.A. Reid joined the show.

With Nicki Minaj already tied to an upcoming film, named Charge It to the Game, it seemed as if she would also join "X Factor." But, when she was asked about joining the series, Nicki Minaj never gave a direct answer. Yesterday, several sites reported that she was close to agreeing to a lucrative deal.

Apparently, these stories have proven to be false. The latest report says Nicki Minaj will not be a part of the upcoming series, "The X Factor." Because of her hectic music career, the show would have to work around the schedule of Nicki Minaj. Even with her popularity, work has to be done on the set. While the stories do not tell why Nicki Minaj will not be a part of the show, this is most likely the reason. Simon Cowell confirmed there was no meeting between himself and Nicki Minaj. Now, a member of Nicki's team has said she will not be a part of the series.

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Nicki Minaj confirms "X Factor" rumors

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

Over the past few weeks, Nicki Minaj has been involved in all sorts of rumors. She has been cast for a new film and she is considering taking the role. In the same week, there were rumors of Nicki Minaj also becoming a part of "The X Factor."

Simon Cowell landed a major coup when he lured L.A. Reid away from Def Jam in order to host the show. Cowell thinks it is important to have industry insiders judge the show. He used landing Reid to pursue Nicki Minaj.

Because her name is so popular, many are using Nicki Minaj for things she has nothing to do with. In order to build publicity and hype, Simon Cowell is capable of doing the same thing. But, for the most part, people were looking forward to learning more.

Nicki Minaj confirmed she has been in meetings with Simon Cowell. Her popularity is high and she could help make "The X Factor" into a powerhouse. Aside from that, if her career ever did slip, she could use her television persona to help build back up. However, Nicki Minaj has yet to accept the invite to be a part of the show. Her music career is still very demanding and the show would have to work around her schedule.

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L.A. Reid leaves Def Jam for "The X Factor"

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

For nearly ten years, L.A. Reid has been running the show over at famed hip hop record label, Def Jam. During his tenure, Def Jam went from a big-time rap record label to focusing on R&B. This change in direction alienated many Def Jam fans. LL Cool J stated it was one of the reasons he ended up leaving the label.

Def Jam, despite the efforts of Kanye West and Rick Ross, has been on a steady decline for some time. Jay-Z stepped down as the CEO of the label and later as an artist. His entire Roc-A-Fella roster followed suit in 2008. When Jay-Z left, most of the Def Jam roster was looking for a way out.

Last summer, 50 Cent hinted at bringing his G-Unit label over to the struggling Def Jam label. Had he signed with Def Jam, the G-Unit roster would currently be posting hits for the label. But, when he opted for more creative control at EMI Records, Def Jam was hit with another blow. Now, with Rick Ross preparing to leave the label, along with Kanye West, L.A. Reid has jumped ship.

Last week, L.A. Reid revealed he was leaving Def Jam to host the new Simon Cowell series, "The X Factor."

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