DeepSummary
The transcript is a conversation with L.A. Reid, former CEO of LaFace Records, Arista Records, and Def Jam Recordings. Reid discusses how he and Babyface decided to move from Los Angeles to Atlanta in 1988 to start LaFace Records, which went on to launch the careers of artists like TLC, Outkast, and Usher. He talks about how he signed Outkast and the creative process behind their hit song 'Elevators'.
Reid also shares details about navigating the label politics and tensions between East Coast and West Coast hip-hop in the 1990s when he took over as CEO of Def Jam. He explains how he initially felt unwelcomed by Def Jam's executives and artists but eventually gained acceptance after making Jay-Z the president. Reid also recounts the marketing strategy behind launching Justin Bieber's career.
Throughout the interview, Reid reflects on his musical instincts, relationships with artists, and how the industry has evolved, particularly with the rise of streaming services. He emphasizes the continued importance of record labels in discovering and nurturing talent despite the growth of independent artists.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- L.A. Reid played a pivotal role in launching the careers of major artists like Outkast, TLC, and Justin Bieber through his leadership at record labels.
- Navigating the cultural significance and community voice around iconic labels like Def Jam presented unique challenges for Reid as an executive.
- Despite the growth of independent artists, Reid believes major record labels still hold immense value in discovering, nurturing, and maximizing an artist's potential.
- Reid emphasizes the music industry requires true passion and commitment, contrasting it with the ease of releasing music as a hobbyist in the digital age.
- Pivotal decisions, like changing singles or music videos, revealed Reid's relentless pursuit of excellence, even if it meant scrapping prior work.
- The transition to streaming has disrupted the industry, but Reid views this as an opportunity for curation rather than signals the demise of labels.
- Reid had to balance relationships across rivaling acts and navigate tensions, like those between the East and West Coast hip-hop scenes.
- Artist development remained crucial, as Reid tailored marketing strategies to match an act's unique persona, as seen with Justin Bieber.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “When I walked in, I was shocked by. I was shocked by it all. I was shocked by the voice of the community and their opinions about anything that happened. I didn't realize that Def Jam belonged to the streets. It belonged to the people.“ by L.A. Reid
- “It's not for hobbyists. This is not for hobbyists. Serious. I know, and that bothers me.“ by L.A. Reid
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Episode Information
Questlove Supreme
iHeartPodcasts
4/29/24
Looking back to the third and final part of LA Reid's epic QLS interview. This 2022 chat covers the founding of LaFace Records and some rarely discussed history surrounding OutKast and TLC. LA also looks at his time leading Def Jam and identifying Rihanna and Kanye West as the label's new stars.
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