Yesterday and early today, Internet rumors swirled about the supposed firing of Def Jam Chairman and CEO, L.A. Reid. Reid joined Def Jam in 2004 after the closure of Arista, following the merger of the BMG-owned company with Sony Music.
This comes months after fave ATLien, OutKast’s Big Boi moved to the label for the support of his mentor pending the release of Sir Lucious Left Foot: Son of Chico Dusty, when Jive Records failed to move the project forward. Singer-songwriter Terius “Dream” Nash was also rumored to be ousted from the 25-year-old label.
A spokesperson from Def Jam’s, parent company, Universal Music Group, stated that the stories are “completely untrue and without merit.” Hip-hop mag XXL, was among the first to publish the statement.
As for now, the Dream stays put and Reid’s position remains intact. His executive profile is still displayed on the official Def Jam site.
What did you think? Did you believe that Def Jam was ready to name a successor to Reid or did you smell a rumor from the beginning?
Drop your comments below.
Keep up with hip-hop in Atlanta. SUBSCRIBE above. For ideas or suggestions, email: hiphopcontributor@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @ShannonBForever.
Comments