LA Reid Talks Def Jam, X Factor and Breaking into the Business

Rumors of the demise of Island Def Jam Music Group have been greatly exaggerated, says the label’s former honcho, LA Reid.

Reid, who stepped down as Chairman and CEO of the label in March to join the U.S. version of the British singing competition “The X Factor,” alongside its creator and former American Idol judge Simon Cowell, told Human Nature that the recent restructuring at Def Jam will not curtail the label.

“Why would it go under?,” says Reid, who recently attended Russell Simmons’ 12^th Annual Art For Life benefit in the Hamptons. “It’s a legacy. It’s going to be around forever.”

By Chris Windham

Human Nature magazine

Reid resigned from the Def Jam in March, setting off a series of moves that has included the planned sharing of such back-office functions as legal, finance and digital operations between Universal Motown Republic Group and Island Def Jam Music Group, and the naming of Bruno Mars’ manager, Brandon Creed, as an A&R consultant, and Chicago producer No I.D., of Common and Kanye West fame, as Executive Vice President of Def Jam.

Def Jam also laid off about 20 staffers as it reshuffled its ranks, garnering concern from fans and industry officials about the direction off the label. However, Reid says he’s confident that label will survive.

“The staff that I had at Def Jam are really amazing people,” he said. “I’m saying that selfishly because it’s a staff that I put together and I believe they are well equipped to handle any work that is put before them.”

For now, Reid says he’s concentrating on the first season of X Factor in which he’ll serve as a judge alongside Cowell, Paula Abdul and former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger. X Factor doesn’t debut on Fox until September 21, but fans were treated an extended viewing September 11. Reid is also set to take on the chairman title at the soon-to-be restructured Epic Label, according to reports.

On the show, Reid is gaining an early reputation for his sharp critiques of contestants.

Reid said the transition from the behind-the-scenes work of a music mogul to in front of the camera has been progressing, albeit slowing. “It’s still a work in progress,” he says. “It’s going well.”

As for the advice and critiques he’ll give out this season, Reid says his messages is clear.

“I love people who aspire to sing, as long as they can sing,” he says. “My message is really simple: ‘make sure you can do it, before you can pursue it.'”

Watch video interview with LA Reid below.