L.A. Reid Net Worth

What is L.A. Reid’s Net Worth? The Music Mogul’s Empire

L.A. Reid, a titan in the music industry, has amassed a substantial net worth of $300 million. This figure reflects his decades-long career as a music executive, producer, and entrepreneur. Reid’s influence is undeniable, marked by his role as the founder of Hitco Entertainment and Hitco Music Publishing, as well as his co-founding of LaFace Records alongside Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. Beyond these ventures, he held pivotal positions as chairman and CEO of industry giants like Epic Records and The Island Def Jam Music Group. His ability to spot talent, nurture artists, and consistently deliver hit records has solidified his status as a true music mogul, a rare breed in today’s evolving music landscape.

Reid’s impact on the music world is evident in his collaborations with a diverse array of exceptionally famous artists. The sheer number of artists he has worked with is a testament to his skill. He has a knack for identifying and developing musical talent. He has worked with dozens of the most iconic artists in music history, including

• Bobby Brown
• TLC
• Usher
• Toni Braxton
• Boyz II Men
• Mariah Carey
• Avril Lavigne
• Justin Bieber
• Kanye West
• Rihanna
• Whitney Houston
• Travis Scott

His contributions to the success of these artists have been enormous. For instance, during his tenure at LaFace Records, TLC achieved record-breaking sales of 75 million albums, and Usher, who was signed to the label at 16, sold 65 million albums. Reid and Babyface’s songwriting prowess was recognized with a Grammy Award for writing the Boyz II Men song “End of the Road.” Over the course of his career, Reid has earned three Grammy Awards, showcasing his skill both as a music executive and as a creative force. He is one of the few remaining people who has managed to thrive in the music industry.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Antonio Marquis Reid, better known as L.A. Reid, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 7, 1956. From an early age, music captivated him, and he found inspiration in the works of James Brown, Sly Stone, and Led Zeppelin. As a child, Reid’s passion for music extended to his creative use of everyday objects. He used pots and pans as drum sets, transforming anything that could produce a beat into a musical instrument. His musical journey was significantly influenced by the rich musical traditions of his hometown, Cincinnati. By his teenage years, Reid was already playing drums in a band, honing his performance skills and gaining experience in front of audiences. His personality grew through the expensive clothes he wore, so his friends started calling him L.A.

Early Career: From Drums to Production

In the mid-1970s, L.A. Reid began his professional musical journey playing drums for a group called Pure Essence. He experienced more widespread success as a member of The Deele, a band that produced several hit songs. A key musical partnership developed during this time, as Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds was also a member of The Deele. This connection would prove pivotal in their future collaborative endeavors.

LaFace Records: A Powerhouse Emerges

Following the breakup of The Deele, Reid and Babyface combined their talents to establish LaFace Records. This venture was made possible through a joint partnership with Arista Records, with financial backing from Arista founder Clive Davis. LaFace Records quickly rose to prominence. They went on to become one of the most successful record labels in the world. LaFace Records’ success helped many artists achieve commercial success. TLC’s albums sold 75 million copies worldwide. Outkast sold 25 million records. Toni Braxton sold 65 million records, as did Usher, who was signed to the label at 16.

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Hitco Publishing and Arista Records

In 1996, Reid established the Hitco Publishing Group as a joint venture with Windswept Music. Serving as president and CEO, Hitco Publishing was based in Atlanta, Georgia. In May 2000, Babyface and Reid sold their remaining 50% stake in LaFace Records to their parent company, BMG. LaFace Records became an imprint of Arista Records, and Reid took over as president and CEO of Arista Records. Reid’s signing of Avril Lavigne, an unknown pop-rock artist at the time, proved to be a significant success. Her debut album sold six million copies in the United States. Other artists he signed during this time include P!nk and Ciara.

Island Def Jam and Epic Records: Continued Success

After the merger of Sony and BMG in 2004, Reid’s contract at Arista was terminated. That same year, he joined The Island Def Jam Music Group as chairman and CEO. He continued to play a key role in shaping the music scene. He helped launch the careers of artists like Kanye West, Rihanna, and Justin Bieber. Reid also facilitated comebacks for artists like Mariah Carey and Jennifer Lopez. He stepped down from his position at Island Def Jam in May 2011. In July 2011, Reid assumed the roles of chairman and CEO of Epic Records. During this time, he was a judge on the first two seasons of the U.S. version of “The X Factor.” However, he announced in December 2012 that he would not be returning for the show’s third season, citing his need to focus on his leadership at Epic.

(Photo by Chuck France/Getty Images)

One of Reid’s most notable projects after leaving “The X Factor” was the posthumous Michael Jackson album “Xscape.” This album was created using previously unreleased material recorded by Jackson between 1983 and 1999. The album featured production from StarGate and Rodney Jerkins and was released in May 2014. In 2016, Reid released his memoir, “Sing to Me: My Story of Making Music, Finding Magic, and Searching for Who’s Next,” co-authored with Joel Selvin. In May 2017, Reid’s departure from Epic Records was announced, following accusations of sexual harassment by a female co-worker and other subsequent allegations. In 2018, Reid launched Hitco Entertainment, LLC, in partnership with Charles Goldstuck, the former CEO of TouchTunes Interactive Networks. Artists signed to Hitco Entertainment include Dinah Jane of Fifth Harmony, Big Boi of Outkast, Yella Beezy, and Delacey, a songwriter who has written for artists such as Halsey and Zara Larsson.

Throughout his career, Reid has written and produced tracks for a wide range of artists, including Bobby Brown, Outkast, TLC, Paula Abdul, Justin Bieber, Meghan Trainor, Kanye West, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, 21 Savage, Jidenna, Future, Travis Scott, Fifth Harmony, DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, Whitney Houston, and Halsey, among many others. His contributions to the music industry have earned him three Grammy Awards, the Harvard University Alumni Award of Excellence in Media, and recognition as a BMI Icon at the 6th annual BMI Urban Awards in 2006, along with numerous other accolades.

Personal Life and Philanthropic Endeavors

Reid is the father of four children from three different relationships. His son, Antonio Reid Jr., was born in 1979 from a previous relationship. In 1989, Reid married Perri “Pebbles” Reid, and they had a son, Aaron Alexander, before divorcing in 1996. He later married Erica Holton in 2000, and they have two children together.

Reid is also recognized for his commitment to philanthropy. He has supported projects by the City of Hope organization and the Robin Hood Foundation. He also wrote the song “Just Stand Up” for the 2008 television special “Stand Up To Cancer.” The song featured a lineup of stars, including Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Ashanti, Ciara, Leona Lewis, and Carrie Underwood. All proceeds from the sales of this record were donated to the Stand Up to Cancer organization.

Real Estate Portfolio

In 2000, L.A. Reid invested $9.43 million in an apartment located at 515 Park Avenue in Manhattan, New York. The building is home to just 36 units, with Reid’s 5,000-square-foot apartment occupying the 10th floor. In 2013, he listed the apartment for sale at $18.9 million and accepted an offer of $16.5 million in January 2014. The apartment boasts six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and five half bathrooms. Additionally, there’s a spacious, open-plan living room and dining area with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. The kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and Caesarstone countertops. A foyer serves as a gallery and is accessed via one of three private elevators. In 2013, the monthly HOA fee was $14,000!

In 2016, L.A. Reid purchased a large mansion in Bel Air, Los Angeles, for $18 million. This home is situated on a one-acre lot. He initially listed it for sale in 2019 for $22.9 million, and then again in April 2022 for $22 million. In October 2022, the price was reduced to $18 million. You can find a video tour of the property here:

Previously, L.A. Reid owned a 3.25-acre property in Sagaponack, a hamlet in the Hamptons. He bought this home in 2006 for $10 million and listed it for sale in 2013 for $19 million, ultimately selling it for $9 million in January 2019.