LA Reid Out At Epic Records

CULVER CITY, CA — Mega music producer L.A. Reid is out as head of Epic Records, a division of Culver City-based Sony Music Entertainment, according to several media reports. Reid, who got his start as a drummer in an r&b band in the 1980s, has been at the label for six years.

During his tenure at Epic Records, he signed such acts as Meghan Trainor and Fifth Harmony and brought Mariah Carey back into Sony's fold. He was also credited with bolstering Epic's hip-hop roster by signing such artists as Scott, Future, Khaled, Tribe, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross and French Montana.

Reid's departure, which was first reported by Variety, came weeks after Columbia Records chief Rob Stringer took over as Sony Music Entertainment's new CEO in April. During his tenure at Epic, Reid has overseen several successful album launches, including back-to-back No. 1 albums from Future so far this year.

It's unclear at this time where Reid will end up or who will handle the transition at Epic. In the past, Reid's job changes have been followed a quick announcement of a new position, according to Billboard Magazine.

Photo courtesy of Epic Records