Def Jam honcho dodged the music
Last Updated: 3:51 AM, March 10, 2010
Posted: 12:21 AM, March 10, 2010
Comments: 36
PrintDef Jam CEO Antonio "L.A." Reid canceled a key speech at a top music event with his staff claiming his son was seriously ill -- but he really panicked over facing questions about his future with the label, sources tell Page Six.
Hundreds of top music industry suits paid up to $1,000 each to hear Reid speak at the Billboard 2010 Music & Money Symposium at the St. Regis last week.
But hours before the talk, delegates were told that his son was in the hospital with a head injury and needed surgery. Reid has four sons, from 6 to 29 years old, as well as a daughter, 8.
"There was speculation among other music executives that this was not entirely the truth. Reid didn't want to answer questions about his future with Island Def Jam," a source said. "The move left organizers panicked with no speaker with just hours to go. Vevo CEO Rio Caraeff agreed to stand in."
The Post's Peter Lauria reported last month that R&B impresario Reid is under pressure to break a cold streak following the promotion of Lucian Grainge to CEO of Universal Music Group, which owns Island Def Jam. Following disappointing sales from artists including Rihanna and Mariah Carey, Reid has been ordered to rein in his spending and bring in a hit.
A friend of the dapper Reid -- one of the most powerful men in the US music business -- told us, "L.A. had to cancel because he was called away on family business, not because his son was ill. That was just a story that went around. He isn't afraid to answer questions about his future with the label. He is about to sign J.Lo [Jennifer Lopez] and isn't going anywhere."
A rep for Island Def Jam said, "It was unfortunate, but he was called out of town on personal business and hopes to be able to participate in a future symposium." Billboard declined to comment.
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Comments (23)
Post Your Commentcr07
03/10/2010 8:30 PM
J.Lo, really? I mean when did she become relevant again?
tny
03/10/2010 7:48 PM
It really doesn't matter, I've been to those events in the past and it's all just bullshlt that's spewed.
They all stand and sit around as if they're the king's of the world and each one is so self important they think the music business can't do without them. They're all as secure as their next hit which they usually have nothing to do with producing.
Clive Davis was the King of that hype especially when he was at Columbia. He acted like he produced all the hits but you never heard a peep from him about the ones that didn't hit. In reality he didn't produce one hit, talented others did.
Margery Sharp
03/10/2010 5:34 PM
Mokeland you can inhale a big chill pill too.
Margery Sharp
03/10/2010 5:33 PM
Would someone block Death?
Mokeland T
03/10/2010 12:30 PM
hey death,
cat got your tongue, no response.typical.
Mokeland T
03/10/2010 12:30 PM
hey death,
cat got your tongue, no response.typical.
Mokeland T
03/10/2010 10:41 AM
DEATH
YOU TALK ABOUT DIVORCE RATES TRY MARRYING JUST ONE OF THE 10 BABY MAMA'S. NO SUCH THINK AS A FAMILY IN YOUR COMMUNITY IT'S JUST MY MAMMA AND MY GRAND MAMMA.
Mokeland T
03/10/2010 10:32 AM
HEY DEATHTOYT,
STOP HAVING BABIES WITH 10 WOMEN THEN DISAPEARING,