Legendary Music Producer L.A. Reid recently sold 100% of the writing and publishing rights to his entire 162 song catalog, according to The Source. The songwriter, A&R representative, record executive, former drummer and composer has become a household name over the years in the music industry, and there’s a lot of speculation with his decision after the 64-year-old sold the whole catalog to Hipgnosis.
Reporters and fans alike are confused about why exactly he decided to do this, being that he is one of the most accomplished African-American producers of our time.
Antonio Marquis “L.A.” Reid has three Grammy awards to his name, and was also the co-founder of LaFace Records partnering with the legendary Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. The news of him selling the entire 160 plus song catalog during such a crippling pandemic crisis to the music industry as a whole has questions coming to the surface about whether or not money was a motivating issue in his decision. There are others in and around the industry who trust the music veteran’s judgment, and some feel that he is simply putting his classic songs in a place where they can be enjoyed for several more generations to come.
L.A. Reid spoke on his decision, and seems to genuinely feel that his well-loved work is in good hands. “I can’t imagine a better home for my lifetime of music and songs than Hipgnosis,” he said in a public statement. “Merck and his dream team truly value artists and their creative vision, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with them for this exciting new chapter.”
Who Did L.A. Reid Sell His Extensive Music Catalog To?
In addition to selling the writing and publishing of his entire catalog, L.A. Reid will be joining the advisory board of Hipgnosis. Reports indicate that 100% of publishing interests and writers share will go to the company’s song fund, but there doesn’t seem to be an exact dollar amount that’s been publicly disclosed for the selling of all of these classic hit songs.
According to Music Business Worldwide, the Founder of Hipgnosis Songs Found Limited and The Family Music Limited, Merck Mercuriadis, also commented on the move from the celebrated producer. “L.A. Reid has become so successful as a music executive and developer of some of the most important artists in music over the last 30 years that people often forget that he is an incomparable songwriter and the work he and Babyface did together defines R&B as we know it today. It’s a great pleasure to welcome L.A. Reid and his incredible set of songs to the Hipgnosis family.
L.A. Reid’s Musical Catalog
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last three decades, you know that L.A. Reid and his mark on the hip hop and R&B music industry is unmatched. He’s worked with and helped move along the careers of so many artists, such as Boyz II Men, TLC, Toni Braxton, Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston, just to name a few.
He’s also the Co-Chairman of Hitco Entertainment, and has served in roles such as President and CEO of Arista records, Chairman and CEO of Island Records, and Chairman and CEO of the Island Def Jam Music Group.
