L.A. REID'S RUN AT DEF JAM COMES TO AN END

Rumors of Antonio “L.A.” Reid leaving his position as chairman

of Island Def Jam have circulated for some time now, but

it has finally been confirmed.

A source revealed to Billboard that Reid will be leaving the label

to become a judge on Simon Cowell’s upcoming TV show,

The X Factor. The American version of the popular British

series will begin airing on Fox in September.

Barry Weiss, who was previously in charge of RCA/Jive,

will replace Reid. Weiss was named chairman and

CEO of Island Def Jam Music and Universal

Motown Republic today.

A spokesperson for Universal Music Group, IDJ’s parent

company, offered this statement on Reid’s move: “We wish

him all the best with his new career choice and thank him for

his contributions to UMG over the last several years.”

Many are speculating that Reid will eventually join his former

Universal boss Doug Morris at Sony Music. The industry

heavyweight will become CEO of Sony on July 1.

Reid was appointed to the coveted role at Def Jam back in

February of 2004, succeeding longtime label head Lyor Cohen.

The record exec is responsible for signing such big name acts

as Young Jeezy, Rick Ross and most recently Shyne.

—Nicole LoPresti