L.A. Reid Part 1: Spotting Star Power (Usher & Outkast), the AI Future, & Launching Mega with Usher

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In part one of this special two-part release, the We Sound Crazy podcast welcomes a true titan of the music industry: the legendary Antonio “L.A.” Reid. Rising to prominence as the dynamic drummer for the hitmaking 1980s R&B band The Deal, Reid seamlessly transitioned from the stage to the boardroom, cementing his status as a visionary producer, iconic songwriter, and major label force. Throughout his illustrious career, his taste and leadership guided the culture as the co-founder of LaFace Records, and later as the chairman and CEO of some of the most powerful major labels in music history, including Arista, Island Def Jam, and Epic Records. Bringing his journey full-circle, he continues to nurture the next generation of musical innovators through Mega, his powerful label venture launched in partnership with global superstar Usher.

Joining hosts Philionaire, Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony of Louis York, and Tamone Bacon, Reid engages in an open, free-flowing conversation about what it takes to shape the sound of a generation. Right from the jump, the chemistry is electric as Reid jokingly auditions to become the podcast’s official fifth cast member, setting a warm and celebratory tone for an episode dedicated to giving an industry hero his well-deserved flowers. This first installment dives straight into the mind of a musical architect, exploring Reid’s eclectic taste in music and his enduring philosophy on talent. The hosts cue up special video questions from fans, prompting Reid to share his candid thoughts on everything from his dream biopic casting to how he embraces AI as the next evolutionary tool for creatives and drawing a fascinating parallel to his own early days mastering the drum machine in the 1980s. He also pulls back the curtain on his legendary ability to spot undeniable star power, describing how true icons “move the air” the moment they step into a room.

As the conversation unfolds, listeners are treated to an inside look at the history-making partnerships that defined an era. Reid reflects on his early days with Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds in The Deal, surviving on “pride and being broke” while studying the mastery of Prince and Luther Vandross. The episode highlights the magical intuition behind some of his biggest triumphs, including the unorthodox breaking of Toni Braxton via the Boomerang soundtrack. Grounded in a deep, mutual respect for the craft, this first part captures the essence of a man who never let boxes define him, cementing a legacy built entirely on an uncompromising love for music.

We Sound Crazy is your backstage pass to all things music and culture.

Special thanks to our We Sound Crazy team! 

Director: Malachi Fuller

Director of Photography: Neither

Camera Op: Andrew Meyers, Derek Reed, Malachi Fuller, Neither

Gaffer: Tyler Holmes

Set Design: Gina Dorsey

Producer/A2: Jerel Duren

Editor: Hyyer Creative

Producer:  Lamont Baldwin, Aaron Walton

Show Producer/Remixer: Michael “Roux” Johnson

Assistant: Brittany Guydon

Talent Producer: Micha “ML6” Logan

Photography: Kirk McClain  

PA: Keylon Hall, Jonaye Anderson, Ryan Lee

Thank you to all of our listeners and watchers!

Special thanks to Antonio “L.A.” Reid!

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