Why Is Babyface Liked And L.A. Reid Seen As The Bad Guy

One Liked, One Disliked

March 15. 2018

Babyface (left) former LaFace recording artist Jermaine Jackson (center) and L.A. Reid (right) in the 1990s

In the 1990s, LaFace Records was one of the biggest subsidiary record labels in America. It was founded by successful music producers L.A. Reid & Babyface (Antonio Reid and Kenneth Edmonds). LaFace launched the careers of recording artists TLC, Toni Braxton, Usher, Outkast, Donnell Jones, Toni Rich and Ciara. The company also served as a launching pad for songwriters and producers who were hired to craft songs for LaFace recording artists.

Babyface focused on writing songs for the label, while L.A. Reid ran LaFace Records. LaFace grossed over $1 billion dollars. There were controversies, financial disputes and personal differences at the label, which was eventually shuttered and absorbed into parent label Arista/BMG (now owned by Sony Music). However, to this day, most of the people that were affiliated with LaFace Records are upset with L.A. Reid, but are on good terms with Babyface. People from other labels Reid worked for after LaFace are angry with him as well, due to his business practices.

Babyface (left), L.A. (right) and their former silent partner Daryl Simmons (center)

Reid has stepped on a lot of toes in the industry. He betrayed friends, loved ones and business associates. On a 1990s episode of BET's "Video Soul" Babyface accused Reid of financially ripping him off at LaFace. Reid also ended careers in a manner that was not deserved. He sexually harassed many women, making it clear that if they wanted to progress in the music business, they had to have sex with him.

It all came crashing down in 2017, when Reid was fired from Epic Records/Sony Music for getting the company sued by his secretary, whom he sexually harassed, and on allegations he embezzled money from the company. Just like that, Reid was out. He is currently trying to make a company, but the industry is lopping him in with offenders that sparked the #MeToo movement. A purge is going on in Hollywood and they don't want them back.

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