Universal Music label boss Antonio “L.A.” Reid is hip-hopping to TV.
The chairman of Universal’s Island Def Jam will leave to become a judge on Simon Cowell’s upcoming Fox TV show “The X-Factor,” according to people familiar with discussions. News Corp. owns Fox and The Post.
Reid, who has been angling for an exit from Universal for months in order to pursue other interests, got his wish this week when the show’s producers made him a firm offer. Universal agreed to let Reid out of his contract, which expires at the end of the year.
Reid has shepherded acts such as Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Bon Jovi and Justin Bieber in his six years with the label.
The move is a big departure for Reid, but in a twist worthy of a reality show, he will be employed by Cowell’s production company, Syco, a joint venture with Sony Music.
Former Sony Music RCA/Jive label exec, Barry Weiss, who left Sony for Universal late last year, will take over at Island Def Jam.
Reid is one of several senior execs to exit Universal in recent months, including Chairman Doug Morris, who left this month for the top spot at Sony. Universal is under pressure by parent Vivendi to cut costs.