L.A. Reid to Head Up Epic Label Group

Antonio “L.A.” Reid is returning to familiar territory. The music executive will reunite with some of the artists he helped discover in his new role as chairman of Epic Label Group.

Reid, 55, will oversee Sony Music’s newly formed venture, which will combine artists from Epic and Jive Records, according to The Hollywood Reporter. As part of the restructuring, Epic will absorb some of Jive’s acts including Usher and Pink, who were both signed by Reid. Other stars such as Britney Spears will remain on the RCA/Jive Label Group.

Reid, who serves as a judge on Simon Cowell’s “X Factor,” exited from his position at Island Def Jam earlier this year. He previously was head of Arista/LaFace Records, where he was instrumental in the careers of OutKast, Ciara, and Toni Braxton, among others.

When he starts his new gig in early July, Reid is expected to devote his attention towards more urban releases. His first signing is reportedly duo Karmin, known for their popular YouTube covers of Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now” and Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass.”