L.A. REID

Before LaFace Records changed the sound of R&B and pop, L.A. Reid was just a drummer in a hungry band called The Deal — and one night in a small club, he met a quiet musical genius named Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. That meeting would spark one of the most important creative partnerships in modern music history.

In this segment, L.A. Reid breaks down the real origin story: the Indianapolis club scene, the band chemistry, and the attitude he calls “Breed” — the Prince-inspired edge that defined their early grind. From there, he and Babyface started writing and producing hit records that flooded radio at the same time, working with artists like Shalamar, The Whispers, Pebbles, Paula Abdul, and more. That run of hits built the momentum that eventually led to the creation of LaFace Records, the label that would launch a generation of iconic artists.

The story ends with an emotional gut punch, as Reid reflects on the decision to sell LaFace — and what he would tell his younger self if he could go back in time.

This is music history, straight from the source.