La Face

LaFace Records: A Collaboration That Redefined R&B

Origins of LaFace Records

Clive Davis’s partnership with L.A. Reid and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds began during the production of Whitney Houston’s I’m Your Baby Tonight. While collaborating on this project, Reid and Babyface shared their aspirations of starting their own label. Both men had already established themselves as hitmakers with 19 number-one R&B records, but they sought to go beyond producing tracks and wanted to discover, groom, and promote their own artists. Recognizing their potential to shape the next era of music, Davis saw an opportunity to expand Arista’s reach into contemporary R&B and signed on to bankroll what would become LaFace Records.

 

Basing the label in Atlanta, Reid and Babyface tapped into a burgeoning scene of talent and creativity, making the city a hub for contemporary African-American music. Davis envisioned LaFace as the R&B counterpart to what Gamble and Huff had achieved with Philadelphia International Records for Columbia in the 1970s.

Building the LaFace Roster

LaFace Records initially signed Damian Dame, whose modest success laid the groundwork for a more ambitious vision: cultivating stars capable of commanding arenas and achieving lasting careers. That vision materialized with signings like Toni Braxton, TLC, Outkast, Usher, and Pink, each of whom would achieve extraordinary success.

 

  • Toni Braxton: Toni emerged as a breakout star from the Braxtons, a group initially signed to Arista. Her 1993 debut album sold over 8 million copies and won her a Grammy for Best New Artist. Davis’s role was pivotal in shaping her career, particularly with the inclusion of Diane Warren’s hit “Un-Break My Heart” on her 1996 follow-up album, Secrets, which also sold over 8 million copies.
  • TLC: L.A. Reid’s decision to reconfigure TLC’s lineup by adding Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas transformed the trio into one of the most successful acts of the 1990s. Their albums, including CrazySexyCool and FanMail, combined hip-hop, R&B, and pop, selling over 15 million copies collectively. Despite financial struggles, TLC’s empowerment anthems and distinctive style epitomized the cultural impact Davis envisioned for LaFace.
  • Outkast: The first rap act signed to LaFace, Outkast defined experimental and genre-blending hip-hop, achieving widespread acclaim with albums like Stankonia and the Grammy-winning Speakerboxx/The Love Below. Their innovative approach underscored LaFace’s role in shaping the evolution of urban music.
  • Usher: Usher’s trajectory from teen star to global icon demonstrated LaFace’s ability to nurture talent. His bold collaboration with Sean “Puffy” Combs on his debut album set the stage for his rise, culminating in albums that sold tens of millions of copies worldwide.
  • Pink: Initially part of a trio, Pink was identified by Reid as a solo star. Her career, marked by an evolution into pop-rock, further expanded LaFace’s stylistic reach and underscored its ability to cultivate diverse talent.

Key Partnerships and Cultural Influence

LaFace’s success extended beyond its roster to major projects like the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack. Babyface’s songwriting for the film resulted in a seven-times platinum album, cementing his position as one of the industry’s most gifted creators. Similarly, the Boomerang soundtrack introduced Toni Braxton and amplified LaFace’s reputation for groundbreaking releases.

 

Davis’s strategic insights also played a role in resolving challenges. For instance, he convinced Toni Braxton to record “Un-Break My Heart” despite her initial reluctance, recognizing its potential as a chart-topping hit. His collaboration with artists like Pink ensured that creative direction aligned with commercial success.

Challenges and Triumphs

LaFace artists faced significant hurdles, including financial difficulties and interpersonal conflicts. Toni Braxton and TLC both declared bankruptcy despite their monumental success. However, these challenges didn’t overshadow the enduring cultural and musical impact of their work. Davis maintained a hands-off approach, respecting LaFace’s autonomy while offering critical support when needed.

Legacy of LaFace Records

Under Davis’s guidance and with L.A. Reid and Babyface at the helm, LaFace Records became a powerhouse in the music industry. The label redefined R&B, hip-hop, and pop, creating stars whose influence extended well beyond their genres. Artists like Outkast, Usher, TLC, and Pink continue to shape contemporary music, while LaFace stands as a testament to Davis’s ability to recognize and nurture visionary talent.

Facts from the Narrative

  1. Clive Davis’s Vision: Davis saw LaFace Records as a modern R&B counterpart to the success of Philadelphia International Records, focusing on innovative, genre-defining artists.

  2. Toni Braxton’s Rise: Davis played a critical role in shaping Braxton’s career, particularly with the inclusion of “Un-Break My Heart,” which became one of her signature hits.

  3. Outkast’s Evolution: Outkast’s groundbreaking work in hip-hop exemplified LaFace’s commitment to fostering artistic experimentation and mainstream success.

  4. TLC’s Impact: Despite financial struggles, TLC became one of the most successful acts of the 1990s, selling over 15 million records and earning critical acclaim.

  5. Pink’s Transformation: Identified by Reid as a solo artist, Pink’s shift to pop-rock underscored LaFace’s ability to nurture artists across genres.

  6. Waiting to Exhale Soundtrack: Babyface’s work on the soundtrack sold over 7 million copies, highlighting LaFace’s role in high-profile projects that elevated its stature.

  7. Clive Davis’s Influence: While respecting LaFace’s autonomy, Davis provided critical input on artist development and creative direction, ensuring the label’s long-term success.

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