Speculation was confirmed recently that Def Jam CEO Antonio ‘LA’ Reid would be leaving his chairman duties to become a judge on the US version of X-Factor. Based on the British reality competition show, X-Factor USA would be a platform seen to create several new stars likes its UK predecessor. With Reid pioneering careers of many pop artists, particularly Rihanna, questions need to be asked about the future of their success without Reid’s guidance. Can Rihanna’s rising career continue to do so without the pioneer behind her success?