Diddy faces public scrutiny over alleged sex crimes as questions arise about future of his music
LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Kammen built a hit empire with major artists, earning him a reputation as a shrewd music mogul, winning three Grammys and closing major deals in other industries.
But now Combs’ kingdom is collapsing amid allegations of sex trafficking and extortion. He was arrested in New York on September 16 and accused of using his “power and prestige” to lure female victims and male sex workers in “Freak Offs,” along with allegations of abuse dating back to 2008.
If found guilty, Combs could face at least 15 years in prison. He is awaiting trial after pleading not guilty.
Since several allegations surfaced last year, Combs’ public image has taken a sharp downturn as major deals have fallen by the wayside: he resigned as chairman of Revolt TV and later sold his majority stake in the company. He reportedly lost a reality show with Hulu and his influential fashion line Sean John is no longer listed on Macy’s website.
After footage from 2016 surfaced of Combs attacking his then-girlfriend R in his hotel lobby,&B-singer Cassie lost the key to New York City, Peloton paused the use of his music, and saw his honorary degree from Howard University evaporate in disgrace. His charter school, Capital preparatory school in Harlem, also severed ties with him.
Earlier this year, Combs withdrew a lawsuit he filed last year against Diageo as part of a settlement with the London-based drinks giant, making the company the sole owner of Ciroc and DeLeon.
Combs may have lost his big deals, but his music remains untouched, at least for now. While we wait for more details, let’s take a closer look at Combs’ music and his public image in the wake of the charges.
Combs’ Bad Boy Records may be associated with ’90s artists like Notorious BIG, Faith Evans, Ma$e and 112, but his label has also released records from a number of popular artists in recent years.
Last year, Combs released his first solo studio album since 2006 with “The Love Album: Off the Grid” and Janelle Monae brought “The age of fun” through his label. Both projects were nominated for Grammys, including Monae’s album, which earned a nomination for Record of the Year.
In 2022, Machine Gun Kelly also released his album “Mainstream Sellout” under the name Bad Boy.
Despite his arrest, Combs’ music is still available on several major streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. The streamers have not yet commented on their plans for how his music will be presented on their platforms in the future.
Before the release of “The Love Album,” Combs transferred his Bad Boy publishing rights to artists and songwriters. The move came after some criticized him over the years for treating his artists poorly.
Some were concerned about Combs’ children, while others were embarrassed by his alleged missteps and actions, which have become the butt of jokes.
Entertainers 50 Cent, LL Cool J, Shyne, Aubrey O’Day, Charlamagne tha God and Notorious BIG’s mother have publicly expressed their opinions about Combs.
“I feel for his kids,” LL Cool J told The Associated Press in a recent interview. He and Combs collaborated on the 1997 album “Phenomenon.”
While LL Cool J was concerned, 50 Cent took a swipe at Combs in a social media post. The rapper turned TV mogul trolled Combs after he learned that police had seized drugs, videos and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant during raids on his homes in Los Angeles and Florida.
50 Cent posted his thoughts after a recent appearance on Drew Barrymore’s talk show.
“Here I am in good company with @thedrewbarrymoreshow and I don’t have 1000 bottles of lube in my house,” said 50 Cent, who has frequently criticized Combs during the allegations. He expects to release a docuseries on Netflix about the allegations against Combs.
Shyne, a former Bad Boy performer, said he takes no satisfaction in Combs potentially facing prison time despite their past issues.
“This is someone who has destroyed my life,” said Shyne, who was convicted of assault and other charges stemming from a shooting at a Manhattan nightclub in 1999 that left three people injured. Combs’ then-girlfriend, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, was also present when the shots rang out.
Combs was acquitted of charges that he brought an illegal gun into the club and tried to bribe his driver to take the blame for the gun. Shyne, however, was convicted of assault and other charges in the shooting and served about eight years in prison.
He now goes by Moses Barrow and is a member of the House of Representatives in his native Belize, where his father was once prime minister.
“But do I get joy or satisfaction from what he’s going through? Absolutely not,” he continued. “I’m different than most people. No one has to fail for me to succeed.”
After BIG’s mother, Voletta Wallace, saw Combs attack Cassie, she wanted to punch him in the face. She was embarrassed by Combs, who along with her son played a huge role in shaping East Coast hip-hop in the ’90s.
The short answer is usually no. Listeners of Combs’ music, however, are cautious. Some online are wondering if it’s time to distance themselves from his records.
Most people online say this can be a challenge, especially since many of his biggest hits are collaborations with other artists.
Combs has had several catchy singles, including “I’ll Be Missing You” with Faith Evans and 112, “Victory” with The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes, “I Need a Girl (Part One)” with Usher and Loon, “Last Night” with Keyshia Cole and “Been Around the World” with Ma$e, who also collaborated with Combs on “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down.”