Sean “Diddy” Combs has established himself as a visionary music mogul by building an empire of hit songs with famous singers, winning three Grammy Awards while also signing big-name deals in other industries.
But now Combs’ empire is crumbling under sex trafficking and racketeering charges. He was arrested in New York on September 16 and is accused of using his “power and prestige” to lure female victims and male sex workers into “Freak Offs,” as well as abuse dating back to 2008.
If convicted, Combs faces at least 15 years in prison. He has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
Since the allegations surfaced last year, Combs’ public image has plummeted as a major deal fell through. He stepped down as chairman of Revolt TV and sold most of his stake in the company. He’s reportedly lost a reality show with Hulu, and his influential fashion brand Sean John is no longer on Macy’s department store’s website.
After footage emerged of Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie, in a hotel hallway in 2016, he lost his keys to New York City, Peloton stopped using his music, his honorary degree from Howard University evaporated in disgrace, and his charter school in Harlem, Capital Preparatory School, cut ties with him.
Earlier this year, Combs withdrew a lawsuit he had filed against Diageo last year as part of a settlement with the London-based beverage giant, leaving Diageo the sole owner of Ciroc and DeLeon.
Combs may have lost a major contract, but his music is intact, at least for now. While we wait for more details, let’s take a look at Combs’ music and his public image since the indictment.
Where his music stands
Combs’ Bad Boy Records may be associated with 1990s artists like Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Ma$e, and 112, but his label is still in the game, releasing recent releases from some of the most popular artists.
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Combs released his first solo studio album since 2006 last year. Love Album: Off the Grid And Janelle Monae released The Age of Pleasure on his label. Both projects were nominated for Grammys, with Monae’s album up for Record of the Year.
In 2022, Machine Gun Kelly released his album. Mainstream sold out He also goes by the name Bad Boy.
Despite the 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 how they plan to feature his music on their platforms going forward.
Before launch Love AlbumCombs has reassigned Bad Boy publishing rights to the artists and songwriters, a move that comes after years of criticism from some who say he mistreated his artists.
What were the reactions of Didi’s colleagues?
Some people expressed concern for Combs’ children, while others felt embarrassed by his alleged mistakes and actions that became the subject of jokes.
Celebrities like 50 Cent, LL Cool J, Shine, Aubrey O’Day, Charlamagne the God and Notorious B.I.G.’s mother have publicly shared their thoughts on Combs.
“I feel bad for his kids,” LL Cool J told The Associated Press in a recent interview. He and Combs collaborated on his 1997 album. phenomenon.
While LL Cool J expressed his concerns, 50 Cent took a stab at social media posts. The rapper turned TV mogul trolled Combs after law enforcement raided his homes in Los Angeles and Florida, seizing drugs, videos, and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.
50 Cent posted his thoughts following his recent appearance on Drew Barrymore’s talk show.
“I’m on good terms with @thedrewbarrymoreshow and I don’t have 1,000 bottles of lube in the house,” 50 Cent said. He has often criticized the accusations against Combs. He is set to release a documentary series on Netflix about the allegations against Combs.
Former Bad Boy artist Shine said he was not at all pleased to see Combs potentially facing prison, despite the two having had issues in the past.
“This is the man who destroyed my life,” said Shine, who was convicted of assault and other charges in connection with the 1999 shooting at a Manhattan nightclub that left three people wounded. Combs’ girlfriend at the time, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, was also present when shots rang out.
Combs was acquitted of bringing an illegal gun into the club and bribing the driver to commit the shooting. Shine, however, was convicted of assault and other charges in the shooting and spent about eight years in prison.
He now goes by the name Moses Barrow and is a member of the House of Representatives in his native Belize, where his father once served as prime minister.
“But does he feel any joy or satisfaction in what he’s going through? Absolutely not,” he continued. “I’m not like most people. For me to succeed, no one needs to fail.”
B.I.G.’s mother, Voletta Wallace, saw Combs attack Cassie and wanted to “knock him out.” She was ashamed of Combs, who along with her son played a huge role in shaping East Coast hip-hop in the 1990s.
Are there people who cancel Didi’s music?
In short, most say no. However, Combs’ listeners are treading cautiously, with some online questioning whether it’s time to step back from his music.
Most online users say it can be difficult, especially since many of his hits are collaborations with other artists.
Combs has had several infectious singles including: I will miss you With Faith Evans and 112, victory Featuring The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes I Need A Girl (Part 1) With Usher and Loon, yesternight With Keyshia Cole Travel around the world With Ma$e teaming up with Combs No one can catch me.
