Diddy
Biography
Sean John Combs, born on November 4, 1969, in Harlem, New York City, is a prominent American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. Raised in Mount Vernon, New York, by his mother after his father was murdered, Combs attended Howard University before leaving to pursue a career in the music industry. He began as an intern at Uptown Records, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become a talent director, playing a key role in developing artists like Mary J. Blige and Jodeci.
The Rise of Bad Boy Records
In 1993, after being fired from Uptown Records, Combs founded his own record label, Bad Boy Records. The label quickly became a powerhouse in the hip-hop scene, signing and cultivating the careers of iconic artists such as The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Mase, and 112. The success of The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album, "Ready to Die" in 1994, propelled Bad Boy to the forefront of the East Coast hip-hop movement.
In 1996, under the moniker Puff Daddy, Combs launched his own career as a recording artist. His debut single, "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down," and his first album, "No Way Out" (1997), were massive commercial successes. The album's tribute to the recently slain Notorious B.I.G., "I'll Be Missing You," became a global hit and the first hip-hop song to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Name Changes and Musical Evolution
Throughout his career, Combs has been known by several stage names, including Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, Diddy, and most recently, Love. These changes often coincided with shifts in his musical style and public persona. After his initial success, he continued to release albums, including "Forever" (1999) and "The Saga Continues..." (2001). In 2010, he formed the group Diddy – Dirty Money, releasing the critically acclaimed album "Last Train to Paris." His most recent independent release was "The Love Album: Off the Grid" in 2023 under his new label, Love Records.
An Entrepreneurial Mogul
Beyond his musical endeavors, Combs has built a vast business empire. In 1998, he launched the Sean John clothing line, which achieved significant success and earned him the Menswear Designer of the Year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2004. He also has had major ventures in the beverage industry with Cîroc vodka and DeLeón tequila. His business portfolio has also included the restaurant chain Justin's, a stake in the Revolt TV media network, and the water brand AQUAhydrate.
Legal Issues
Throughout his career, Combs has faced numerous legal challenges. In late 2023 and into 2024, he faced multiple lawsuits alleging sexual assault and other serious misconduct. Federal agents raided his homes in Los Angeles and Miami in March 2024 as part of an ongoing investigation. In September 2024, Combs was arrested and federally charged with sex trafficking and racketeering. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.