In 2008, Craig Mack, whose 1994 hit single “Flava In Ya Ear” thrilled the era of 90’s hip-hop, died from heart failure near his home in Walterboro, South Carolina. He was 47 years old.
Produced by Easy Mo Bee, “Flava In Ya Ear” audibly captured the exactitude of one of hip-hop’s most celebrated eras. In the early 90’s, a time east coast rap was faint in hype, the coming of Craig Mack sparked its resurgence. The remix of “Flava In Ya Ear” featuring Puff Daddy (Diddy), LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, and Rampage pushed one of the most iconic rappers to the forefront, The Notorious B.I.G, creating a timeless hip-hop melody.
Mack was signed to Diddy’s Bad Boy Entertainment when he dropped his 1994 debut Project: Funk da World, making him a Bad Boy Records pioneer. He is the first artist to release an album off of Bad Boy records, which would become the mecca for east coast rap of the 1990s, and its resurgence.
The distinctive rhymes and flows of Craig Mack are essential to the rutty and sensationally groggy sound of 1990s rap. Prior to his dawning with Bad Boy, as a young teen under the moniker MC EZ, he released one single “Just Rhymin’” in 1988, followed by “Get Retarded” with his group MC EZ & Troup.
Native to Long Island, which at the time was one of New York’s maturing hip-hop epicenters, Mack was close friends with Parrish Smith and Erick Sermon of EPMD prior to the golden era duo’s debut, and eventually went on tour with them. He helped DJ Scratch, EPMD’s DJ, amass his turntables for performances.
DJ Scratch revealed how Mack disclosed the making of his documentary a couple of years ago, The Roots’Questlove describes “Flava In Ya Ear” as “one of the greatest hip hop single debuts in the culture,” while Foxy Brown recalls Mack’s sincerity, “Your grace and humility spoke volumes…,” and Diddy declares the late icon as “very important to the Bad Boy legacy.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs’s net worth finally reached a billion in October 2022. Replacing Kanye West on the Forbes list, the American rapper, actor, producer, and record executive first worked as a talent director at Uptown Records before founding his own record company, Bad Boy Records, in 1993. At Bad Boy Records, he would sign iconic artists such as Notorious B.I.G, Mase, and more. In addition, he’s released a wide portfolio of multi-platinum albums.
Despite growing up in a violent environment that directly impacted his family, he rose above the circumstances. He developed a keen entrepreneurial spirit at 12 years old when he began working as a vendor for a local newspaper company. Throughout the years, Diddy’s expanded his portfolio to include a number of ventures and investments, including Revolt TV, Ciroc, and more. Below, we broke down exactly how Diddy accumulated a billion-dollar net worth by 2024.
He Got His Start at Uptown Records
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–NOVEMBER 12: Hip-Hop Producer/Executive/Label Head Andre Harrell relaxes in a nightclub VIP area by chatting with Sean “Puffy” Combs on November 12, 1994 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
After graduating from high school, Diddy initially enrolled in business school at Howard University. However, he dropped out after two years after talking his way into an internship at New York’s Uptown Records. During his first experience in the music industry, he developed artists such as Jodeci and Mary J Blige. Diddy was able to move up the corporate ladder into an executive position.
However, Diddy was fired from Uptown Records in 1993 and embarked on the next chapter of his career. Harrell, who fired Diddy, later clarified in the Bad Boy documentary Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Storythat he “fired Puff only to make him rich. I told Puff he needs to go and create his own opportunity.” Either way, Diddy’s termination would inspire him to his own record label.
Founding the Bad Boy Entertainment Record Label, he brought artists such as Notorious B.I.G, Carl Thomas, and Faith Evans with him. In addition, he utilized his industry notoriety to begin creating his own music. He produced Notorious B.I.G’s Ready to Die and Life After Death, the two respective albums now amongst the holy grail of rap albums. In addition, he released Platinum albums such as No Way Out and Forever. While Diddy’s sound was rooted in hip-hop, his penchant for soul and R&B fused into his sound. At Bad Boy Records’ peak, it was worth over $100 million.
His Alcoholic Beverage Company Is His Most Profitable
MIAMI BEACH, FL – DECEMBER 01: Sean “Diddy” Combs attends press conference for Ciroc Vodka at Fontainebleau Miami Beach on December 1, 2009 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Carlos Marino/FilmMagic)
While seemingly every famous rapper has delved into the alcoholic industry, Diddy was the pioneer of the trend. Back in 2007, he took over Ciroc Vodka as a majority owner. He would utilize his image to pivot the brand from a minor player to a multi-billion dollar powerhouse. The brand has branched out significantly from its original product offerings including various flavors and ready-to-drink products. Ciroc launched four flavors of vodka-spiked, ultra-premium canned cocktails. In an interview with Forbes, Diddy stated, “When it came to our innovation, we wanted to disrupt the market. When I was looking at the landscape, it wasn’t giving me luxury. We’re making the category sexy.”
Diddy owes the bulk of his net worth to Ciroc Vodka, where he’s making an estimated $60 million per year. However, Ciroc is not his only venture into the alcoholic beverage space. In addition, he owns the luxury tequila brand DeLeon. All of these brands fall under the umbrella of Combs Wines & Spirits. All of his companies fall under his recently re-branded Combs Global, which contains a portfolio that ranges from alcohol to cannabis products. The two billionaires in hip-hop, Diddy and Jay-Z have each had highly successful ventures into the alcoholic beverage world.
Diddy Disrupted the Clothing Industry
Sean “Diddy” Combs during Sean “Diddy” Combs Launches Sean John Elite Footwear Collection in Miami at Dolphin Mall in Miami, Florida, United States. (Photo by Rodrigo Varela/WireImage)
If alcohol has been Diddy’s primary source of net worth, then clothing is a close second. Back in 1998, he launched the Sean John clothing brand under the umbrella of sportswear. The brand would soon branch out into other lanes of fashion. Once exceeding $450 million in sales on an annual basis, Sean John was one of the premiere clothing brands in the US. However, the brand went starkly downhill after Diddy sold his majority stake in the company back in 2016. By 2021, Sean John had filed for bankruptcy. It would take Diddy re-purchasing the brand for $7.5 million to save it.
The billionaire’s clothing initiative began in a cubicle at Bad Boy Records. Jeffrey Tweedy, Sean John’s president for two decades, spoke about the initial process in an interview with GQ. He stated, “I got several calls from [Diddy] about starting a brand. He had a three-year plan already laid out, from what the collection looks like to what we do with it to where we market it how we market it to who we put it on. Diddy had done his homework.”
Diddy Is Building A Black-Owned Media Powerhouse
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 25: Rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs attends the REVOLT & AT&T Summit on October 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Diddy has also dived into the television network space. Launched in October 2013, Revolt TV was created with the intention of being “unapologetically hip-hop.” The network has lived up to that mantra, giving hip-hop artists the opportunity to promote their work through mediums such as Revolt-hosted podcasts, music video blocks, and covering social justice issues targeting African Americans. More recently, Diddy has expressed interest in acquiring a majority stake in BET as Paramount Global explores a potential sale. The initiative is a part of Diddy’s long-term vision to own a black-owned media powerhouse.
While rappers such as Childish Gambino and 50 Cent have had successful ventures into acting, Diddy was one of the first hip-hop acts to dive into the networking side of television. At the time, Comcast agreed to carry minority-owned networks as part of its deal to purchase a minority-stake of NBCUniversal. This is when Diddy came in with Revolt, a network that he announced on the steps of Notorious B.I. G’s childhood home.
Diddy Proven To Be An Intelligent Investor
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 27: Mark Wahlberg (L) and Sean Combs visit Extra at The Grove on February 27, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images for Extra)
Outside of driving his own businesses, Diddy has proved to be an intelligent investor. For example, he’s currently a partner of Aquahydrate, one of the biggest water companies in the world. Investing a cool $20 million in the company along with Mark Wahlberg. Both are now part of a company that’s worth over $2 billion.
Diddy has also begun to invest in the cannabis market. Back in November of 2022, he acquired the licenses to buy various weed businesses in three different states. The overall deal was worth around $185 million. The deal would make Diddy the owner of the largest black-owned cannabis company in the nation. His dive into the industry was rooted in steadfast anger, as he expressed his frustration at the lack of Black representation in the industry. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, he stated “Two percent? All the years, all the pain, all the incarceration…to me, it was important to do a big deal like this.”
Net Worth Surpassed $1 Billion in 2022
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 27: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs speaks onstage during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
Of course, Diddy’s business ventures haven’t had a 100% success rate. For example, he attempted to move into the auto parts world by creating the SJC Wheels Company back in 2005. At the time, the worlds of lavish cars and hip-hop were tied together. Therefore, the move had some definite promise on the surface. However, the company’s highly expensive line of wheels would fail to appeal to its target audience. SJC Wheels would file for bankruptcy a year after its inception.
From failed business ventures to getting fired from Uptown Records, Diddy would use these experiences to mold him into one of the hardest workers to come out of the music industry. From the alcohol to fashion industries, Diddy and Jay-Z’s ability to succeed with a wide-range of business ventures stands them from the rest of the crowd. Replacing Kanye West as America’s second hip-hop billionaire in 2022, his wealth and notoriety have continued to shoot up with age.
On this date in 1998, Sheek Louch, Styles P., and Jadakiss, who are better known as the rap trio The L.O.X. (Living Off Experience), dropped their debut album on then-Puff Daddy’s steadily growing Bad Boy label. Following in the footsteps of artists like Craig Mack and Notorious B.I.G., the Yonkers collective had to go the extra length to prove themselves worthy to carry the Bad Boy legacy and that they have done and continue to do.
With production on this project from the likes of Swizz Beatz, D. Dot, Dame Grease, and Mr. Combs himself, there was very little chance that this project flop. Even with the shiny suits, the lyrical content and dexterity were on point from all three members, solidifying their slots as lyrical legends in their own rights coming into the new millennium. Tracks like “If You Think I’m Jiggy” and the album’s epic title track were both perfect fusions of street anthems with crossover appeal, which allowed the LOX a fanbase on both sides of the mainstream “boundary”.
Thanks to Diddy, D-Block, and the entire Bad Boy staff who helped to put together this timeless classic!
Rapper G. Dep has been granted clemency by New York Governor Kathy Hochul after serving 13 years of a 15-year-to-life sentence for a cold case killing that occurred in 1993.
In 2010, Coleman walked into a police precinct and confessed to shooting John Henkel during a robbery in East Harlem, seeking to clear his conscience. With his sentence commuted, he will now be eligible to seek parole earlier than his original 2025 date. This story delves into the details of Coleman’s case and the impact of his confession.
G. Dep Original Admission
G. Dep’s admission of the nearly two-decade-old murder shocked both the music industry and the public. As a teenager at the time of the crime, Coleman’s confession opened up a long-dormant case and shed light on the consequences of his actions. Despite his confession, the “Child Of The Ghetto” faced a challenging legal battle and ended up serving 13 years before being granted clemency.
During his time in prison, Dep made efforts to turn his life around. He earned an associate’s degree and actively participated in violence prevention and sobriety counseling programs. These efforts demonstrate his commitment to self-improvement and rehabilitation during his incarceration.
As a former artist signed to Bad Boy Records, G. Dep had a notable impact on the music industry. His hits, such as “Special Delivery” and “Let’s Get It,” gained popularity in the early 2000s and helped shape the sound of hip-hop during that era. Additionally, Coleman played a role in popularizing the Harlem shake dance, showcasing his influence beyond the music itself.
G-Dep Temporarily Released From Prison Amid 15 Years To Life Sentence
According to a previous report, G. Dep was temporarily released from prison to attend his father’s funeral. This temporary release provided a brief taste of freedom for the rapper, who had been serving his sentence for 15 years to life.
Diddy isn’t the only one facing harrowing accusations in the multiple sexual assault lawsuits filed against him. Moreover, some of these alleged victims also accused other members of his entourage or the Bad Boy crew of similar crimes, including the label’s former president Harve Pierre. For those unaware, one lawsuit claims that he enticed a Detroit minor to board their private jet in 2003 to hang out with him and Sean Combs, and that they flew to New York City for a recording session. There, a Jane Doe alleges, various men sexually assaulted her in the bathroom of the recording studio.
Furthermore, the lawsuit also claims that Pierre did nothing to stop this situation despite its gruesome nature. Rather, Diddy’s associate allegedly smoked crack cocaine out of a Pepsi can while it happened, and thus, he appears in the latest lawsuit as a codefendant for gang sexual assault. Now, according to a statement reportedly obtained by TMZHip Hop, Harve Pierre has finally come out and addressed the claims against him and Puff Daddy. Unsurprisingly, it took on a similarly dismissive, staunch, and indignant stance as the label boss’ own public response.
NEW YORK – MARCH 09: (L-R) Harve Pierre and Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs attend N.O.T.O.R.I.O.U.S: An Official Bad Boy Tribute to Biggie Smalls at The Lab on March 9, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage/Getty Images)
“This is a tale of fiction,” Harve Pierre reportedly stated, according to the media outlet. “I have never participated in, witnessed, nor heard of anything like this, ever. These disgusting allegations are false and a desperate attempt for financial gain. I will vigorously protect my reputation and defend my name. Those who know me recognize that these claims are not true.” Meanwhile, Diddy’s response came from his social media pages. It followed at least a couple of weeks of silence apart from media statements from representatives or legal affiliates.
“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH,” he wrote on his online accounts, pasting white words on a black screen. “For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy. Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family, and for the truth.” Regardless, for more news and the latest updates on Harve Pierre and Diddy, check back in with HNHH.
On this day in Hip Hop history, the late Notorious B.I.G. released his second posthumous album, Born Again. This project was a compilation album featuring old recorded verses over newer beats with guest features. The album had a high reception rate, debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling 485,000 albums in the first week. It sold so well that it was certified double platinum a month and seven days after its release.
The album’s critical reception was mixed, to say the least. Many critics were stuck in between whether this album was merely a way for Bad Boy Records to cash in on an opportunity or a tribute album to arguably the best rapper of all time. Rolling Stone wrote that the “album won’t damage his legacy, but Born Again won’t improve that legacy much either.” Late in 2004, the magazine stated that “The posthumous Born Again proved Biggie was still dead, but his place in the MCs Hall of Fame remains untouchable.” Whether or not these reviews ring true to listeners is up for debate, but what is certain is that the star-studded cast of features on this project definitely helped Biggie flex his abilities even from the grave. Features on the project included greats such as Busta Rhymes, Redman, Method Man, Missy Elliott, Ice Cube, and Snoop Dogg and although these are titans of rap, none of them were able to outshine the Notorious B.I.G. For Biggie fans, this project was a gift from the afterlife. It has become a must-have among all diehard fans of the late king of New York. The album made appearances on the top music charts all over the world and has sales that continuously increase due to the successes of Biggie in his life. After this project, Bad Boy released one last posthumous album titled Duets: The Final Chapter in 2005.
Harve Pierre, the former president of Bad Boy Entertainment, is facing a lawsuit accusing him of grooming and sexually assaulting his assistant, Rolling Stone reports.
The complaint was filed in New York County Supreme Court and it reads in part, “Pierre used his position of authority as plaintiff’s boss to groom, exploit, and sexually assault her. Pierre engaged in a year-long pattern of grooming plaintiff, leading to sexual harassment of plaintiff, and sexual assault.”
The plaintiff, who remains anonymous, alleges Pierre sexually assaulted her multiple times in 2016 and 2017, which caused physical, emotional, and psychological injuries, as well as pain and suffering. She is seeking damages that will “fully and fairly compensate” her.
The suit also lists Bad Boy Entertainment, Bad Boy Records, and Combs Enterprises as co-defendants, saying, “Defendants knew or should have known that Pierre was unfit to be in a position of authority before Pierre sexually assaulted plaintiff.” The suit claims the companies did not “properly supervise” Pierre.
A Bad Boy spokesperson told Rolling Stone, “We have recently become aware of a lawsuit filed in New York by a former employee. The allegations are from many years ago that were never brought to the attention of the company. Neither the plaintiff nor the executive are current employees of the company. We are now investigating the allegations, and our top priority is the safety and well-being of our employees.”
If you’ve never heard of B5 before, they were a boy band-ish group signed to Bad Boy Records back in the early 2000s. As such, they were among the artists that could’ve benefitted from Diddy giving the label’s artists their publishing rights back. Not only did they say they never received a call for this, but people like Joe Budden roasted them for thinking that they could enjoy this opportunity. It’s unclear if the rapper and podcaster insinuated that Sean Combs simply won’t do it, or if they’re not worth giving money to at all. Regardless, it seems like group member Dustin Michael took it as the latter, as he had a scathing response to his comments.
Moreover, he released a video statement to the We In Miami podcast, on which their thoughts on Bad Boy’s publishing moves is what inspired Joe Budden’s comments in the first place (which is now one of his many feuds). Michael told him to “shut the f**k up” and accused him of not doing his proper research on the group’s financials. In addition, he said that the former Everyday Struggle host loves to talk about people who had the success that he never found. All in all, these two parties probably won’t see eye-to-eye on anything related to this, as they clearly have different priorities and perspectives.
However, Dustin Michael also tore into Joe Budden for his recent criticisms of Drake, which you’ve probably seen plastered all around media these days. This is another case that many interpreted as someone complaining about another’s success, although Drizzy’s response seemed equally bitter. Regardless of where you fall on that, a lot of this conflict is just the nature of commentary. Still, B5 and many others think that folks could be much more respectful and less extreme in their critiques.
Meanwhile, Dustin Michael and his group will likely develop themselves in other areas outside of the Bad Boy umbrella. Joe will keep his media endeavors going, and perhaps they can see that a sit-down conversation might inspire a lot of engagement. If they can hash things out, maybe there’s a lesson to learn here. On that note, stay posted on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Joe Budden and B5.
As a rapper, Shyne has largely flown under the radar recently. Especially as he is now actively focused on the political scene in his native country, Belize. However, once upon a time, he was bumping out great music, and his self-titled debut album is still a classic Hip Hop body of work. The former member of Bad Boy Records gained prominence in the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
Unfortunately, legal troubles impeded his growth. He was ultimately deported from the US after serving time between 2001 and 2009. Despite these circumstances, however, his self-titled debut album was released in 2000, and even after 23 years, it is undeniable that he dropped a gem. Overall, Shyne’s rollercoaster life and career have truly been one for the books.
The Build-Up To Shyne
Shyne was discovered by DJ Clark Kent in 1998 and signed to Bad Boy Records soon after being introduced to Sean Combs. Before releasing his debut album, the rapper made guest appearances on some 1999 tracks, including “From Scratch” by Mase and “Reverse” by Puff Daddy. Even back then, Sean “Diddy” Combs was one of the most influential figures in the music industry. As a result, Shyne’s affiliation with him made the young rapper’s debut album highly anticipated in the Hip Hop community. Shyne was recorded between 1999 and 2000 and was subsequently released on September 26, 2000, under Bad Boy Records.
Music From The Perspective Of Shyne
The album’s background is rooted in Shyne’s life experiences, as well as the musical atmosphere of the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Shyne, originally from Belize, had a unique background that added to his appeal. In addition, his raspy voice and gritty lyrics set him apart. Shyne’s debut album also came when Hip Hop was evolving and exploring new sounds and styles. As a result, his album explicitly reflects the diverse influences of that era. Particularly, his collaboration with Barrington Levy exemplifies the experimental nature of Shyne.
Furthermore, his storytelling ability is showcased through his vivid and raw lyrics on the album. Addressing themes such as crime, struggle, and survival, he paints a picture of the challenges faced in urban environments. Additionally, the album reflects a “gangsta” persona, a common theme in Hip Hop during that era. Shyne dons that persona well, and his lyrics effectively portray a streetwise, tough image throughout the album.
Production & Feature Credits On Shyne
The production of Shyne was a collaborative effort involving several talented producers, including The Neptunes, Chucky Thompson, and Mario Winans, among others. Each producer contributed to the album’s diverse sonic palette, bringing Shyne’s vision to life. Moreover, the rapper’s Belizean heritage and love for reggae music are apparent in the album’s production.
Notably, many songs on Shyne contain samples, with the most popular songs being “Bad Boyz” and “Bonnie and Shyne.” The sampled tracks on “Bad Boyz” are “Here I Come” by Barrington Levy and “Nightclubbin” by Grace Jones, while on “Bonnie & Shyne,” Grace Jones’ “La Vie En Rose” is sampled. In addition to his track being sampled, Barrington Levy is credited as a featured artist on “Bad Boyz,” as well as “Bonnie & Shyne.” The only other guest appearance on the album is by Slim of 112, who features on “Get Out.”
The Rapper Shynes On
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 26: (L-R) Shyne and Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs perform onstage during the 2022 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET)
Despite mixed reviews from critics, the album was a commercial success upon its release. It reached the number five spot on the Billboard 200 chart, so evidently, listeners took a liking to it. Regardless of the legal challenges Shyne faced soon after the album dropped, the album’s impact on the music industry was undeniable. Twenty-three years later, it is still felt strongly, and its representation of the Hip Hop culture of that era remains noteworthy. Likely, Shyne may never drop another album, as he has moved on to the political arena. However, with the influence of his self-titled debut album, his legacy as a rapper holds firm.
On September 13, 1994, Notorious B.I.G., alongside producers Easy Mo Bee, DJ Premier, Poke of the Trackmasters, and none other than “Puffy” (as Diddy was called then) as the executive producer, released the Hip Hop masterpiece known as Ready To Die.
As Big’s debut album, this highly anticipated release shows the lyrical prowess of the Bed-Stuy big man, and besides Method Man’s assistance on the epic “The What?” track, Mr. Wallace made it happen all by himself. Other than Nas’ Illmatic, no other solo emcee accomplished that feat during that era on the East Coast. Recognized as “The King Of New York” and as seen on a vintage 1995 Source Magazine cover, Big’s legacy was etched in stone with this LP.
Timeless classics from that four and a half mic-er include the DJ Premier produced “Unbelievable,” the back and forth storytelling adventures of “Warning” and “Gimme The Loot,” and the eerie title track itself were just a few of the highlights of this legendary project. That’s not to forget the mainstream success of singles such as “One More Chance,” the Brooklynplayalistic sound of “Big Poppa,” and of course the hood inspirational, Mtume-based “Juicy.”
We only had the chance to get one more album(prophetically named Life After Death) out of one of the game’s greatest lyricists before he was prematurely killed in Los Angeles in 1997. Still, this album will always remind us that B.I.G. was “Ready to Die” because his talent was and will always be larger than life.
Salute to Big (RIP), Premier, Easy, Poke, Lord Finesse, Diddy, Lil’ Kim, and the entire Wallace family for this classic masterpiece!
