King Combs is making it clear that he is not gang affiliated. The statement comes after a video went viral with the star throwing gang signs and saying “GDK,” an acronym for Gangster Disciple Killer. The term originates from Chicago but has grown in popularity in rap songs as of late.
Hitting Instagram, Combs wrote, “I ain’t affiliate w no gangs & im not a gang member.”
King Combs reacts to viral video of him allegedly throwing up gang signs: “I ain’t affiliated with no gangs & I’m not a gang member” pic.twitter.com/6nM8JcpZn9
In a recent social media moment, Chicago rapper King Yella called out King Combs, the son of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, for allegedly being associated with the Gangster Disciples Killer (GDK) gang. Yella took to IG just yesterday to call Combs’ bluff when he was spotted in a viral video of him saying “GDK.” “Why would you even try to involve yourself in anything GDK?” King Yella questioned. “Bro, why would you want to do drill music? You don’t come from the streets or come from none of that. You were born famous, not from the streets.” After King Combs was spotted in the video, several people had something to say. The situation took an interesting turn when King Combs responded on Instagram, denying any connection to gangs.
However, King Combs put a quick end to the rumors on IG after he saw the backlash he was getting. “I ain’t affiliated w no gangs and I’m not a gang member!” he said. After Yella saw his response, he had a reply of his own. “Thank you @kingcombs for tellin us u was just cappin,” he wrote in an IG post. “You still wrong, you live a good life stick to it. Cause this gangbanging ish ish not where it’s at. We can switch spots if u want to.”
In King Yella’s new video, he also claimed he had the power to make people apologize for renouncing gang ties. “Aye Puffy’s son, I’m proud of you, man.” However, then King Yella asserted his influence in making people apologize for fake gang affiliations, stating, “I make n*ggas apologize and say they don’t gang bang.” He then went into a point of highlighting the contrast between those born into privilege who choose a life of crime and those emerging from poverty striving for success. King Yella challenged King Combs to think about his choices, emphasizing that pursuing a “bad life” contradicts the opportunities that come with privilege.
“On a real note, you was born with a silver spoon,” King Yella continued. “We could switch spots. If you wanna be a gang banger, let me be a millionaire, billionaire son. I’ll take that. That’s whats wrong with the world now. N*ggas were born with money and wanna live the bad life. Growing up in poverty and coming from the struggle, we want the good life. I don’t wanna gang bang, I don’t wanna live like this. I don’t wanna look over my shoulder, I want the bag so I can provide for my children. King Combs, don’t let that s**t happen no more. You gotta do better. It’s not a good look.” What are your thoughts?
In a recent Instagram post, Chicago rapper King Yella called out King Combs, the son of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, for his purported association with gang, GDK (Gangster Disciples Killer). The video, which has since gone viral, features King Yella expressing his surprise and concern about King Combs’ alleged involvement with the gang. The video opens with King Yella addressing the situation head-on, stating, “So I look on the internet and I see Puff Daddy’s son come out saying GDK.” The rapper then dives into the apparent contradictions of King Combs aligning himself with GDK, especially given the serious legal allegations surrounding his iconic father, Diddy.
“It’s not a good time when your dad has all these allegations…” he continued. “Why would you even try to involve yourself in anything GDK?” questioned King Yella, highlighting his motives for his involvement. King Yella then dropped a bombshell, revealing that he had received a call from King Combs seeking advice on whether he should pursue drill music. In the video, King Yella expressed his disbelief, stating, “Bro, why would you want to do drill music? You don’t come from the streets or come from none of that. You were born famous, not from the streets. Come from a rich daddy that’s fighting a bunch of sexual allegations and crazy stuff. And you want to come talking about GDK. Don’t let them GDs get witchu you, dude. Goofy.”
The video quickly became a focal point on social media, generating widespread attention and discussion. Many supported King Yella’s critique, questioning the authenticity of King Combs’ connection to street culture. “Screaming GDK from yo pops $12 million dollar mansion is a form of insanity I thought I’d never witness,” one person wrote. “I’ll never understand why privileged kids try to act hood,” another said. “He better shut up before Diddy catch another body,” another said. Referring to the fact that Diddy allegedly blew up Kid Cudi’s car for being interested in Cassie.
As the story continues to unfold, the alleged GDK affiliation of King Combs remains a hot topic of discussion. King Yella and others are clearly not having it. Whether he was joking or not. Let us know your thoughts on HNHH!
King Combs, with a moniker that evokes hip-hop royalty, carves his path with a blend of nostalgic ’90s beats and contemporary swagger. He stands at the intersection of a rich musical legacy and the fresh, pulsating energy of the new school. His journey is a testament to the power of a name, the allure of a fresh voice, and the magnetic pull of a legacy. With a creative vision clear and a presence unmistakable, King Combs has charted a course through the rap industry. It has garnered him a significant fortune, boasting a net worth of $5 million in 2023, according to Allfamousbirthday.
A Dynasty’s New Anthem: Career & Accolades
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 02: In this image released on October 2, Christian Combs attends Rihanna’s S-vage X Fenty Show Vol. 2. Presented by Amazon Prime Video at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California; and broadcast on October 2, 2020. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for S-vage X Fenty Show Vol. 2 Presented by Amazon Prime Video)
King Combs’ career is a burgeoning tapestry of sharp lyrical prowess and hits that resonate with a generation straddling the line between reverence for the past and the uncharted potential of the future. His discography, marked by the smooth cadences of 90’s Baby, reflects a deep-rooted respect for the era that shaped his artistic lineage. The accolades that follow him, while still in the early chapters of what promises to be a storied career, are affirmations of his talent and the resonant impact of his music.
The Beat Of His Own Drum: Personal Life & Charitable Acts
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 25: (L-R) Justin Dior Combs, Honoree Sean “Diddy” Combs, Christian Casey Combs, and Quincy Taylor Brown. Attend the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Sean “Diddy” Combs. On January 25, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Despite the shadow of fame cast by his familial ties, King Combs dances to the beat of his own drum. He crafts an identity distinct from the legacy that precedes him. His personal life, a tapestry interwoven with threads of discretion and splashes of the limelight, reflects the balance he maintains. King Combs extends his influence beyond the microphone. He engages in charitable endeavors that speak to a heart in tune with the beat of societal progress and communal upliftment.
The Crown Jewel Of Rap: A Resounding Epilogue
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 25: (L-R) Christian Combs, Kareem Burke, Juan Perez, Jay-Z, Sean Combs. Joey Bada$$, Leonard Fournette, Meek Mill and Dez Bryant attend 2020. Roc Nation THE BRUNCH on January 25, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation)
King Combs’ story is not merely one of financial success. It’s the narrative of a cultural heir who has taken the torch with reverence and audacity. His net worth is a mere numerical reflection of a brand that continues to evolve. Combs is a talent that refuses to stay static, and a legacy that is as much inherited as earned.
Hip-hop, a constantly evolving genre, has seen a surge of new artists emerging on the scene. These up-and-coming rappers often draw inspiration from the iconic artists of the 70s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Sampling has always been a part of hip-hop, with artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and the late producer, J-Dilla, pushing boundaries […]
Connecting the planet through music, style, and culture changes our collective future, now that’s a power that can’t be denied. And in celebrating its Golden Anniversary, AT&T Dream in Black has brought together a diverse panel of artists and voices from generations and backgrounds to sit down and chop it up about how Hip-Hop has proven that connecting changes everything.
As hip hop celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the next generation is shaping the genre’s future. Many hip hop artists have seen their children grow up and follow in their footsteps by sliding into the music industry. Today, we will look at seven rappers with famous parents. Many have taken direct inspiration from their parents, while others have carved out their own lane and are building names for themselves. While trying to make it as a musician with a famous parent can be challenging, some have found their own identity or have embraced their family lineage. We have even seen celebrities work with their children on songs, resulting in full-circle bonding moments. Take a look at the list of these familial relationships below.
Jaden
The Smiths are one of pop culture’s most famous families. Son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Jaden has followed in his father’s footsteps of not only becoming a hip hop artist but also being a jack of all trades in entertainment. Jaden Smith started acting at a young age but soon set his goals towards becoming a rapper. He notably featured on Justin Bieber’s “Never Say Never” from the soundtrack of The Karate Kid, which Smith starred in. He then began releasing independent mixtapes, eventually signing with Roc Nation while building his MSFTSrep label and clothing line.
Jaden has released three studio albums, including SYRE and ERYS, which mirror each other conceptually. He has worked with notable artists, including Childish Gambino, Logic, A$AP Rocky, and Kid Cudi. Jaden has also toured with the likes of Tyler, The Creator, J. Cole, Post Malone, and Justin Bieber. Additionally, he has toured and collaborated with his sister, Willow Smith, who has also been a multifaceted singer, songwriter, and actress from a young age. Further, Jaden once brought his father on stage during a 2018 performance.
Coi Leray
As one of the biggest hip hop stars to emerge in recent memory, Coi Leray has carved out a lane for herself in the scene. Her father is Benzino, the media executive, rapper, and producer known for co-owning The Source magazine and beefing with Eminem. Leray started to make waves in hip hop in 2021, the same year she landed a spot on the annual XXL Freshman Class. Since then, she released her debut album, Trendsetter, in 2022, and more recently, 2023’s Coi. The Hackensack, New Jersey rapper has released many viral hit songs, including this year’s No. 1 rap hit, “Players,” which is nominated for multiple BET Hip Hop Awards. She has certainly built herself a successful career like Benzino, who recently expressed feelings of being a proud dad after watching her perform.
King Combs
King Combs has taken after his father, Diddy, in his rap career. He notably emulates the “Shiny Suit Era” of the late 1990s and early 2000s of which his father was a trailblazer. Additionally, King Combs is continuing to carry on Diddy’s legacy as he has sampled and reworked beats from the Bad Boy Records catalog. Most notably, his song “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” utilizes the same sample as Lil Kim’s “Crush on You.” Combs recently performed a medley of greatest hits at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards alongside his father, who received the annual Global Icon Award. So far in his career, Combs has worked with Chris Brown, Kodak Black on the aforementioned “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop,” and Teyana Taylor on the Mase-sampling “How You Want It?”
Chris Rivers
While Big Pun unfortunately passed away at the young age of 28, his son has taken after him, honoring his legacy. Named after his father, Chris Rivers has remained consistent in the underground scene. His music consists of sharp lyricism and complex rhyme schemes, much like that of Big Pun. He mirrors his father’s style to the point where he was originally known as Baby Pun. A respected lyricist, Chris Rivers has worked with the likes of Termanology, R.A. The Rugged Man, Vinnie Paz, Ghostface Killah, and Joell Ortiz. Additionally, he started his career in a rap group with one of Benzino’s other children, Ray Ray.
Son of Rev-Run, Diggy Simmons began his entertainment career as a rapper. He started releasing mixtapes at an early age, landing him a spot on the 2011 XXL Freshman Class alongside Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, Meek Mill, Big K.R.I.T., and more. Diggy also appeared on the reality show Run’s House with his famous family. Simmons’s major label debut album, 2012’s Unexpected Arrival, included the hit single “Do It Like You” featuring Jeremih. He was also a member of the briefly active All City Chess Club, a hip hop supergroup consisting of J. Cole, Pharrell, Lupe Fiasco, Wale, Blu, B.o.B, and many others. Diggy has since focused on acting, as he currently stars in the TV series, Grown-ish. His last album, Lighten Up, was released in 2018.
Lil Tracy
Both of Lil Tracy’s famous parents have been members of well-known music groups. His father is Ishmael Butler of Digable Planets and Shabazz Palaces, and his mother is Cheryl “Coko” Gamble from SWV. It appears that music runs in the family, as Lil Tracy has been establishing his own rap career for a while. Known for his emo rap sound, he gained traction in the “Soundcloud rap” era. The New Jersey native got his start when he collaborated with Lil Peep before his unfortunate passing in 2017.
Trey Budden
Joe Budden’s eldest son has taken after his former love of rapping. Releasing music under his government name like his father, Trey Budden’s knack for lyricism follows the footsteps of the rapper-turned-podcaster. In 2018, he released a song expressing frustrations toward his father while rapping over the instrumental for his track, “Love For You.” Joe knew about the diss prior to its release and reacted to the song live on his podcast, making for an entertaining lyrical breakdown. Trey and his father appear to have maintained a close relationship, based on when he called into the Joe Budden Podcast and reacted to posts on social media. He continues to release music independently.
Just when you thought the ‘nepo baby‘ conversation was over, it reenters social media’s trending topics. This time at the center of the conversation is budding rap star, King Combs.
After landing at the Los Angeles International Airport, King (real name Christian), who is the oldest biological son of music mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, was stopped by TMZ to ask him about his feelings around being labeled a nepotism baby. Initially, when asked by the cameraman, King laughs off the subject. Still, after the second ask, he humbly responds, “[It doesn’t bother me], not really. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. So [I] have a big legacy I have to live up to,” adding, “but right now, Bad Boy [Records] we’re number one, baby.”
When asked about how he feels about benefitting from his father’s two-decade-long career in the industry, King said, “I feel like I’m blessed. You know [my siblings and I] are going to take the legacy further and further.” Closing with his father’s signature slogan, “Bad Boy for life.”
King Combs, without a doubt, benefits from the groundwork his father has laid in music, but he continues to make way for himself. King hasn’t hidden from his father’s legacy. In fact, he has embraced it. His music leans into honoring his father every step of the way, as recently heard on his breakout song, “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop,” featuring Kodak Black.
In recent days, “nepo baby” has been a major buzzword (or “buzz term,” more accurately) online. Essentially, it refers to celebrities with famous relatives and implies the opportunities for success that they have received are primarily thanks to the fame of their families. (The “nepo” is short for “nepotism.”) Vulture recently ran a thorough, in-depth feature that cataloged most of the nepo babies in American pop culture, but what about music specifically? There’s a pretty sizable list in that industry, too.
(For the purposes of this list, “nepo baby” is not a judgement term and simply refers to musicians whose parent or parents worked in the entertainment industry or were otherwise noteworthy/affluent.)
Indeed, there are some famous nepo babies in the music world. A few that immediately come to mind are Miley Cyrus (daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus), Jaden and Willow Smith (children of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith), Norah Jones (daughter of Ravi Shankar), Robin Thicke (son of Alan Thicke), and Nancy Sinatra (daughter of Frank Sinatra). There are plenty beyond that, though, including some you may not have realized had at least one famous relative. Let’s take a look:
Coi Leray
Father: Benzino (rapper, producer, co-founder of The Source)
Leray has been one of the promising rappers of the past few years, plain and simple. In 2021, XXL put her on their esteemed “Freshman” list and she dropped her defining single “No More Parties,” which was her first song to place on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and be certified platinum by the RIAA. She also made some noise this year with Trendsetter, her debut album that included features from Nicki Minaj, HER, Lil Durk, and others. She also appeared on a 2022 cover story for Uproxx. NBD.
Clairo
Father: Geoff Cottrill (Chief Marketing Officer at Top Golf, previously of P&G, Coca-Cola, and Starbucks)
Through accusations of being an “industry plant,” Clairo has proven that she really does have the musical goods and that she deserves all the acclaim she’s received. Her two albums, 2019’s Immunityand 2021’s Sling, both earned spots on numerous year-end lists, while the former got her on the Hot 100 chart for the first time and the latter was her first top-20 album in the US.
Gracie Abrams
Father: J.J. Abrams (filmmaker)
In recent years, Abrams has become your favorite artist’s favorite artist. She’s joining Taylor Swift on tour in 2023 and she’s previously supported Olivia Rodrigo and The National. This is thanks in part to the strength of her 2021 project This Is What It Feels Like, which features some Aaron Dessner production and was well-received.
Maya Hawke
Parents: Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke (actors)
Hawke is best known for her breakout role in Stranger Things, but before the show, she was already working on a music career for herself. That’s been going well, too: Her two albums, 2020’s Blush and 2022’s Moss earned some critical praise, which, along with her acting chops, helped establish Hawke as a skilled multi-hyphenate.
King Combs
Father: Diddy/Sean Combs (rapper, businessman)
Combs has been grinding away at a music career for a few years now and it has really paid off. One of his freestyles previously caught 50 Cent’s attention and just this November, his single “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” topped Mediabase’s Urban Radio chart, actually passing his father Diddy’s Bryson Tiller collaboration “Gotta Move On” to claim the title.
King Princess
Relatives: father Oliver H. Straus Jr. (recording engineer) and great-grandfather Isidor Straus (US congressman and co-owner of Macy’s)
Nepo baby or not, King Princess has been one of the more notable breakout music stars of the past few years. Her debut single, 2018’s “1950,” has been certified platinum and she’s generally become a critical favorite. She’s even managed to transcend music by appearing as a guest judge on Is It Cake? earlier this year.
Samia
Parents: Kathy Najimy and Dan Finnerty (actors + Dan Band leader)
Samia built a strong foundation for herself with her 2020 debut album The Baby: It was one of the year’s best-received projects and it set the table for her upcoming second LP, Honey. Coincidentally, by the way, Samia’s video for The Baby lead single “Is There Something In The Movies” actually featured Maya Hawke.
Frankie Cosmos
Parents: Kevin Kline and Phoebe Cates (actors)
Cosmos (whose real name is Greta Kline) is an established veteran stemming from the 2010s indie scene, having cemented herself as a mainstay figure through many Bandcamp releases and later a string of proper studio albums. Last year, she continued her string of beloved albums with Inner World Peace.
Buzzy Lee
Parents: Steven Spielberg (director/writer/producer) and Kate Capshaw (actress)
For years now, Lee has been plugging away and really making a name for herself in the music scene with various releases over the past decade. She’s earned herself some big opportunities, too, like working with Nicolas Jaar as Just Friends, collaborating on multiple occasions with Jpegmafia, and opening for Haim on their 2022 tour.
Elijah Hewson
Father: Bono (U2 singer)
While they haven’t broken out in the US quite yet, Inhaler, the band led by Hewson, is a phenomenon overseas: Their debut album, 2021’s It Won’t Always Be Like This, topped the charts in the UK and Ireland. It’s also easy to hear the genealogy in Hewson’s voice and sounding like a young Bono certainly hasn’t hurt, especially with the band’s rock sound that also bears some stylistic similarities to ’80s U2.
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(@SaycheeseDGTL) December 5, 2023
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