Out of all the people who are commenting on the Diddy scandal, especially after the Cassie footage, there is one name who hasn’t been as outspoken as some folks may have assumed: Mase. The former Bad Boy artist has voiced his fair share of disagreements, critiques, and outright animosity with the label’s boss in the past over business and personal matters. Of course, it’s not like he particularly held back when it comes to this recent wave of abuse, sexual assault, and sex trafficking claims against Sean Combs. But the It Is What It Is cohost hasn’t said much about that new hotel video, and explained why on Tuesday (May 21) on his show.
“I’m saving my takes for the documentary. If y’all wondering how I feel, it’s coming soon, pause,” Mase said on It Is What It Is. Previoulsy, he had reacted to a lot of the Diddy developments with about the same level of shock, intrigue, and side-eye as everyone else. However, the Jacksonville native might have more particular things to say about this new footage in question, or just recently signed onto a long-form project on the Puff case. Either way, it’s a curious choice.
Meanwhile, Cassie recently shared an appreciative yet heavy message following the response to the footage of her and Diddy. “Thank you for all of the love and support from my family, friends, strangers and those I have yet to meet,” it started. “The outpouring of love has created a place for my younger self to settle and feel safe now, but this is only the beginning. Domestic Violence is THE issue. It broke me down to someone I never thought I would become. With a lot of hard work, I am better today, but I will always be recovering from my past.
“Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to take this matter seriously,” Cassie continued. “My only ask is that EVERYONE open your heart to believing victims the first time. It takes a lot of heart to tell the truth out of a situation that you were powerless in. I offer my hand to those that are still living in fear. Reach out to your people, don’t cut them off. No one should carry this weight alone. This healing journey is never ending, but this support means everything to me. Thank you. Love Always, Cassie.”
According to Dipset head honcho and It Is What It Is podcast’s Camron, claims that he and co-host Mase have an entire album together, but it is highly unlikely that the public will ever get a chance to heat the songs.
In a recent IG Live, Cam took to the social media platform saying, “Me and Ma$e got an album. He said we can’t put it out! I don’t know what it’s about. We did six-seven songs. We do the songs and then he say, ‘No.’ He goes on saying, “I don’t know what Ma$e is saving them for. But we got songs together and not together. I’m just not allowed to play them.”
Cam also claims that his longtime friend and former Bad Boy is sitting on a bunch of unreleased tracks that Cam says is “real good.”
“Ma$e got mad songs. Them shits is hot too. All Ma$e songs is hot,” he continued. “I ain’t gonna front, he got some real, real, real good songs. What he holding onto them for? I can’t answer that. I don’t know what Ma$e is holding onto these songs for. I asked him, ‘Could I play them?’ and he told me, ‘No.’ Maybe they just for him to enjoy. I hear them too though, I enjoy them. Trust me, if I could play this shit Ma$e plays for me, I would.”
As solo artists, Cam’s last project, The Lost Tapes Vol. 1, arrived in 2023 while Ma$e hasn’t released an album since 2004’s Welcome Back.
Yesterday was an eventful day for rap record mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The music impresario saw his homes raided and family members detained as part of an investigation into alleged sex trafficking that arose as a result of a slew of sexual assault lawsuits against him.
It was also, coincidentally, the anniversary of two albums heavily connected to Combs’ musical legacy: The Notorious B.I.G.’s Life After Death and The Diplomats’ Diplomatic Immunity. Cam’Ron and Mase commented on the “eerie” timing of the raids on the latest episode of their sports podcast It Is What It Is, calling Diddy’s misfortunes “reparations” as they gloated over their former business partner’s legal troubles.
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) March 26, 2024
“Reparations is getting closer and closer,” Mase chuckled during the show’s intro. “I ain’t got nothing to do with that money, that’s all yours,” Cam responded. He also noted, “The last year has really been the been payback for you.”
The crux of their comments was Mase’s ongoing financial disputes with Combs, which started in the early 2000s and continued until last year, when Combs finally sold Mase the publishing rights to his music recorded under Bad Boy, along with a slew of other Bad Boy artists. Mase, of course, heavily contributed to Life After Death and became the Bad Boy golden child in the wake of B.I.G.’s 1997 murder, but felt that he was never paid fairly by Diddy, resulting in stints as a pastor and rapper on other labels.
In the prior week’s episode of It Is What It Is, Mase said he had to “escape” Bad Boy, recalling, “Even though I made those decisions and it cost me money, that’s why [when] I got with [Cam’Ron], [God] gave me the money back. I didn’t [really] lose no money. Destiny.”
Shortly after, he made his widely embraced comeback in 2004 with the track “Welcome Back.” However, his passion for the game had dwindled. In the years following a nasty feud with his former label head, Diddy was all the public could talk about. On Friday, March 22, during a recent episode of his co-hosted podcast, It Is What It Is, he claimed his retirement from rap was ultimately to “escape” Diddy.
“Everything, now, that we see playing out was all the things that I escaped,” he said, seemly referring to the mountain of allegations Diddy is facing. “The car. The Shyne. The Loon. Puff Daddy. Craig Mack. Biggie Smalls. So, even though I made those decisions and it cost me money, that’s why [when] I got with [Cam’Ron], [God] gave me the money back. I didn’t [really] lose no money. Destiny.”
What started as a conversation about the start of Kobe (R.I.P.) and Vanessa Bryant’s relationship, life, and destiny led Mase to think about his past.
Watch the full episode above (however, the remarks start around the 1-minute and 4-second mark).
Being one of the hottest sports shows in 2024, Cam’ron and Mase and going to be receiving more than their fair share of criticism from fans, colleagues and athletes alike. After their critique of men who marry or have children with women who were previously in relationships with other famous men, they mentioned Dallas Cowboys star Trevor Diggs recently having a child with the mother of Future and Bow Wow’s children, Joie Chavis.
Cam inquired as to why an athlete or entertainer would want to be with some3one else’s “leftovers”, but Diggs replied to the It Is What It Is hosts, saying on X, “You like 50 mentioning me on your platform Gomd.” He added, “I was 5 when you was rapping, ain’t no way you speaking on me rn.”
Cam and Mase responded with the obvious, stating that they’re not rapping, but reporting on current events and hot topics in the news. They also let him know that their analyzation of the current trend of second hand companions.
On the most recent episode of It Is What It Is podcast, co-host Ma$e claimed that if he played in today’s NBA, he feels “like I could play against these n-ggas.”
Making a very bold, yet possibly realistic statement as a former high school b-ball standout, the former Bad Boy artist said after speaking about Lebron dropping 40,000 points in his career, “40,000 points is a remarkable feat. I just think it’s a cupcake league, for real. I think in this league today, if I was in top shape, I could probably average about 15, 16. I’m just keeping it real,” he chuckled. The former Manhattan Center shooting guard added, “When I ain’t make it in my generation, I felt like, yeah, it was a few n-ggas that was probably better than me. This generation? I feel like I could play against these n-ggas.”
Go to the 29:00 mark of the podcast to hear Ma$e’s commentary:
Ma$e even added his former teammate and co-host Camron to the convo, saying, “I think Killa, you coulda probably played 20 years against these n-ggas today. You woulda averaged probably about 18.”
Cam replied, “In my prime? Maybe. I’d have to work on my jump shot. They didn’t let us shoot jump shots. Crazy shit it, I had a great jump shot when I stopped playing basketball. When we played basketball, coach would almost want to assassinate you if shot a jump shot. You had to go to the basket.”
2024 has only just begun, but already the news cycle in the hip-hop world has taken us on a rollercoaster. For the femcees, the drama between Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj, as well as a slightly less tense feud between Latto and Ice Spice has been at the centre of internet discourse. As for male artists, the Diddy scandal unearthed by Cassie continues to bring forth other damning allegations, meanwhile, Dame Dash is doing everything in his power to hold onto his Roc-A-Fella shares amid a time of financial strife.
Last week it was reported that the music executive would have to sell his stake in the company to pay off an $800K+ debt he owes. Now, sources are saying Cam’ron and Mase might be the new owners of those shares; these rumours were addressed during a new episode of It Is What It Is this week. When the rappers’ co-host, Stat Baby, asked about the validity of the gossip, they couldn’t help but giggle about the situation for some time. “Let’s just say hypothetically, right?” Mase said with a grin while pulling money out of his coat pocket.
In response to their unofficial confirmation, some hip-hop heads think this is the best move possible for Dash. “I mean, Dame ain’t tryna seel it to Jay, so s**t, why not? I say ask for $3M and walk away knowing it’s in good hands. If Cam and Mase acquire it, then it’s win for them both ’cause now Cam with the ROC and Mase get a win ’cause of those jabs Hov took at ’em,” one person wrote under @thehiphopwolf’s post.
Dame Dash is in a tough spot, with upwards of $800K still owed to a film producer who’s actively trying to get his money. Thankfully, Jay-Z and “Biggs” Burke are doing their part to keep his Roc-A-Fella shares in his name, though this rumoured deal has the potential to shake everything up. Read more about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Hip Hop is rife with numerous rap beefs. However, these friendships, rivalries, and everything in between have significantly contributed to the evolution of the genre. Nonetheless, few narratives are as interesting as the bond and beef between Cam’ron and Mase (Ma$e). Hailing from Harlem, these two rappers share a close friendship and musical collaboration that has experienced highs and lows. Early on in their careers, their feud became the talk of the town. However, they’ve risen through it all, and have become closer than ever as co-hosts of It Is What It Is. Cam’ron and Mase might even be going on tour together. Here, we’ll take a look at their friendship, beef, and eventual reconciliation.
The roots of Cam’ron and Mase’s friendship can be traced back to their formative years in Harlem, New York. Both artists were high school friends and players on the Manhattan Center High School basketball team. In fact, they helped their team secure second place in the NYC High School basketball finals. However, it was their shared love of Hip-Hop that kept their friendship alive.
The two friends soon found themselves navigating the vibrant and competitive rap scene in 1993. Along with Big L, DukeDaGod, Herb McGruff, Bloodshed, and Six Figga Digga, they formed the group, Children Of The Corn. Furthermore, they adopted rap aliases. Mase was “Murder Mase,” while Cam’ron went by “Killa Cam.” Murda Mase earned a reputation for his gritty street-savvy lyricism and distinctive flow patterns, while Killa Cam forged a unique style characterized by his thematic cadence and unfiltered, powerful vocals. Collaborating with fellow members Bloodshed and Herb McGruff, the group went on to record several mixtapes.
1997: Children Of The Corn’s Disbandment, And Solo Attempts
Following the death of Bloodshed (1997), the group disbanded. Murder Mase decided to change his moniker to Ma$e, and signed with Bad Boy Records. That year he released the widely acclaimed album, Harlem World, which earned him a Grammy nomination. Cam’ron on the other hand, made an unsuccessful attempt to revive his basketball career at a junior college in Texas. He later returned to New York and reunited with Mase, who then introduced him to The Notorious B.I.G., and in turn, Lance “Un” Rivera.
In 1998, Cam’ron signed to Sony Music and dropped his inaugural album, Confessions Of Fire, which featured Mase on the lead single “Horse & Carriage.” However, a surprising twist unfolded when Cam’ron reportedly asked Mase to be in the music video. The “What You Want” rapper allegedly demanded $50,000 to make the appearance. Cam’ron refused to pay, and undeterred, opted for a body double to take Mase’s place in the video.
1999: Mase Announces His Retirement
The next year, Mase released the follow-up album Double Up. In an interview with Funkmaster Flex on Hot 97, he announced that he was retiring from the rap scene to become a pastor. At the time, numerous speculations arose suggesting that Mase’s shift towards spirituality and relocation from Harlem to Atlanta was influenced by an ongoing beef with the prominent figure, Baby Maine. Nonetheless, regardless of the public’s doubts, Mase took a step away from rapping.
2001-2003: “Welcome to New York City,” And Mase’s Silence
By 2001, Cam’ron parted ways with Sony Music after the release of S.D.E. Afterwards, he signed to Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records. Backed by the production genius of Kanye West and Just Blaze, Cam earned his breakthrough with his 2002 album, Come Home With Me. He subsequently threw the first disses at Mase in the track “Welcome To New York City.” The song featured Jay-Z and Jules Santana, and on it, Cam’ron raps, “Hot here, ask Mase, he ran to Atlanta.”
The lyrics suggested that Mase couldn’t handle the challenges and competitiveness of the New York rap scene, and thus, fled to Atlanta. Mase made no response to the shot. In 2003, Cam’ron went on to establish his group The Diplomats, also known as Dipset, marking a new chapter in his musical journey. Mase, on the other hand, was still believed to be fully retired from rap.
July 2004: Cam’ron And Mase Argue On Hot 97
In 2004, Mase made his return to rapping with the single, “Welcome Back.” That same day, however, Jim Jones, a member of The Diplomats, released his debut album, On My Way To Church. The album’s title track was taken as a direct diss at Mase. A month before the album’s release, Mase was on a Hot 97 interview promoting his album. He elucidated the reasons behind his departure from Harlem and the rap scene, saying that he had felt insulted by Cam’ron for refusing to pay him. In an unexpected turn of events, both Jim Jones and Cam’ron individually dialed into the show. The pair questioned the authenticity of Mase’s account regarding his exit from Harlem and labeling him a “fraud”.
December 2004: Purple Haze
Months after the release of Mase’s third album Welcome Back, Cam’ron released the album, PurpleHaze. He tapped Juelz Santana and Un Kasa for the track “Take ‘Em to Church,” which served as another diss track to Mase. “Everybody Welcoming this, welcoming that / He wasn’t welcome in the first place, how we welcome him back?” Juelz raps before Un Kasa interjects, “Give me the MAC, let me welcome with that/ Tell ‘Mr. Rogers’, I leave his brains on the trolley track,” a perceived reference to Mase’s “Welcome Back” music video that takes inspiration from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. “This my call by the false prophet, all profit / Harlem hustler, I can’t at all knock it / But you hard when you go in the lord pockets? Do Harlem a favor, get a church or something,” Cam’ron follows up. In 2005, Mase joined G-Unit in 2005. The following year, Cam’ron, in an interview with XXL Magazine, swore that he would never speak to Mase again.
2009-2010: A Brief Truce
Come 2009, the matter had died down enough between the former friends. In fact, Mase shouted out Dipset and offered an apology to Cam’ron and Jim Jones while on DJ Self’s show. At Hud 6’s funeral in 2010 however, Mase was notably absent, and this upset Cam’ron. While performing a tribute freestyle, Cam’ron yelled out, “Yo, fuck Mase.”
March 2017: Cam’ron Checks Mase’s Time As A Pastor
Several years went by before the beef between Cam’ron and Mase came up again. During an Instagram Live, Cam’ron shared his own insights on why he believed Mase had become a pastor. “See, that’s what Mase did,” he said. “Mase went real wild. He said, ‘Yo, they can’t beef with me, they can’t ask me for nothing. I’m gonna throw on the Rev. Run collar and get the heck out of here.’”
November 2017: Cam’ron And Mase Fire Shots At Each Other
In November, Cam’ron hit Mase with yet another diss track, with the release of “It’s Killa.” However, this time, Mase returned his shots with the track, “The Oracle.” He addressed the years of controversy and put forth some strong allegations against Cam’ron. “Ever since 10 you was a thirsty nigga / I ain’t gon’ talk about the time you fucked your sister,” he rapped.
The very next night, Cam’ron released “Dinner Time” in response. Both rappers then took to Instagram to continue their back-and-forth beef. The argument eventually simmered down, and the two rappers called a truce. Mase then went on Twitter and declared himself the winner, while Cam’ron commented on the tweet: “When u leaving Harlem again? 2mr?”
2022: Cam’ron And Mase Squash Their Beef
After signing to Death Row Records, Mase appeared in a video shared by the rapper’s sister. In the clip, he is seen reconciling with Cam’ron during a phone call. As Mase asks, “Killa, what’s good?,” the pair share a laugh, before Mase teases his friend once more with the line, “Where’s Mr. Petty at these days?” And just like that… the long-standing beef was finally put to rest. Shortly after, the tour began planning to tour together with Jadakiss, though those plans eventually fizzled out.
2023: It Is What It Is
In 2023, Cam’ron launched an independently produced sports news talk show, titled It Is What It Is, with Mase as his co-host. Since the show’s debut, it has garnered widespread internet attention and viral success. In fact, despite substantial interest from potential buyers, Cam’ron has revealed that he has turned down numerous multi-million dollar offers for the purchase of the show. Nonetheless, they inked a deal with Underdog Fantasy for a whopping $30 million. Today, he and Mase continue to excel on the show, proving that their friendship can weather any storm.
Ma$e was performing abroad in New Zealand and felt compelled to lead the crowd in Prayer. The moment delivered a powerful message to the start of 2024.
“I accept you as my lord and my savior,” Ma$e said. “I’m healed, I’m delivered, I’m rich, all is well, nothing is broken, and nothing is missing. All 2024.”
After seeing how well Cam’ron and Mase work together on It Is What It Is, viewers who are less educated in the subject of hip-hop history are beginning to question why the two stars were ever at odds in the first place. To help satisfy their curosity, the Dipset alum addressed the situation during a new interview on the All the Smoke podcast, which finally landed on YouTube this week. During his sitdown, Killa Cam recalls taking Jim Jones’ advice to bring a real gun to his Paid in Full audition, and takes responsibility for the role he played in his drama with Mase.
“Mase gave me an opportunity to get my first record deal,” the 47-year-old said. “He did a video for me – my first video ‘357,’ which was dope. And then I had another single with him, ‘Horse & Carriage,’ and he didn’t do that video so my label started gassing me like, ‘Yo why your man ain’t doing the video? He want $50,000 to do the video.’” At that time, Cam’ron was younger and more ego based, allowing himself to feed into the narratives about his friend, leading to them falling out but eventually becoming cool again.
He also told the podcasters that seeing Mase spending time strengthening his connection to God put a rift between them. “Then you know, he went to church. I kinda didn’t understand it at the time because that’s my man all day and I’m like, where church come from?” the multi-talent recalled pondering. “So I started bugging out on him because of that. To be honest with you, the whole s**t was my fault and just not understanding the kind of path he was on at the time. So I kinda was going at him on records and shit and he was ignoring me and shit, then one day he made ‘The Oracle’ and kinda flushed me one day. I was like, ‘That was pretty tough.’”
Watch Cam’ron’s full interview with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson on the All the Smoke podcast above. Would you like to hear the legendary lyricist collaborate with Mase on music again? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
