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Diddy’s in Exile. Here’s What Could Happen to His Music Now

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Diddy’s in Exile. Here’s What Could Happen to His Music Now

As someone who has spent a significant portion of my life immersed in the world of music, I find myself deeply conflicted by the situation surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs. On one hand, I am appalled and saddened by the allegations against him, and believe that those who have been harmed deserve justice and support. On the other hand, as a fan of his music, I cannot ignore the undeniable impact he has had on the industry and on countless artists’ careers.

In the ’90s, Sean “Diddy” Combs, who initially made a name for himself as a producer before transitioning into rapping, became an unavoidable figure in hip-hop. His production of catchy, upbeat party tracks significantly contributed to the popularization of hip-hop in mainstream culture. In 1997, he held the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts for a record-breaking 26 weeks, more than any other artist that year. Songs under his alias Puff Daddy consistently charted well, and he also produced successful tracks for artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and Mariah Carey. Interestingly, Diddy became the first hip-hop artist to replace himself at No. 1 on the chart, as “Mo Money Mo Problems” by The Notorious B.I.G. surpassed his own “I’ll Be Missing You.

Music was the gateway; Combs was a cultural visionary and his indefatigable drive and relentless pursuit of success transformed him into one of the most influential moguls in the entertainment industry with a billion-dollar legacy that included Bad Boy Records, luxury fashion line Sean John, Ciroc vodka, fragrances, restaurants, annual parties in the Hamptons, MTV’s Making the Band, and the Revolt media company. He embodied extravagance and the good life, showcasing the limitless possibilities of hip-hop success.

Once known as the go-to guy for getting parties started, Sean Combs’ reputation has taken a dark turn. On September 16, he was arrested on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering in New York City. The indictment claims that this 54-year-old music mogul ran a criminal enterprise from at least 2008 up until now, using force and threats to compel victims into participating in drug-fueled sexual acts. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams stated: “Sean Combs used the business empire he controlled to sexually abuse and exploit women, as well as to commit other violent and unjust acts.” Despite these accusations, Combs insists on his innocence, stating in a public announcement: “I want to make it clear: I am not guilty of the horrific things being alleged. I will defend my name, my family, and the truth.” At present, he remains in custody as bail has been denied.

In November 2023, singer Cassie Ventura publicly accused the mogul of sexual assault and violence during their long-term relationship, causing a significant damage to his public persona. (He has since denied these allegations.) Since then, he’s lost numerous accolades, and celebrities are gradually distancing themselves from him as more stories about his past misconduct emerge. Given his extensive connections across multiple industries, it raises questions about whether his high-profile friends and associates were aware of his alleged actions, the extent of their knowledge, and if they’re staying silent out of loyalty or because they might have been involved themselves. The authorities also claimed that some sexual acts, which Combs referred to as “freak offs,” were secretly recorded, leaving room for speculation that other well-known figures could potentially be implicated.

In prison before his trial, Diddy finds himself shunned by fans and the music industry as a pariah. The question arises: Can Diddy’s music be separated from the individual? “Without a doubt, this indictment against Diddy will impact his musical legacy,” remarks Torae, rapper and host of The Tor Guide on SiriusXM. “It’s inevitable. He has made significant contributions to the music industry and launched many successful artists. However, a question mark now emerges due to all the accusations and charges against him. Listening to his music may not be the same experience anymore.

It’s an issue that has dogged popular culture, especially since numberous allegations of sexual assault against Harvey Weinstein set off the global #MeToo movement in 2017. The music industry in particular has struggled with its approach to so-called canceled artists. Responses have varied based upon the artist’s level of success, popular sentiment, and whether legal action has been taken as companies navigate artistic freedom, commerce, and social responsibility. “At the end of the day it’s a matter of asking the question: Should we really separate the artist from the art?”says Kathy Iandoli, author of God Save the Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip-Hop and professor of music business at New York University.

In the music world’s frequent celebration of sex, drugs, and rebellion, there isn’t a single set rule. However, R. Kelly serves as a cautionary tale. As one of the most frequently accused individuals of sexual misconduct, such as marrying his underage protege Aaliyah in 1994, R. Kelly has become infamous for it. Iandoli suggests that we might use past events like those involving R. Kelly as a guide to understanding how these situations can develop. After decades of allegations culminating in his 2021 conviction for racketeering and the exploitation of minors, R. Kelly became the first artist whose music was excluded from Spotify’s curated playlists and personalized recommendations due to a new policy against “content and conduct that promotes hate.” Despite this, his music remains accessible on Spotify, but it will no longer be actively promoted by the platform.

After the broadcast of the Lifetime documentary “Surviving R. Kelly,” which gave prominence to numerous accusations against him, Sony Music and Universal Music Publishing Group cut ties with Kelly. However, his earlier works, including popular songs like “I Believe I Can Fly” and “Ignition – Remix,” continue to be profit-earning. YouTube deleted the artist’s official channels and videos following his 2021 conviction, but fan-uploaded content such as song covers and unauthorized music videos can still be found on the platform, as well as TikTok. According to Billboard, streams of his catalog surged by 116% in the U.S. after the documentary’s premiere, as reported by Nielsen Music, and he now has over 4.7 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Some of this revenue is being used for restitution; a judge ruled in 2023 that over $500,000 from his royalties would be allocated to compensate his victims.

In response to Ventura’s lawsuit, corporate partners such as Revolt, Hulu, and Peloton quickly ended their partnership with Combs. Revolt announced that Combs had sold his ownership in the company he founded and would no longer serve as chairman there. The chief executive, Detavio Samuels, confirmed this in an interview with the New York Times, stating, “All of Sean Combs’s shares have been bought back and are now retired. He is no longer our chairman, no longer on the board, and has no shares or equity in Revolt. We have completely cut ties and distanced ourselves from him.” Later, Revolt showed support for victims of domestic violence with a post on Instagram after the release of surveillance footage showing Ventura being assaulted by Combs. However, music platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, TIDAL, and YouTube have not yet commented on the matter following the indictment.

The Diddy dilemma is even more complex because of his prolific reach and history of platforming new talent, including Ventura. For over three decades, he’s served as a producer and record label executive known for helming the success of several prominent artists, often by micromanaging their music, aesthetic, and presentation. A total ban of everything Diddy touched would include the entirety of the Notorious B.I.G.’s discography as well as that of Bad Boy Records. Beloved tracks by Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, Mariah Carey, Lil’ Kim, and Usher would be out as well. “It’s a more complex situation because he wasn’t like R. Kelly, who was known for his catalog and being the main attraction on a track,” says Angela Yee, host of Way Up With Angela Yee on iHeartRadio. “He was more of an ad lib, guest verse, and label owner. Imagine not playing the Notorious B.I.G. or the Lox or Total because of what Diddy did?”

Some artists under suspicion may have experienced similar fates themselves, according to reports. The authorities claim that Combs used his influence to manipulate victims by controlling their professional paths and extorting them financially or through blackmail if they didn’t cooperate. More recently, Dawn Richard accused Combs of sexual assault and battery while she was in his group Danity Kane. Torae forecasts that these artists’ music will remain popular. “Despite the negative discussions surrounding it, I believe the musicians associated with Bad Boy Records will continue to receive the same level of radio play they’ve been getting,” he asserts.

In even the most challenging situations, exiled artists often have a few go-to pieces in their collection. For me, it’s undoubtedly “I’ll Be Missing You.” This heartfelt tribute to the Notorious B.I.G. is frequently played at funerals and memorials, serving as an annual homage to the late rapper. As Torae puts it, “Some might argue, ‘We don’t need to listen to that again.’ However, every Biggie birthday and anniversary, DJs will create a mix including this track, making it a staple.” This song, which is played only a couple of times a year, might be considered safe from overexposure.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has consistently been known for his resilience, a trait embodied in his popular rap phrase, “can’t stop, won’t stop.” For many years, this tenacity saw him thrive regardless of the circumstances or challenges faced by himself and others. A new success seemed perpetually within reach. However, he now confronts the prospect of his illustrious career coming to a halt. The potential replacement for his legacy of hits? An ominous quietude.

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2024-09-20 23:06

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