Sean Combs
Sean Combs is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur who has performed under the names Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Diddy.
Bad Boy Records: An American record label founded by Sean Combs in 1993, known for hip-hop and R&B releases. Combs built his recording career and business identity around this label.
The Notorious B.I.G.: An American rapper whose 1990s recordings helped define East Coast hip-hop. Combs signed and produced him at Bad Boy Records, shaping both careers.
Howard University: A historically Black research university in Washington, D.C. Combs studied business there before leaving to pursue work in the music industry.
Hip-hop entrepreneurship: The creation and management of businesses by people whose careers are rooted in hip-hop culture. Combs became a prominent example of artists building brands beyond recorded music.
No Way Out: The 1997 debut studio album by Puff Daddy, featuring the hit single “I'll Be Missing You.” This commercially successful album established Combs as a recording artist.
Faith Evans: An American singer-songwriter who rose to prominence through Bad Boy Records. She collaborated with Combs on “I'll Be Missing You” and was central to the label's R&B roster.
Uptown Records: An American record label founded by Andre Harrell, known for hip-hop and R&B in the 1980s and 1990s. Combs began his record-industry career there, learning artist development and production.
Celebrity branding: The use of a public figure's identity and reputation to promote products or businesses. His ventures linked a recognizable stage persona to fashion, spirits, and media.
I'll Be Missing You: A 1997 tribute single by Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, and 112 honoring the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G. The single became one of Combs's best-known recordings.
Mase: An American rapper who became a prominent Bad Boy Records artist in the late 1990s. His chart success illustrates Combs's role in developing Bad Boy's roster.