In a remarkable and unprecedented move, Sean “Diddy” Combs has chosen to return music rights to artists and songwriters who were once under his label’s wing, instead of capitalizing on them for his own gain.
Back in the 1990s, Bad Boy Records reigned supreme as one of the most prominent rap labels, fostering talents like Ma$e, Faith Evans, 112, The Lox, and the legendary Notorious B.I.G. These artists are now reclaiming control over their songwriting rights, marking a pivotal shift in the industry.
Surprisingly, Combs had previously been offered substantial sums of money to sell these rights, a tempting prospect considering the recent surge in the value of music publishing rights. Notable artists such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Debbie Harry, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nicks, and Shakira have all chosen to cash in their future royalties for astronomical sums.
However, Diddy declined these lucrative offers, opting instead to give back to the very individuals who played a significant role in shaping his label’s success.
This momentous decision coincides with the 30th anniversary of his label. Although the process of reaching out to artists and writers began in May 2021, some parties are yet to be contacted.
Established in 1993 as a collaboration between Combs and Arista Records, Bad Boy Records delivered iconic hip-hop tracks like “Juice” and “Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems” by Notorious B.I.G., “Flava In Ya Ear” by Craig Mack, and “Feel So Good” by Ma$e. Back then, it was customary for labels to secure a portion of an artist’s publishing rights when signing deals, a practice that has sparked controversy over the years.
This move by Diddy carries a broader message, emphasizing the importance of furthering the economic empowerment of black artists and culture. He hopes that other labels will follow suit, amplifying the impact of this transformative shift in the music industry.
In addition to this significant development, Diddy is gearing up for the release of his latest music project, “The L.O.V.E. Album: Off the Grid,” featuring an impressive lineup of guest appearances. Moreover, he is set to receive the prestigious Global Icon Award at the upcoming MTV Awards in New Jersey, where he will also deliver a live performance.
