Mase, the renowned rapper and former artist under Bad Boy Records, has recently shed light on his rocky relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs. His revelations emerge amidst a storm of allegations and legal entanglements surrounding Diddy, exposing a complex and troubled history between the two.
In a recent interview, Mase didn’t mince words when addressing Diddy’s business dealings, bluntly stating, “Talking about he want receipts, let’s start with your mother. Your mother got the receipts. Everything is in your mother’s name. That’s the one who got the receipts.” This comment hints at Diddy’s alleged practice of conducting business transactions in his mother’s name, possibly to shield himself from legal and financial liabilities.
Mase’s rift with Diddy spans years, with Mase alleging exploitation of his talents and unfair compensation. Mase initially left the music scene in 1999 to pursue a career as a minister, influenced by tragedies like The Notorious B.I.G.’s death in 1997 and legal troubles surrounding Bad Boy Records.
Despite retiring, Mase made two comebacks, first in 2004 with the album “Welcome Back” and again in 2009. During a live radio interview in 2009, Mase famously demanded release from his Bad Boy contract, eventually secured but with restrictions. He remained contractually bound to Bad Boy Records until 2012 when he finally claimed his independence.
In 2020, Mase publicly criticized Diddy in a now-deleted Instagram post, accusing him of refusing a $2 million offer to buy back the publishing rights to his music, which Diddy had acquired for a mere $20,000 in 1996. Mase condemned Diddy’s business practices, arguing they were harmful to the Black community, saying, “This is not black excellence at all when our own race is enslaving us.”
Diddy responded in a 2021 Billboard interview, claiming he had returned the publishing rights to the artists, framing it as a moral decision. He said, “As a businessman, there comes a time when you have to pick purpose over profit.”
However, allegations persisted. Mase hinted at inappropriate relationships between Diddy and other artists, referencing a promotional video with Cam’ron where Diddy’s conduct seemed questionable. Moreover, Mase discussed federal raids on Diddy’s properties, suggesting justice was closing in.
Diddy’s legal woes intensified when former collaborator Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones Jr. sued him for sexual assault and exploitation, alleging forcible touching and withholding payment. These allegations followed a lawsuit by Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, accusing him of abuse and control.
Mase’s revelations and the ensuing legal battles paint a grim picture of exploitation and abuse in the music industry, shedding light on the challenges faced by those navigating its murky waters.