Mase, the rapper and former Bad Boy Records artist, recently opened up about his tumultuous relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs. Mase’s revelations come amidst a series of allegations and legal issues surrounding Diddy, highlighting a complex and troubled history between the two.
In a recent interview, Mase pointedly remarked on Diddy’s business practices, 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 alludes to Diddy’s alleged habit of using his mother’s name to conduct business, thereby insulating himself from legal and financial repercussions.
Mase and Diddy’s feud dates back years, with Mase claiming that Diddy exploited his talents and withheld fair compensation. Mase first left the music industry in 1999 to become a minister, a decision influenced by several tragic events, including the death of The Notorious B.I.G. in 1997 and legal troubles plaguing the Bad Boy label.
Despite retiring, Mase returned to music twice, first in 2004 with the album “Welcome Back” and again in 2009. During a live radio interview in 2009, Mase famously demanded to be released from his Bad Boy contract, which Diddy eventually signed, albeit with restrictions. Mase remained contractually obligated to Bad Boy Records until 2012, when he declared his freedom.
In 2020, Mase publicly criticized Diddy in a since-deleted Instagram post, accusing him of refusing to sell back the publishing rights to his music despite a $2 million offer. Mase noted that Diddy had initially purchased the rights for $20,000 in 1996. Mase argued that Diddy’s business practices were detrimental to the black community, stating, “This is not black excellence at all when our own race is enslaving us.”
Diddy’s response came in a 2021 Billboard interview, where he claimed he had transferred the publishing rights back to the artists. Diddy framed this decision as a moral and ethical choice, saying, “As a businessman, there comes a time when you have to pick purpose over profit.”
However, allegations persisted. Mase hinted at Diddy’s inappropriate relationships with other artists, referencing a promotional video with Cam’ron where Diddy’s behavior seemed suspect. Further, Mase discussed federal raids on Diddy’s properties during an episode of the “It Is What It Is” podcast, suggesting that justice was closing in on Diddy.
Legal troubles for Diddy escalated when former collaborator Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones Jr. sued him for sexual assault and exploitation. Jones alleged that Diddy forcibly touched him and withheld payment for over a year of work. These allegations followed a high-profile lawsuit by Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, who accused Diddy of abuse and control during their relationship.
Cassie’s lawsuit detailed a pattern of manipulation, substance abuse, and coercion that began when she signed with Bad Boy at age 19. She described a toxic relationship where Diddy exerted immense power over her, leveraging his industry influence to maintain control.
Mase’s accusations and the subsequent legal cases against Diddy paint a disturbing picture of exploitation and abuse. As these stories unfold, they shed light on the darker side of the music industry and the personal and professional challenges faced by those who navigate its treacherous waters.
