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Economic Times
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Sean 'Diddy' Combs music is big hit on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music platforms. Is jailed rapper earning big from digital streaming?
Live Events FAQs (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Sean 'Diddy' Combs music catalog remains widely available on major streaming platforms including Spotify Apple Music and Amazon Music despite the legal turmoil surrounding the American rapper. However, none of the streamers have publicly addressed whether they plan to adjust how his music is featured. Interestingly, Combs' music saw a roughly 20 per cent boost in U.S. streaming between April and May 2025, his biggest monthly spike this year, according to Luminate. The numbers jump coincided with key moments in the trial, including testimonies from Cassie and Kid Cudi. However, there was a slight drop-off with a 5 to 10 per cent decrease in June compared to the previous month's streams. Streaming makes up a fraction of an artist's revenue and is calculated through a complicated process called 'streamshare.' Most artists see very little pay from digital Boy Records may be synonymous with 1990s icons like The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Ma$e, and 112, but Combs kept the label relevant before his arrest with high-profile 2023, Combs dropped ' The Love Album: Off the Grid,' which was his first solo studio album in nearly two decades, and Janelle Monáe released her critically acclaimed project ' The Age of Pleasure ' through Bad Boy. Both albums earned Grammy nominations, with Monáe's effort recognized in the prestigious record of the year of the 'The Love Album' release, Combs made headlines by returning Bad Boy publishing rights to several former artists and songwriters, years after he was criticized for how he handled their contracts. Bad Boy Records remains operational, but the label has been significantly shaken by Combs' legal firestorm and it hasn't announced any major upcoming week, a surprise EP called 'Never Stop' released by his son, King Combs, and Ye (formerly Kanye West), showed support for the embattled mogul. The project was released through Goodfellas Entertainment.55-year-old Combs, who is one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history, was acquitted Wednesday of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges but convicted on prostitution painted a dark portrait of the mogul, with witnesses taking the stand to allege a pattern of violence and detail drug-fueled sex parties he reportedly called 'freak-offs' or 'hotel nights.'Sean 'Diddy' Combs was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a felony violation of the federal Mann Act. He could still be sentenced to prison for as long as a decade.A1. Digital music streaming platforms are - Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.A2. Sean 'Diddy' Combs is 55-year-old.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
After Diddy's conviction, here's where his business ventures stand
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been acquitted of the most serious charges in his federal sex trafficking trial, but that doesn't mean the once-celebrated music mogul will see his business empire restored. Combs, 55, who is one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history, was acquitted Wednesday of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges but convicted on prostitution offenses. Prosecutors painted a dark portrait of the mogul, with witnesses taking the stand to allege a pattern of violence and detail drug-fueled sex parties he reportedly called 'freak-offs' or 'hotel nights.' Combs was convicted of flying people around the country, including his girlfriends and paid male sex workers, to engage in sexual encounters, a felony violation of the federal Mann Act. He could still be sentenced to prison for as long as a decade. Here's a closer look at how Combs' business portfolio and public image have crumbled under the weight of the allegations. What has happened to Combs' business empire? Before Combs was arrested and charged, his major business ventures had collapsed: He stepped down and later fully divested from Revolt TV, which was founded in 2013. The network offered a mix of programming focused on hip-hop culture, R&B music, social justice and documentaries. He also reportedly lost a Hulu reality series deal and saw his once-iconic fashion brand Sean John vanish from Macy's shelves. After surveillance footage surfaced last year showing Combs physically assaulting singer Cassie, his then-girlfriend, in 2016, consequences mounted: New York City revoked his ceremonial key, Peloton pulled his music, Howard University rescinded his honorary degree and his charter school in Harlem cut ties. Last year, Combs settled a legal dispute with Diageo, relinquishing control of his lucrative spirits brands, Ciroc and DeLeón. While many of his ventures have unraveled, his music catalog — for now — remains intact. Where does Combs' music stand? Bad Boy Records may be synonymous with 1990s icons like The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Ma$e, and 112, but Combs kept the label relevant before his arrest with high-profile releases. In 2023, Combs dropped ' The Love Album: Off the Grid,' which was his first solo studio album in nearly two decades, and Janelle Monáe released her critically acclaimed project ' The Age of Pleasure ' through Bad Boy. Both albums earned Grammy nominations, with Monáe's effort recognized in the prestigious record of the year category. Ahead of the 'The Love Album' release, Combs made headlines by returning Bad Boy publishing rights to several former artists and songwriters, years after he was criticized for how he handled their contracts. Bad Boy Records remains operational, but the label has been significantly shaken by Combs' legal firestorm and it hasn't announced any major upcoming releases. Last week, a surprise EP called 'Never Stop' released by his son, King Combs, and Ye (formerly Kanye West), showed support for the embattled mogul. The project was released through Goodfellas Entertainment. Bad Boy Records remained active through 2022, backing Machine Gun Kelly's 'Mainstream Sellout' under the Bad Boy umbrella. He was a producer on MTV's reality television series 'Making the Band,' and 'Making His Band,' launching the careers of artists like the girl group Danity Kane and male R&B group Day 26. Could Diddy's fortune be at risk? Combs has been sued by multiple people who claim to have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. He has already paid $20 million to settle with one accuser, his former girlfriend Cassie. Most of those lawsuits, though, are still pending. It isn't clear how many, if any, will be successful, or how much it will cost Combs to defend himself in court. Combs and his lawyers have denied all the misconduct allegations and dismissed his accusers as out for a big payday. Federal prosecutors had informed the court that if Combs is convicted, they would seek to have him forfeit any assets, including property, 'used to commit or facilitate' his crimes. It was not immediately clear following the verdict how prosecutors would proceed or whether asset forfeiture would be part of a sentence imposed by the judge. How is Diddy's music faring on streaming? Despite the legal turmoil surrounding Combs, his music catalog remains widely available on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. None of the streamers have publicly addressed whether they plan to adjust how his music is featured. Interestingly, Combs' music saw a roughly 20% boost in U.S. streaming between April and May 2025, his biggest monthly spike this year, according to Luminate. The numbers jump coincided with key moments in the trial, including testimonies from Cassie and Kid Cudi. However, there was a slight drop-off with a 5 to 10% decrease in June compared to the previous month's streams. Streaming makes up a fraction of an artist's revenue and is calculated through a complicated process called 'streamshare.' Most artists see very little pay from digital services. What happened to other businesses like Sean John? Sean John, founded in 1998, has gone largely dormant, with its presence disappearing from major retailers like Macy's. There are no clear signs of a relaunch on the horizon. In 2023, Combs launched Empower Global, an online marketplace designed to uplift Black-owned businesses and strengthen the Black dollar. He positioned the platform as a modern-day 'Black Wall Street,' backing it with a reported $20 million of his own investment. The platform debuted with 70 brands and planned to expand by onboarding new Black-owned businesses each month, aiming to feature more than 200 by year's end. However, as 2023 came to a close, several brands cut ties with Empower Global. It was reported that some cited disappointing performance and growing concerns over the misconduct allegations surrounding Combs. ___ AP Music Writer Maria Sherman contributed to this report. Jonathan Landrum Jr., The Associated Press Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Winnipeg Free Press
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
As Diddy awaits verdict, here's where his business ventures stand
LOS ANGELES (AP) — While Sean 'Diddy' Combs awaits a jury's verdict in his federal sex trafficking trial, the once-celebrated music mogul has seen his business empire rapidly unravel. Combs, 55, who is one of the most influential figures in hip-hop history, now faces charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking involving two former partners and transporting people across state lines for prostitution. Prosecutors have painted a dark portrait of the mogul, whose alleged pattern of violence included drug-fueled sex parties he reportedly called 'freak-offs' or 'hotel nights.' If convicted, the three-time Grammy winner could face life in prison. He has pleaded not guilty. Here's a closer look at how Combs' business portfolio and public image have crumbled under the weight of the allegations. What has happened to Combs' business empire? Before Combs was arrested and charged, his major business ventures had collapsed: He stepped down and later fully divested from Revolt TV, which was founded in 2013. The network offered a mix of programming focused on hip-hop culture, R&B music, social justice and documentaries. He also reportedly lost a Hulu reality series deal and saw his once-iconic fashion brand Sean John vanish from Macy's shelves. After surveillance footage surfaced last year showing Combs physically assaulting singer Cassie, his then-girlfriend, in 2016, consequences mounted: New York City revoked his ceremonial key, Peloton pulled his music, Howard University rescinded his honorary degree and his charter school in Harlem cut ties. Last year, Combs settled a legal dispute with Diageo, relinquishing control of his lucrative spirits brands, Ciroc and DeLeón. While many of his ventures have unraveled, his music catalog — for now — remains intact. Where does Combs' music stand? Bad Boy Records may be synonymous with 1990s icons like The Notorious B.I.G., Faith Evans, Ma$e, and 112, but Combs kept the label relevant before his arrest with high-profile releases. In 2023, Combs dropped ' The Love Album: Off the Grid,' which was his first solo studio album in nearly two decades, and Janelle Monáe released her critically acclaimed project ' The Age of Pleasure ' through Bad Boy. Both albums earned Grammy nominations, with Monáe's effort recognized in the prestigious record of the year category. Ahead of the 'The Love Album' release, Combs made headlines by returning Bad Boy publishing rights to several former artists and songwriters, years after he was criticized for how he handled their contracts. Bad Boy Records remains operational, but the label has been significantly shaken by Combs' legal firestorm and it hasn't announced any major upcoming releases. Last week, a surprise EP called 'Never Stop' released by his son, King Combs, and Ye (formerly Kanye West), showed support for the embattled mogul. The project was released through Goodfellas Entertainment. Bad Boy Records remained active through 2022, backing Machine Gun Kelly's 'Mainstream Sellout' under the Bad Boy umbrella. He was a producer on MTV's reality television series 'Making the Band,' and 'Making His Band,' launching the careers of artists like the girl group Danity Kane and male R&B group Day 26. Could Diddy's fortune be at risk? Combs has been sued by multiple people who claim to have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. He has already paid $20 million to settle with one accuser, his former girlfriend Cassie. Most of those lawsuits, though, are still pending. It isn't clear how many, if any, will be successful, or how much it will cost Combs to defend himself in court. Combs and his lawyers have denied all the misconduct allegations and dismissed his accusers as out for a big payday. Federal prosecutors have also informed the court that if Combs is convicted, they would seek to have him forfeit any assets, including property, 'used to commit or facilitate' his crimes. They won't detail exactly what property that might involve until after the trial is over. How is Diddy's music faring on streaming? Despite the legal turmoil surrounding Combs, his music catalog remains widely available on major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. None of the streamers have publicly addressed whether they plan to adjust how his music is featured if Combs is convicted. Interestingly, Combs' music saw a roughly 20% boost in U.S. streaming between April and May 2025, his biggest monthly spike this year, according to Luminate. The numbers jump coincided with key moments in the trial, including testimonies from Cassie and Kid Cudi. However, there was a slight drop-off with a 5 to 10% decrease in June compared to the previous month's streams. Streaming makes up a fraction of an artist's revenue and is calculated through a complicated process called 'streamshare.' Most artists see very little pay from digital services. What happened to other businesses like Sean John? Sean John, founded in 1998, has gone largely dormant, with its presence disappearing from major retailers like Macy's. There are no clear signs of a relaunch on the horizon. In 2023, Combs launched Empower Global, an online marketplace designed to uplift Black-owned businesses and strengthen the Black dollar. He positioned the platform as a modern-day 'Black Wall Street,' backing it with a reported $20 million of his own investment. The platform debuted with 70 brands and planned to expand by onboarding new Black-owned businesses each month, aiming to feature more than 200 by year's end. However, as 2023 came to a close, several brands cut ties with Empower Global. It was reported that some cited disappointing performance and growing concerns over the misconduct allegations surrounding Combs. ___ AP Music Writer Maria Sherman contributed to this report.
New York Times
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
As Sean Combs Took a Victory Lap, He Planned Sex Nights, Prosecutors Say
It was September 2023, and Sean Combs was on top of the world. On the 12th day of that month, he accepted the global icon award at the MTV Video Music Awards, which recognized Mr. Combs's decades of success as a trailblazing record producer and media mogul. Three days later, he released 'The Love Album: Off the Grid,' his first solo studio LP in 17 years, and Mayor Eric Adams of New York gave him the key to the city, recognizing Mr. Combs as 'the embodiment of the New York City attitude.' That month, Mr. Combs was also busy planning sexual encounters involving his girlfriend 'Jane' and hired male escorts, at hotels in New York and Miami Beach, Fla. These encounters, which the government has described as elaborate, drug-fueled sex marathons with hired men that Mr. Combs coerced two women to participate in, are central to the government's case, which charges Mr. Combs with sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. The arrangements for those encounters — flight plans, hotel reservations, negotiations over escort rates and a web of payments — were laid out in detail at Mr. Combs's trial on Monday. Maurene Comey, the lead prosecutor in the case, asked a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations to walk jurors through the planning of the events by reading from text messages, American Express bills and other records as the 34th and final witness for the government before it rests its case. Mr. Combs has pleaded not guilty and denied the accusations against him. His lawyers have argued consistently throughout the seven-week trial that Mr. Combs's sexual arrangements were all consensual, and that no criminal conspiracy exists. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Usher, Ne-Yo Were Present When Diddy Punched Cassie At Party, Dawn Richard Testifies
While on the witness stand Monday (May 19) in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial, Dawn Richard testified that the Bad Boy founder allegedly punched his artist and girlfriend at the time, Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, while attending a star-studded dinner party in 2010. The Diddy-Dirty Money singer claims the incident took place in a restaurant where Combs and Ventura were 'quietly' arguing when Combs allegedly punched her in the stomach, causing her to double over in pain. 'She immediately bent over, he [Combs] told her to leave,' Richard testified. 'No one intervened.' Usher, Ne-Yo, record exec Jimmy Iovine and 'other celebrities' were allegedly present in the restaurant, but Richard did not testify that they directly witnessed the alleged moment of abuse. Richard added that she rode home with the couple and witnessed Cassie be assaulted again for saying Combs 'embarrassed' her. 'He grabbed her by the neck and popped her, slapped her in the mouth,' Richard testified, adding that Combs then said to Ventura, 'Shut the f**k up.' 'He would tell her he owned her,' Richard added. 'I told her he should leave. Cass looked torn. She would listen, but I could see the fear.' Richard previously recalled the evening in question in her September 2024 lawsuit against the No Way Out artist. 'In front of dinner guests, Mr. Combs hissed at Ms. Ventura in a screaming whisper and forcefully punched her in the stomach causing her to double over in visible pain, crying,' the lawsuit reads. 'Ms Clark escorted Ms. Ventura out of the restaurant and Mr. Combs remained and continued socializing with dinner guests.' Diddy's attorney Erica Wolff addressed Richard's lawsuit at the time, telling VIBE in a statement, 'Mr. Combs is shocked and disappointed by this lawsuit. In an attempt to rewrite history, Dawn Richard has now manufactured a series of false claims all in the hopes of trying to get a pay day — conveniently timed to coincide with her album release and press tour.' It continues, 'If Ms. Richard had such a negative experience with Making the Band and Danity Kane, she would not have chosen to continue working directly with Mr. Combs for Dirty Money, nor would she have returned for the Making the Band reboot in 2020 or agreed to be featured on The Love Album last year. It's unfortunate that Ms. Richard has cast their 20-year friendship aside to try and get money from him, but Mr. Combs is confidently standing on truth and looks forward to proving that in court.' More from Dawn Richard Claims Diddy Warned That "People Go Missing" For Going Against Him Misa Hylton Reacts To Backlash For Appearing At Diddy Trial: "I'm A Mother First" Cassie's Husband, Alex Fine, Calls Sean "Diddy" Combs A "Demon"
