10 Fascinating Facts about Sean Combs

Sean Combs. Photo by Reckless Dream Photography. Wikimedia

10 Fascinating Facts about Sean Combs

Sean Love Combs (born Sean John Combs on November 4, 1969) is an American rapper, actor, record producer, and record executive better known by his stage names Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, or Diddy.

He began his career as a talent director at Uptown Records before launching his own record label, Bad Boy Records, in 1993. Combs has produced and developed artists such as the Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, and Usher. His debut album, No Way Out (1997), was certified seven times platinum. Forever (1999), The Saga Continues… (2001), and Press Play (2006) followed, all of which were commercially successful.

Combs founded and produced the musical group Diddy – Dirty Money in 2009, and they released their successful debut album Last Train to Paris. Combs is the producer of MTV’s making the Band and has won three Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards. Forbes estimated his net worth to be $1 billion in 2022.

Sean John, his own clothing line, debuted in 1998. He was nominated for Menswear Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2000 and won in 2004.

1. Sean is famous for constantly changing his stage names

Sean Combs, also known as Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and Diddy, has changed his name several times over the course of his career. Here is a list of the various names he has had over the years:

Puff Daddy – He used this as his first stage name from 1997 to 1999.

P. Diddy – He changed his name to P. Diddy in 2001.

Diddy – He dropped the “P” and began going by Diddy in 2005.

Swag – In 2011, he briefly changed his name to Swag before returning to Diddy.

Sean Combs has thus changed his name four times in total.

2. His first foray into entertainment was at Uptown Records

The logo for the R&B and Hip-hop label Uptown Records. Photo by Uptown Records. Wikimedia

P. Diddy’s early career was shaped by his association with Uptown Records, which helped launch him into the music industry. P. Diddy (then known as Sean “Puffy
“Combs) began working as an intern at Uptown Records, a record label founded by Andre Harrell, in the late 1980s. Combs worked his way up to A&R (Artists and Repertoire) at the label, where he assisted in the discovery and promotion of new talent.

Combs was instrumental in the success of several artists while at Uptown Records, including Mary J. Blige, Jodeci, and Heavy D & the Boyz. In addition, he founded Bad Boy Entertainment, which was affiliated with Uptown Records.

3. He founded Bad Boy Records in 1993

Sean Combs founded Bad Boy Records, a record label that was founded in 1993. During the 1990s and early 2000s, the label quickly gained popularity and became known for its success in hip-hop and R&B music scenes.

Bad Boy Records, led by P. Diddy, signed and promoted some of music’s biggest names, including The Notorious B.I.G., Mase, Lil’ Kim, Faith Evans, and 112, among others. The label also released hit albums like “No Way Out” by P. Diddy, “Life After Death” by The Notorious B.I.G., and “Harlem World” by Mase.

However, throughout its history, Bad Boy Records has been embroiled in controversies, including disagreements with other record labels and legal battles with artists over contracts and royalties.

However, throughout its history, Bad Boy Records has been embroiled in controversies, including disagreements with other record labels and legal battles with artists over contracts and royalties. Despite these obstacles, the label continued to release successful music and was instrumental in shaping the sound of hip-hop and R&B during its heyday.

Bad Boy Records is still a major force in the music industry today, despite going through several changes and transformations over the years. P. Diddy has gone through several name changes and career changes, but his legacy as the founder of Bad Boy Records remains a significant part of his career.

4. He signed The Notorious B.I.G. and profited from his mega success

Biggie graffiti. Photo by erokism. Wikimedia

During the 1990s, Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy, and The Notorious B.I.G. had a close relationship and collaborated extensively in the music industry.

The Notorious B.I.G., whose real name was Christopher Wallace, was signed to P. Diddy’s record label, Bad Boy Records, in the early 1990s. P. Diddy was instrumental in The Notorious B.I.G.’s music career, assisting him in the release of his debut album, “Ready to Die,” in 1994. The album was a critical and commercial success, elevating The Notorious B.I.G. to the status of one of the most influential rappers of his generation.

Diddy remained a producer, collaborator, and friend to The Notorious B.I.G. throughout his career. Many of The Notorious B.I.G.’s most famous songs, including “Juicy,” “Big Poppa,” and “Hypnotize,” were written by the two. The duo also founded the hip-hop group Junior M.A.F.I.A., which included The Notorious B.I.G. and several other Bad Boy Records artists.

The Notorious B.I.G.’s life was tragically cut short when he was murdered in Los Angeles in 1997. P. Diddy was devastated by the death of his friend and has continued to honor his memory in a variety of ways, including the release of tribute songs and the organization of concerts and events in his honor. The relationship between P. Diddy and The Notorious B.I.G. is still an important part of hip-hop history.

5. Sean Combs has three  Grammy Awards and two MTV Video Music Awards

Yellow phonograph prize for best music vector composition, Grammy Awards. Photo by Alexey Bezrodny. Pixabay

He won Best Rap Album in 1998 for his debut album “No Way Out.” He won Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1999 for his work on the song “Victory” with The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes. Finally, he won Best Rap Performance for his contribution to Jay-song Z’s “On to the Next One” in 2011.

Combs has two MTV Video Music Awards to his name. He won Best R&B Video in 1997 for his song “I’ll Be Missing You,” which featured Faith Evans and 112, and was a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. He won Best Rap Video in 2002 for “Bad Boy for Life,” which featured Black Rob and Mark Curry.

6. Sean’s father worked under drug dealer Frank Lucas

Frank Lucas. Photo by Luigi Novi. Wikimedia

Melvin Combs, Sean Combs’ father, was friends with Frank Lucas in the 1960s and 1970s. Melvin Combs was an enforcer for Frank Lucas, a notorious drug lord who operated in Harlem at the time.

Melvin Combs, dubbed “Melvin the Gorilla,” was said to be one of Frank Lucas’ most trusted associates. He was involved in a variety of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, and was suspected of involvement in a number of murders.

Melvin Combs, on the other hand, was arrested and convicted of drug trafficking in the 1980s. He died in 1990 after serving time in prison. Despite his criminal history, Sean Combs has publicly expressed his love and admiration for his father and stated that he learned a lot from him about hard work and determination.

7. He was given the nickname “Puff” as a child

Combs claims that the nickname came from his childhood, when he used to huff and puff when he was angry or frustrated. When he began working as a rapper and producer, he began calling himself “Puff Daddy,” and the nickname stuck. The “Daddy” part of his name was dropped over time, and he became known simply as “Puff.” The moniker remained with him throughout his career and is still widely used by fans and the media today.

8. He has the New York magazine logo tattooed on both arms

In 2009, Diddy famously got a tattoo of the New York Magazine logo on his forearm. The tattoo was a nod to the magazine’s role in his life and career, as well as his love for New York.

Combs explained in an interview with New York Magazine that he got the tattoo after being featured on the cover of the magazine’s 40th anniversary issue. He stated that the magazine had always been a source of inspiration and information for him, and he wanted to express his gratitude in a permanent way.

9. New York celebrates “Diddy Day” in his honor

Diddy Day is a day of celebration and recognition for Sean Combs, also known as Puff Daddy or Diddy, and his career and accomplishments. Combs’ contributions to the music industry, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy were recognized by the city of New York in 2019.

On March 29, 2019, the first Diddy Day was observed, coinciding with the release of Combs’ documentary, “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story.” A block party in Harlem, a tribute dinner, and a proclamation ceremony with city officials were among the events and activities planned for the day.

Diddy Day was created to honor Combs’ contributions to music and culture, as well as his contributions to education, healthcare, and social welfare. The purpose of the day is also to inspire and uplift young people, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and make a positive difference in the world.

Diddy Day has grown into an annual event, with events and activities taking place throughout New York City and beyond. The day commemorates Combs’ legacy and the impact he had on the music industry and beyond.

10. Combs has a star on  the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Photo by Like_the_Grand_Canyon. Wikimedia

On November 4, 2008, Diddy received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star can be found at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard, directly across from the Hollywood and Highland complex.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a Los Angeles sidewalk attraction that recognizes accomplishments in the entertainment industry, including film, television, music, and theater. Each star on the Walk of Fame bears the honoree’s name and a symbol representing their field of work.

Sean Combs’ Walk of Fame star honors his contributions to music as a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. Combs was joined by his family, friends, and colleagues at the ceremony to unveil the star, and he gave a speech in which he thanked his supporters and expressed his gratitude for the honor.