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II. The Making of a Mogul
Early Struggles and Determination
– Combs was expelled from Uptown Records and blamed for a tragedy that claimed nine lives.
– Despite this, he secured a $10 million deal from Arista Records’ Clive Davis, keeping Bad Boy Entertainment alive.
– Combs and his small team aimed to turn hip-hop into a mainstream genre.
Initial Successes
– The team endured brutal hours and low pay.
– Their hard work paid off with Craig Mack’s “Flava in Ya Ear” and the Notorious B.I.G.’s “One More Chance” within a year.
– Over the next three years, Bad Boy became a leading label for hip-hop and R&B, with successful albums from Faith Evans, Total, and 112.
Notorious B.I.G. and Rising Tensions
– Biggie Smalls (Notorious B.I.G.) emerged as a superstar under Bad Boy.
– Combs had a volatile temper, with incidents of violence reported by staff.
– Former Arista intern April Lampros accused Combs of s3xual assault in the mid-1990s.
Public Persona and Rivalries
– Combs was the energetic face of Bad Boy, heavily involved in promoting the label.
– He became entangled in a rivalry with Death Row Records’ Suge Knight.
– The feud between Biggie and Tupac Shakur escalated, leading to increased tensions and violent incidents.
East Coast-West Coast Feud
– Tupac Shakur was shot in 1994 and blamed Combs and Bad Boy for the attack.
– Combs released Biggie’s “Who Shot Ya?”, seen as a provocation, to which Shakur responded with “Hit ’Em Up”.
– The rivalry culminated in Shakur’s murder in 1996 and Biggie’s murder in 1997.
Aftermath and Exploitation
– Following Biggie’s death, Combs capitalized on the tragedy, focusing on promoting Biggie’s posthumous album.
– Despite employee grief, Combs prioritized business goals.
– Combs appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone, overshadowing Biggie’s legacy.
Commercial Gains and Criticisms
– Combs acknowledged that Biggie’s death boosted sales of his debut album, “No Way Out”.
– Suge Knight criticized Combs for capitalizing on Biggie’s death rather than mourning.
III. “People Did Whatever He Said to Stay in His Good Graces.”
Rise in Popularity
– Fans frequently gathered outside Daddy’s House studio in Manhattan to catch a glimpse of celebrities.
– Bad Boy Entertainment was the hottest hip-hop label, with many trying to get close to Combs.
Bling Era and Commercial Hits
– Hip-hop’s bling era saw Combs and his artists embracing flashy lifestyles and 1980s pop melodies.
– Bad Boy thrived on Biggie’s legacy and the success of new stars like Mase, Shyne, and Black Rob.
– Combs won Grammys and partied with elite figures, showcasing his rise in New York society.
Narcissism and Objectification
– Combs displayed narcissistic behavior, objectifying people and enjoying social mobility through hip-hop.
Bullying and Violent Incidents
– Combs’ rise in the industry amplified his bullying behavior.
– In April 1999, he violently attacked Interscope Records executive Steve Stoute, settling privately for $500,000.
Legal Troubles and Arrests
– In December 1999, Combs was arrested after a nightclub shooting, facing charges of weapons possession and attempted bribery.
– His star Shyne was convicted for the shooting, serving 10 years in prison.
Financial Struggles and Legal Costs
– Combs struggled financially, closing his magazine and seeking cash to cover legal bills.
Bribery Allegations
– Combs was accused of offering money to witnesses and his driver to take the blame for the unlicensed gun found in his SUV.
– He was acquitted in March 2001 after a six-week trial.
Pop Culture Influence
– Combs’ scandals, relationship with Jennifer Lopez, and Sean John clothing line elevated him to pop culture prominence.
Challenging Work Environment
– Working for Bad Boy became prestigious, but Combs was a demanding and volatile boss.
– Employees learned to navigate his temper and whims to stay in his good graces.
– Mase reportedly referred to Combs as “massa” behind his back, reflecting the difficult work conditions.
Exploitation of Ambitions
– Combs exploited people’s desires to be part of the glamorous environment he created, maintaining control through fear and favoritism.
