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Sean “Diddy” Combs was once the most ubiquitous man in hip-hop. The producer-turned-rapper rose as an indomitable force in the ‘90s by crafting glossy, infectious party anthems that helped catapult hip-hop into the mainstream. In 1997, he spent 26 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts, the most of any artist that year. Songs released under his rap moniker Puff Daddy got similarly comfortable on the charts, and he also produced major hits for the Notorious B.I.G. and Mariah Carey. He was the first hip-hop artist to replace himself on the chart at No. 1, with the Notorious B.I.G.’s “Mo Money Mo Problems” overtaking “I’ll Be Missing You.”
Music was the gateway; Combs was a cultural visionary and his indefatigable drive and relentless pursuit of success transformed him into one of the most influential moguls in the entertainment industry with a billion-dollar legacy that included Bad Boy Records, luxury fashion line Sean John, Ciroc vodka, fragrances, restaurants, annual parties in the Hamptons, MTV’s Making the Band, and the Revolt media company. He embodied extravagance and the good life, showcasing the limitless possibilities of hip-hop success.
Read more: Breaking Down the Charges Against Diddy
Combs’ reputation as the party starter is now his nightmare. On Sept. 16, the 54-year-old was arrested on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering in New York City. The indictment alleges that the Bad Boy Records honcho operated a criminal enterprise from at least 2008 through the present that, among other things, used violence and threats to coerce victims to participate in drug-fueled sexual acts. “Sean Combs used the business empire he controlled to sexually abuse and exploit women, as well as to commit other acts of violence and obstruction of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Damian Williams. Combs maintains his innocence, saying in a statement: “Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will…
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