Diddy has proven himself to be much more generous than was previously believed, as he’s now returned the lucrative Bad Boy publishing rights to their rightful owners: the artists.
According to TMZ, artists such as Ma$e, The LOX, and the estate of The Notorious B.I.G. all now have the rights to their own music, as do the songwriters on several of their biggest hits. Faith Evans and 112 have also reportedly been given back their publishing.
What’s more, sources with direct knowledge of the deal told the outlet that Diddy was offered “nine figures” for the catalogue, and chose instead to revert the publishing rights back to the artists.
“We’re told the rationale for this boils down to wanting to revolutionize the industry with this to empower artists and to switch up the dynamic — which has been a certain way for a long time. As part of his legacy, Diddy’s hoping to enrich others in his community,” reported the outlet.
While this new, more artist-centric approach seems to be Diddy’s calling card as of late, things weren’t always this way. Back in January 2020, Ma$e took to Instagram to blast his ex-boss’ way of doing business.
Murda Ma$e claimed Puff took advantage of him by giving him just $20,000 for his publishing rights when he first joined Bad Boy and later turned down his $2million offer to buy back his catalog.
His outburst came after Diddy gave a lengthy speech at Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy gala, in which he scolded the Recording Academy for not “respecting” Black Hip Hop and R&B artists.
“I heard u loud and clear when u said that u are now for the artist and to that my response is if u want to see change you can make a change today by starting with yourself,” Ma$e wrote.
“Your past business practices knowingly has continued purposely starved your artist and been extremely unfair to the very same artist that helped u obtain that Icon Award on the iconic Badboy label.
“For example, u still got my publishing from 24 years ago in which u gave me $20k. Which makes me never want to work w/ u as any artist wouldn’t after u know someone is robbing you & tarnishing your name when u don’t want to comply w/ his horrendous business model.”
However, last week, Cam’ron took to Instagram to hint that Ma$e had received his publishing back from Diddy.
“My n-gga murder had to sit this one out. He just got his publishing back from Puff. Just finished the paper work for that yesterday,” he wrote in the caption. “Congrats @rsvpmase while he getting his music back in order, I’m dumping my hard drive pause. The lost files vol 1. Sept 8.”
Diddys actually a lot more generous than people make him out to be. He bought publishing rights at a higher price than what studio executives paid for. He also cares deeply about his artists
Source: Trust Me Son
He’s still a butt pirate tho. Guess he’s trying to make amends before he gets sent to hell still for all dirty shit he did throughout his life.
Wow I’m actually surprised. Good look for diddy
Late or not, at least he did give it back. He damn sure doesn’t have to and I’m sure many of the artist could use that type of passive income
After all these years,l of bitching and complaining (rightfully so) let’s see which artist sales their catalog first
If they get what they find is a fair deal, then who cares? These artists are in their 50’s now, so they probably have the maturity level to not sign a contract unexplained for 20k that should have been in the millions.
He robbed BIGGIE for his publishing but pretended he was his brother and best friend..
Once a snake always a snake.
Your emotional, it can be licensed in the future for more money. They now own all their hardwork. Think of the future, now not everyone going to be pleased I get that. Business is about pragmatism not friendship, you have to look past that. He’s running a label after all and they have overheads.
You people are so dumb it’s sad he literally milked their catalogs clean. How much you think mase music still brings in quarterly? Probably won’t even see a hundred dollars a check. Biggie is the only one still pulling in any decent money
Facts no real money being made off of 1.5 albums and his yeah come back one
What about Black Rob (RIP) , Shyne and G-Dep. ?
What about Black Rob (RIP) , Shyne and G-Dep. ?