Exploring Diddy’s Business Ventures: From Record Labels to Fashion Brands

The year 2024 has been tumultuous for Diddy, as multiple s**ual abuse allegations have emerged against him. His downfall began in November 2023 when Cassie Ventura, his longtime girlfriend, filed a lawsuit alleging years of abuse at his hands.

This lawsuit sparked a wave of other alleged victims coming forward against Sean Combs. He was ultimately arrested in Manhattan on September 16, facing federal charges including s** trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution purposes.

As Diddy remains incarcerated at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, his various business ventures have suffered significantly. Below is a rundown of Diddy’s key business endeavors.

Exploring Diddy’s Business Ventures

Bad Boy Records

Established in 1993, Bad Boy Records is Diddy’s longest-running business venture. The label reached its pinnacle in 1997, with an estimated net worth of $100 million.

Numerous acclaimed hip-hop and contemporary R&B artists launched their careers under Combs’ label, including Notorious B.I.G., Carl Thomas, Faith Evans, Mario Winans, New Edition, Danity Kane, and others.

The record label’s roster has since diminished significantly, now including only Diddy, French Montana, and his two sons—Quincy Brown and Christian Combs.

In November 2023, Diddy returned the publishing rights of former Bad Boy artists—Mase, Notorious B.I.G., and Faith Evans.

Capital Prep Harlem

Founded in 2015, Capital Prep Harlem was a collaboration between Diddy and Dr. Steve Perry. Inspired by Perry’s Hartford-based Capital Prep Magnet School (established in 2005), Diddy aimed to create a similar educational institution for the Harlem community where he grew up.

However, in November 2023, Capital Prep Harlem ended its partnership with the rapper, completely dissociating from him in light of Ventura’s lawsuit. A statement from the school’s board mentioned that the decision was reached after a “comprehensive evaluation,”believing it was “in the best interest”of the organization’s health and future.

AQUAHydrate

AQUAHydrate is a performance lifestyle beverage company co-founded by Diddy and Mark Wahlberg in 2013. This “performance water”includes added electrolytes and trace minerals to enhance everyday performance with an elevated alkaline level.

Currently, both Wahlberg and Diddy serve as board members, while John Cochran, the former president of Fiji Water, holds the position of CEO.

Combs Wines & Spirits

Diddy launched Combs Wines & Spirits in 2013 and subsequently partnered with Diageo to acquire CIROC vodka and Deleon Tequila.

However, the partnership between Diageo and the Tell Me rapper ended in June 2023 against the backdrop of the Ventura lawsuit.

REVOLT TV & Media

Diddy played a significant role in launching REVOLT TV & Media in 2013 as a stakeholder. The channel is described as “a multi-genre, multi-platform network delivering breaking music news, videos, artist interviews, exclusive performances, and original programming,”according to its website.

Since its inception, Diddy served as chairman of the media company, with Detavio Samuels as CEO and Deon Graham as chief brand officer. However, in November 2023, the rapper resigned from his position at REVOLT and agreed to sell his stakes amid the ongoing lawsuit against him.

Sean John

Sean John, founded in 1998, is one of Diddy’s earliest business ventures. The fashion and lifestyle brand significantly impacted the hip-hop industry’s fashion scene with its oversized t-shirts, baggy jeans, and tracksuits.

Over the years, Sean John introduced high-end sportswear collections, later sold at renowned retailers such as Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s. Unfortunately, the brand has struggled to maintain its relevance since the 2020s, with the Young G’s rapper’s lawsuit exacerbating its decline. Although sales of Sean’s clothing line have substantially decreased this year, the brand’s future remains uncertain.

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