Diddy, the rapper-turned-mogul, is making headlines for his surprising decision to return publishing rights previously held by his Bad Boy Records label to the original artists. This move sets him apart from other major musicians who often sell off their rights for massive payoffs.
According to TMZ, Diddy is not only giving back the rights but also turning down offers worth potentially hundreds of millions of dollars. This selfless act comes shortly after Diddy donated $2 million to Black initiatives at Invest Fest and the Jackson State University Development Fund.
Artists who worked for Bad Boy Records, such as Ma$e, will now have the opportunity to reclaim their publishing rights. Cam’ron, a friend of Ma$e, revealed this arrangement in an Instagram post, congratulating him on getting his music back in order. Sources suggest that Ma$e is just one of several former artists who will benefit from this decision.
The Notorious B.I.G., one of Bad Boy Records’ most famous artists, will also reportedly have his estate reclaim some of his publishing rights. Other artists who stand to benefit include Faith Evans, The Lox, 112, and more. Diddy’s ownership of their publishing rights gave him the option to sell them off, but he is now allowing the original artists to take control of their music once again.
Diddy’s move is seen as a potential revolution in the music industry, which has been moving towards consolidation in recent years. Large corporations and hedge funds have gained control over artists and smaller record labels, resulting in shrinking earnings for musicians. However, by returning publishing rights to his former artists, Diddy could provide a significant boost to their bottom lines.
Sources compare this decision to Diddy’s recent charitable donations and express hope that other executives and record labels will follow suit. However, countering the trend of taking more money and control from artists may prove challenging. Nonetheless, Diddy’s actions serve as a refreshing example of prioritizing the well-being of artists in an industry that often prioritizes profits over creativity.