Sean Combs Biography Sean John Combs, born on November 4, 1969, and widely known by his stage name Diddy (formerly Puff Daddy and P. Diddy), is an American rapper, record producer, and executive. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards. Diddy is credited with discovering and developing artists like the Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, and Usher. Born in Harlem and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, Combs began his career as a talent director at Uptown Records before founding his own label, Bad Boy Records, in 1993. His recording career took off with the success of his first signee, the Notorious B.I.G., for whom he managed and served as hype man. Combs’s debut studio album, No Way Out (1997), reached number.
Sean Combs Biography
Sean “Diddy” Combs has firmly established himself as one of the most influential entrepreneurs and cultural icons of all time. Known for his relentless ambition and visionary mindset, Combs has spent over three decades shaping industries and consistently breaking barriers with his innovative approach. Combs’ journey in the music industry began as an intern at Uptown Records, where he quickly ascended the ranks and played a key role in launching the careers of Mary J. Blige and Jodeci. In 1993, he founded Bad Boy Entertainment, and by 1994, partnered with Clive Davis’s Arista BMG in a 50/50 joint venture. The label’s debut release, Ready to Die by The Notorious B.I.G., laid the foundation for a roster of iconic artists including Faith Evans, 112, Mase, Total, and The Lox, and later included stars like MGK, French Montana, and Janelle Monáe.
Sean Combs Biography Details
| Born | Sean John Combs November 4, 1969 (age 55) New York City, U.S. |
| Other names | Puffy Puff P. Diddy Diddy Love Brother Love Puff Daddy |
| Occupations | Rapper songwriter record producer record executive entrepreneur television producer |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Works | Discography filmography production |
| Criminal status | Incarcerated at Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn without bond |
| Partners | Kimberly Porter (1994–2007) Cassie Ventura (2007–2018) Yung Miami (2021–2024) |
| Children | 7 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
About Sean Combs
Sean John Combs, better known by his stage name Diddy, and formerly Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, is an American rapper, record producer, and record executive. He is the recipient of various accolades, including three Grammy Awards.
- Born: 4 November 1969 (age 55 years), Harlem, New York, United States
- Full name: Sean John Combs
- Children: King Combs, Jessie James Combs, Justin Dior Combs, Chance Combs, D’Lila Star Combs
- Height: 78 m
- Parents: Melvin Earl Combs, Janice Combs
- Siblings: Keisha Combs
Early Life
Sean John Combs was born in Harlem, New York, on November 4, 1969. He was raised in Mount Vernon, New York, by his mother, Janice Combs (née Smalls), a model and teacher’s assistant, and his father, Melvin Earl Combs, who served in the U.S. Air Force and was linked to convicted New York drug dealer Frank Lucas. When Combs was two years old, his father was tragically shot and killed while sitting in his car on Central Park West. Combs has a sister named Keisha and grew up in a challenging financial environment.
Raised Catholic, Combs served as an altar boy during his childhood. He graduated from Mount Saint Michael Academy, a Catholic all-boys school, in 1987, where he played football and helped his team win a division title in 1986. Combs later attended Howard University as a business major but dropped out after his second year. He got his childhood nickname “Puff” because he would “huff and puff” when he got upset.
How did Sean Combs become famous?
Combs faced a challenging start in life. Born in Harlem and raised in Mount Vernon, New York, he lost his father, a known associate of drug dealer Frank Lucas, when Combs was only two years old. After graduating high school in 1987, Combs attended Howard University, majoring in business. He dropped out after his second year and took on an internship at Uptown Records in New York City in 1990, where he helped develop artists like Mary J. Blige and Jodeci. However, in 1993, he was fired from Uptown Records after a tragic incident at a party he hosted that resulted in a stampede and several deaths.
Despite this setback, Combs launched Bad Boy Records later that year as a subsidiary of Arista Records and signed The Notorious B.I.G. as one of his first major acts. In addition to leading Bad Boy, Combs served as a producer for several artists, including TLC, and released his own debut single “Can’t Hold Me Down” in 1997 under the name Puff Daddy.
How is Sean Combs so rich?
A large portion of Combs’ wealth stems from Bad Boy Records, which was worth an estimated $100 million at its peak. His financial success also comes from several high-profile ventures. In 2013, his net worth surged by $200 million thanks to his investment in AQUAhydrate water, in collaboration with actor Mark Wahlberg, and the launch of Revolt TV, a digital broadcasting platform.
Combs also owns the Sean John clothing line, which had annual sales of $450 million as recently as 2016. Although he sold 90% of the brand that year, he bought it back from bankruptcy in 2021 for a mere $7.5 million. However, Sean John is being phased out of Macy’s stores, its exclusive retailer since 2010, as of late 2023. His major income also came from his partnership with Diageo in Cîroc Vodka.
How much money did Diddy make from Cîroc?
Combs made a significant amount of money from his partnership with Cîroc Vodka, reportedly earning $60 million each year since 2007. In 2013, he and Diageo expanded their collaboration to include DeLeón Tequila. However, a dispute over the management of DeLeón led to Combs suing Diageo in 2023, and the two parties severed their business ties in January 2024.
How much does Diddy pay Sting?
Combs paid a substantial amount for sampling The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” in his hit song “I’ll Be Missing You,” a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. Though Combs did not initially clear the sample, he later worked out an arrangement with Sting, and the song went on to become a major hit. As of April 2023, Sting reportedly earns around $2,000 a day in royalties from the song.
How much does Diddy make from “I’ll Be Missing You”?
While it’s unclear exactly how much Combs earns from “I’ll Be Missing You,” he shares the song’s profits with Sting, Faith Evans, and 112. The track, which sold over 8 million copies worldwide, won a Grammy Award in 1998 and topped the charts in 26 countries.
How much does Sean Combs make a year?
Combs’ annual income was estimated at $100 million, thanks to his numerous business ventures. However, his ongoing legal issues and the loss of key business relationships may significantly reduce his income in the coming years.
What is Sean Combs net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Sean Combs’ net worth is estimated at $400 million, a significant decrease from previous years. This decline is attributed to the end of his profitable partnership with Diageo, the company behind Cîroc Vodka, following a legal dispute. Combs’ legal troubles, including arrests, incarceration, and lawsuits stemming from serious criminal allegations, have also damaged his reputation and business relationships, further reducing his wealth.