Sean “Diddy” Combs Gets Key to New York City in Times Square

Sean “Diddy” Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Entertainment, has garnered some of the most exclusive honors in America. He was bestowed with the key to Miami in 1999 and the Key to Chicago in 2006, both in recognition of his efforts to improve inner-city communities. In 2010, he received the Key to Las Vegas following the Floyd Mayweather/Shane Mosley boxing match. Today, on releasing his latest album, The Love Album: Off The Grid, New York Mayor Eric Adams has awarded Diddy the Key to New York City for his contributions to music, business, and philanthropy in Times Square. The Key symbolizes the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will as a trusted friend of city residents.

“The bad boy of entertainment is getting the Key to the City from the bad boy of politics,” Mayor Eric Adams announced to a crowd in Times Square. “Sean Combs is the embodiment of the New York City attitude. A son of Harlem, Combs worked his way to the top, becoming a successful musical talent both in front of and behind the mic. Despite his successes, Sean has never forgotten where he came from — giving back to New York City, donating millions to underserved communities, and supporting aspiring Black entrepreneurs. ‘Every step he takes, every move he makes,’ Sean Combs has proven to be a singular, generational talent. For his contributions to music, business, and philanthropy, I am honored to present Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs with a Key to the City of New York.”

“Today, I accept this key not just for me, but for every dreamer, every hustler, every artist, and every kid from New York who dares to dream big,” Diddy said in response to the incredible honor. “To Mayor Adams and the city of New York: I promise to keep giving to this city that made me. Thank you for recognizing my journey and my mission to uplift and empower. Let’s continue to make history together.”

In an Instagram video, Diddy kept the New York energy high while riding around Manhattan with the key. “We f**kin’ did it! Harlem, we did it!” He shouted. “Mount Vernon, we did it! The Bronx, we f**kin’ did it! Let’s go!”

Congratulations to Diddy!

DIDDY DECLARES WAR ON ALL TEQUILAS!

Diddy Freestyle

“Gotta Move On” [Queens Remix]

Happy 50th Birthday, Sean “Diddy” Combs! #Diddy50

Surviving Puff Daddy

Rap Rushmore

Happy 20th Anniversary, “No Way Out”

Twenty years ago today, on July 22, 1997, hip-hop mogul Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs released his first studio album, No Way Out, which was an instant commercial success, particularly in the United States, where it reached number one in the Billboard 200 in its first week, selling 561,000 copies. The achievement made Puff Daddy a rap star and his record label, Bad Boy Entertainment, more significant than ever.

No Way Out produced five commercially successful singles, the most successful of these being the worldwide hit “I’ll Be Missing You,” a tribute song aimed at the late great Notorious B.I.G., which became the first rap song ever to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. It remained at the top of the chart for 11 consecutive weeks while topping several other charts worldwide. The other four singles, “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down,” “It’s All About the Benjamins,” “Been Around the World,” and “Victory,” were also commercially successful. No Way Out not only made Puff Daddy the undisputed face of hip-hop but also led him to be named as one of Forbes‘ 40th highest-paid entertainers, along with fellow rapper Master P and Oprah Winfrey.

No Way Out earned Diddy five nominations at the 40th Grammy Awards in 1998, winning the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. The album would eventually be certified septuple platinum, selling over 7 million units in America. It remains Sean “Diddy” Combs’ most commercially successful album. No Way Out is Puff Daddy’s best album and is widely considered a classic hip-hop album. The album was initially called Puff Daddy & The Goodfellas, then slated to be titled Hell Up in Harlem. However, following the death of The Notorious B.I.G., Puff Daddy decided to switch the album’s title to No Way Out.

By Shamarie Knight

#ThrowbackThursday 2Pac & Puff Daddy

Entertainment Mogul Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs Plans to Open Charter School in East Harlem This Fall

 

“Creating this school is a dream come true for me. I want to impact the lives of young people in my community and build future leaders. The first step is offering access to a quality education… Every young person should have the tools they need to succeed. All our children should be able to pursue their dreams. That is something I can impact with this school.” – Puff Daddy

Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs is an American hip hop recording artist, record producer, entrepreneur and actor. Now this entertainment mogul can add charter school founder to his already impressive résumé. Sean Combs announced on Monday, March 28, 2016, that he will open a charter school in Harlem and it will open in the Fall of 2016. The school will be accepting only sixth and seventh graders for the 2016-17 school year, but will begin accepting a new grade of students every year thereafter.

The Capital Preparation Harlem Charter School that has been in the works since 2011, will open its doors in East Harlem at 1 East 104th Street in a building shared with El Museo Del Barrio and next door to the Museum of the City of New York. Steve Perry, founder of the Capital Prep Magnet School, which is located in Hartford, Connecticut will head the new school. The school’s principal will be Florida-based educator Danita Jones, the Associated Press reported.

 

Puff Daddy & The Bad Boy Family Honors Notorious B.I.G.

 

Puff Daddy announced yesterday, March 30, 2016, on New York’s Hot 97 that he and his Bad Boy Family will reunite to celebrate what would have been Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace’s 44th birthday at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. The lineup of the artists performing includes Jay-Z, Lil’ Kim, Ma$e, The Lox, Mary J. Blige, Faith Evans, and French Montana. The announcement was an instant trend on social media.

“This isn’t just another concert – this is hip-hop history, The Bad Boy Family includes some of the biggest names in music and songs that helped define a whole generation of music.

“Also, we are celebrating one of the greatest of all time – Notorious B.I.G. This will be a night to remember. I can’t wait to see you all there,” Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs said in a statement.