Sean John Combs (born November 4, 1969), known professionally as Diddy (formerly Puff Daddy and P. Diddy), is an American former rapper, record producer, and record executive. Born in Harlem, he worked as a talent director at Uptown Records before founding his own label, Bad Boy Records, in 1993. He is credited with discovering and developing artists such as the Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, and Usher. Combs's debut studio album, "No Way Out" (1997), topped the Billboard 200 and sold over 7 million copies in the US. Its singles "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" and "I'll Be Missing You" both reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100, with "I'll Be Missing You" becoming the first hip-hop track to debut at number one. His appearance on "Mo Money Mo Problems" made him the first solo artist to replace himself at the top of the chart. His second and third albums, "Forever" (1999) and "The Saga Continues..." (2001), both peaked at number two in the US. The collaborative singles "Bump, Bump, Bump" (2002) and "Shake Ya Tailfeather" (2003) helped make him the first rapper with five US number-one singles. After releasing his chart-topping fourth album "Press Play" (2006), he formed the trio Diddy – Dirty Money with Kalenna Harper and Dawn Richard, releasing the collaborative album "Last Train to Paris" (2010). He independently issued his fifth album, "The Love Album: Off the Grid," in 2023. Combs has long been one of the wealthiest figures in music, topping Forbes's annual hip-hop rich list in 2014 and 2017. His awards include three Grammy Awards, three BET Awards, and two MTV Video Music Awards. Beyond music, he produced media such as the reality series "Making the Band" and acted in the films "Made," "Monster's Ball" (both 2001), and "Get Him to the Greek" (2010). He launched the clothing retailer Sean John in 1998, winning the CFDA's Menswear Designer of the Year award in 2004. He served as brand ambassador for Cîroc from 2007 to 2023 and co-founded the digital television network Revolt in 2013. In 2008, he became the first male rapper to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In late 2023, Combs settled a high-profile sexual assault and abuse lawsuit filed by Cassie Ventura. Multiple additional lawsuits followed, alleging misconduct between 1991 and 2009. In March 2024, several of his properties were raided by the Department of Homeland Security, and in September he was charged with federal sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering. He pled not guilty and was denied bail three times. His trial began on May 5, 2025; on July 2, he was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution but not guilty on racketeering or sex trafficking charges. As of October 2025, he is incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution, Fort Dix. On October 3, 2025, he was sentenced to 50 months in prison with credit for 12 months served. Studio albums No Way Out (1997) (as Puff Daddy) Forever (1999) (as Puff Daddy) The Saga Continues... (2001) (as P. Diddy) Press Play (2006) (as P. Diddy) The Love Album: Off the Grid (2023)