Sean Combs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sean Combs
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![]() Combs at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival
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Born |
Sean John Combs
November 4, 1969 New York City, U.S.
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Other names |
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Occupation |
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Years active | 1990–2024 |
Works
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Partner(s) |
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Children | 7, including King Combs |
Awards | Full list |
Musical career | |
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Sean John Combs (born November 4, 1969), known by many names including Diddy, Puff Daddy, and P. Diddy, is an American rapper, record producer, and businessman. He is famous for his work in the music industry and for building a successful business empire.
Born in Harlem, New York City, Combs started his career as a talent director at Uptown Records. In 1993, he founded his own record label, Bad Boy Records. Through his label, he helped discover and guide many famous artists, such as The Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, and Usher.
Combs's first album, No Way Out (1997), was a huge success. It reached the top of the Billboard 200 chart and sold over 7 million copies in the United States. Two songs from the album, "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" and "I'll Be Missing You", became number-one hits.
Besides music, Combs is a successful entrepreneur. He started the clothing line Sean John, co-founded the TV network Revolt, and was a brand ambassador for Cîroc vodka. For his many achievements, he has won three Grammy Awards and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Contents
Early life
Sean John Combs was born on November 4, 1969, in Harlem, New York City. He was raised in Mount Vernon, New York. His mother, Janice Combs, was a model and a teacher's assistant. His father, Melvin Earl Combs, served in the U.S. Air Force. His father passed away when Combs was two years old.
Combs graduated from Mount Saint Michael Academy in 1987, where he played football. He said he got the nickname "Puff" as a kid because he would "huff and puff" when he was upset. He later studied business at Howard University but left after two years to follow his dreams in the music industry.
Career
1990–1996: Starting in the Music Business
In 1990, Combs started as an intern at Uptown Records in New York. As a talent director, he helped develop popular R&B groups like Jodeci and Mary J. Blige.
After leaving Uptown Records in 1993, Combs started his own record label, Bad Boy Records. He signed his friend, rapper Christopher Wallace, who was known as The Notorious B.I.G.. The Notorious B.I.G.'s first album, Ready to Die (1994), was a huge success and helped make Bad Boy Records famous. Combs also signed other artists like Faith Evans, 112, and Mase. His team of producers, called The Hitmen, created hit songs for many famous artists, including Mariah Carey, TLC, and Boyz II Men.
1996–1998: Becoming "Puff Daddy"
In 1996, Combs began his own rapping career under the name Puff Daddy. His first single, "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down", was a number-one hit. His first album, No Way Out, came out in 1997 and also went to number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
The album had several hit singles. "I'll Be Missing You", a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G., was the first rap song ever to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. Some critics said he used too many samples from older songs, but his music was very popular.
1999–2004: New Name and New Projects

Combs's second album, Forever, was released in 1999. It reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart and had three hit singles.
In 2001, Combs changed his stage name from "Puff Daddy" to "P. Diddy." He also started acting, appearing in movies like Made and Monster's Ball. He released the album The Saga Continues... in 2001, which also reached number two on the charts.
From 2002 to 2009, he was the executive producer of the MTV reality show Making the Band. The show created several musical groups, including Danity Kane and Day26. In 2003, Combs ran the New York City Marathon and raised $2 million for New York City schools.
2005–2009: Becoming "Diddy"
In 2005, Combs changed his name again, this time to "Diddy." He said he wanted a simpler name that was easier for fans to use. He starred in the movie Carlito's Way: Rise to Power and a Broadway play called A Raisin in the Sun.
He released the album Press Play in 2006. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album included the hit singles "Come to Me" and "Last Night". In 2008, he started a reality show on VH1 called I Want to Work for Diddy.
2010–2017: Dirty Money and Acting
In 2009, Combs formed a group called Diddy – Dirty Money with singers Dawn Richard and Kalenna Harper. Their album, Last Train to Paris (2010), featured the hit song "Coming Home".
During this time, Combs also continued to act. He appeared in the comedy movie Get Him to the Greek (2010) and had guest roles on TV shows like Hawaii Five-0 and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
In 2016, he organized the Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his record label. The tour featured many of the artists who had been part of Bad Boy Records over the years.
2018–2024: "Love" and a New Album
In 2017, Combs announced another name change, to "Love" or "Brother Love." He later made this name change official.
In 2023, he released his fifth studio album, The Love Album: Off the Grid. It was his first album in many years and was released independently through his new label, Love Records. The album featured many popular artists, including The Weeknd and 21 Savage. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album.
Business career
Combs is known as a smart businessman. Forbes magazine has named him one of the wealthiest entertainers in the world.
Sean John

In 1998, Combs launched his own clothing line called Sean John. The brand became very popular, and in 2004, Combs won the Menswear Designer of the Year award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. The brand also created a popular men's perfume called "I Am King."
Other Ventures
Combs has been involved in many other businesses. For many years, he partnered with the vodka brand Cîroc, helping it become one of the most popular brands in the world. In 2023, their partnership came to an end.
In 2013, he co-founded Revolt TV, a television network focused on music and culture. He also has a stake in Aquahydrate, a beverage company, and has invested in other companies.
Personal life
Family and Relationships

Combs has seven children. His first son, Justin, was born in 1993. From 1994 to 2007, he was in a long-term relationship with Kim Porter. He adopted her son, Quincy, from a previous relationship. Together, they had a son, Christian, and twin daughters. Porter passed away in 2018. Combs has two other daughters from other relationships.
His son Christian is also a rapper, known as King Combs. In 2022, they became the first father and son to have number-one songs on different Billboard charts at the same time.
Charity Work and Honors

Combs is known for his charity work. In 1995, he started Daddy's House Social Programs to help children in need. He has donated money, computers, and books to schools. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he pledged $1 million to help victims.
In 2008, Combs received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first male rapper to get one. In 2014, he received an honorary doctorate degree from Howard University, his former university. He also donated $1 million to the university to create a scholarship fund for students.
Discography
- No Way Out (as Puff Daddy) (1997)
- Forever (as Puff Daddy) (1999)
- The Saga Continues... (as P. Diddy) (2001)
- Press Play (as P. Diddy) (2006)
- Last Train to Paris (with Dirty Money) (2010)
- 11 11 (with Guy Gerber) (as Puff Daddy) (2014)
- The Love Album: Off the Grid (2023)
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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2001 | Made | Ruiz | |
Monster's Ball | Lawrence Musgrove | ||
2003 | Death of a Dynasty | Himself | |
2005 | Carlito's Way: Rise to Power | Hollywood Nicky | Video |
2008 | A Raisin in the Sun | Walter Lee Younger | TV movie |
2010 | Get Him to the Greek | Sergio | |
I'm Still Here | Himself | ||
2014 | Muppets Most Wanted | Himself | |
Draft Day | Chris Crawford | ||
2017 | Girls Trip | Himself |
Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
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1992 | In Living Color | Himself | Episode: "Episode #3.27" |
1997 | The Steve Harvey Show | Himself | Episode: "I Do, I Don't" |
1997–01 | Showtime at the Apollo | Himself | Recurring Guest |
1999 | Videotech | Himself | Episode: "Episode #1.136" |
The Priory | Himself | Episode: "Episode #1.3" | |
1999–01 | Behind the Music | Himself | Recurring Guest |
2000 | Top of the Pops | Himself | Episode: "Episode #37.11" |
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire | Himself/Contestant | Episode: "Episode #1.172" & "#1.174" | |
2001 | Say It Loud: A Celebration of Black Music in America | Himself | Episode: "Express Yourself" |
Jackass | Himself | Episode: "Beard of Leeches" | |
Journeys in Black | Himself | Episode: "Johnnie Cochran" | |
2002 | All That | Himself | Episode: "P. Diddy" |
Anatomy of a Scene | Himself | Episode: "Monster's Ball" | |
The Nick Cannon Show | Himself | Episode: "Nick Takes Over Style" | |
MTV Europe Music Awards | Himself/Host | Main Host | |
Top Ten | Himself | Episode: "Camp Pop" | |
2004 | The Ashlee Simpson Show | Himself | Episode: "Ashlee Goes Platinum" |
Style Star | Himself | Episode: "Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs" | |
2005 | MTV Video Music Awards | Himself/Host | Main Host |
2006 | Diary | Himself | Episode: "Diddy" |
E! True Hollywood Story | Himself | Episode: "Sean 'Diddy' Combs" | |
Access Granted | Himself | Episode: "We Fly High Remix" | |
2009 | CSI: Miami | Derek Powell | Episode: "Presumed Guilty" & "Sink or Swim" |
2010 | Entourage | Himself | Episode: "Tequila and Coke" |
2011 | Hawaii Five-0 | Reggie Cole | Episode: "Hoʻopaʻi" |
2012 | It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia | Dr. Jinx | Episode: "Charlie's Mom Has Cancer" |
2015 | Black-ish | Elroy Savoy | Episode: "Pops' Pops' Pops" |
2016 | Stevie J & Joseline: Go Hollywood | Himself | Episode: "L.A., The Stevie J Way" |
Finding Your Roots | Himself | Episode: "Family Reunions" | |
The Voice | Himself/Advisor | Recurring Advisor: Season 10 | |
Inside the Label | Himself | Episode: "Uptown Records, Part I & II" | |
2017 | The Defiant Ones | Himself | Main Guest |
2018 | The Four: Battle for Stardom | Himself/Judge | Main Judge |
2022 | Hip-Hop Evolution | Himself | Guest Cast: Season 2–3 |
Billboard Music Awards | Himself/Host | Main Host |
Awards and nominations
Combs has won many awards for his work in music and business. He has won three Grammy Awards, three BET Awards, and two MTV Video Music Awards. In 2022, he received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2023, he was given the key to New York City and received the Global Icon Award at the MTV Video Music Awards.
Award | Year | Nominated work | Category | Result | Ref. |
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BET Awards | 2002 | "Bad Boy for Life" (featuring Black Rob & Mark Curry) |
Video of the Year | Nominated | |
"Pass the Courvoisier, Part II" (with Busta Rhymes & Pharrell Williams) |
Won | ||||
2003 | "Bump, Bump, Bump" (with B2K) | Coca-Cola Viewer's Choice Award | Won | ||
2007 | "Last Night" (featuring Keyshia Cole) | Best Collaboration | Nominated | ||
Diddy | Best Male Hip-Hop Artist | Nominated | |||
2010 | Diddy – Dirty Money | Best Group | Nominated | ||
2011 | Won | ||||
2012 | Nominated | ||||
2016 | Puff Daddy and the Family | Nominated | |||
BET Hip Hop Awards | 2008 | "Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)..." | Track of the Year | Nominated | |
Sean Combs | Hustler of the Year | Won | |||
2009 | Nominated | ||||
2010 | "All I Do Is Win (Remix)" | Reese's Perfect Combo Award | Nominated | ||
"Hello Good Morning (Remix)" | Nominated | ||||
Best Club Banger | Nominated | ||||
Sean Combs | Hustler of the Year | Won | |||
2011 | Nominated | ||||
2012 | "Same ... Time (Remix)" | Sweet 16: Best Featured Verse | Nominated | ||
2013 | Nominated | ||||
Sean Combs | Hustler of the Year | Nominated | |||
2017 | Nominated | ||||
Grammy Awards | 1998 | Puff Daddy | Best New Artist | Nominated | |
No Way Out | Best Rap Album | Won | |||
Life After Death (as producer) | Nominated | ||||
"Honey" (as songwriter) | Best Rhythm & Blues Song | Nominated | |||
"I'll Be Missing You" (featuring Faith Evans & 112) | Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group | Won | |||
"Mo Money Mo Problems" (with the Notorious B.I.G. & Mase) | Nominated | ||||
"Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" (featuring Mase) | Nominated | ||||
2000 | "Satisfy You" (featuring R. Kelly) | Nominated | |||
2002 | "Bad Boy for Life" (with Black Rob & Mark Curry) | Nominated | |||
2003 | "Pass the Courvoisier, Part II" (with Busta Rhymes & Pharrell) | Nominated | |||
2004 | "Shake Ya Tailfeather" (with Nelly & Murphy Lee) | Won | |||
2016 | "All Day" (as songwriter) | Best Rap Song | Nominated | ||
2024 | The Love Album: Off the Grid | Best Progressive R&B Album | Nominated | ||
MTV Europe Music Awards | 1997 | "I'll Be Missing You" | MTV Select | Nominated | |
Best Song | Nominated | ||||
Sean Combs | Best New Act | Nominated | |||
Best Hip-Hop | Nominated | ||||
1998 | Best Male | Nominated | |||
Best Hip-Hop | Nominated | ||||
1999 | Nominated | ||||
2001 | Nominated | ||||
2002 | Nominated | ||||
2006 | Nominated | ||||
2011 | Diddy – Dirty Money | Best World Stage Performance | Nominated | ||
MTV Movie & TV Awards | 2018 | Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A Bad Boy Story | Best Music Documentary | Nominated | |
MTV Video Music Awards | 1997 | "I'll Be Missing You" | Best R&B Video | Won | |
Viewer's Choice | Nominated | ||||
1998 | "It's All About the Benjamins" (Rock Remix) | Video of the Year | Nominated | ||
Viewer's Choice | Won | ||||
"Come with Me" (from Godzilla) | Best Video from a Film | Nominated | |||
2002 | "Bad Boy for Life" | Best Rap Video | Nominated | ||
NAACP Image Awards | 2009 | A Raisin in the Sun | Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special |
Won | |
2011 | Diddy – Dirty Money | Outstanding Duo or Group | Nominated |
See also
In Spanish: Sean Combs para niños