For more than two decades, Sean “Diddy” Combs was one of hip-hop’s most opportunistic entrepreneurs, spinning his hitmaking talents into a broad business empire that included a record label, a fashion brand, a TV network, deals with liquor companies and a key role in a reality TV show.

The criminal case against Sean “Diddy” Combs was sparked after a startling 2023 civil lawsuit from his former girlfriend in which she alleged years of abuse and violence.

Combs, who then performed as Puff Daddy, released his 1997 debut album, “No Way Out,” on his Bad Boy Records label. According to Diddy, the album was heavily inspired by the March 9, 1997 shooting death of Diddy’s close confidant and Bad Boy artist Notorious B.I.G.