"The Bill Cosby of hip-hop" — Experts weigh in on what will happen to Diddy's musical legacy after his arrest

Following Sean Diddy Combs' recent arrest, industry experts are reflecting on the potential impact this development may have on his musical legacy. On September 22, 2024, music journalist Peter A. Berry weighed in on Combs' recent legal troubles, noting that while Combs is renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop and pop music, his career has now entered a complicated chapter.

According to The Columbian, Berry drew comparisons with Bill Cosby's situation within the entertainment industry, highlighting how personal controversies can overshadow even the most significant artistic legacies —

"He's gone from this aspirational, go-getting music industry legend to essentially, arguably, the Bill Cosby of hip-hop," Berry said.

Berry mentioned Bill Cosby because the American former comedian and actor was imprisoned for sexually assaulting a woman named Judy Huth when she was 16. Similarly, Combs was arrested on September 16, 2024, for charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

---

Diddy's musical legacy in question after arrest: experts share insights

Sean Combs (Photo by John Lamparski/WireImage/Getty)

Over the weekend, the XXL and Complex music journalist Peter A. Berry spoke through the publications and reflected on the musical legacy of Diddy and suggested that the opportunity for Combs to be judged or remembered solely for their musical contributions is now unlikely —

"The chance to just be looked at strictly in musical terms, and that being the defining part of his legacy, is pretty much gone," Berry said.

Furthermore, the music journalist mentioned Combs' hit song Mo Money, Mo Problems and suggested that due to recent legal troubles involving Combs, it may no longer be socially acceptable or feel appropriate to play his popular songs. Also, he further noted Combs' music can no longer be appreciated purely for its entertainment value —

"I'm not sure you can play 'Mo Money, Mo Problems' at the barbeque now. You can't look at Diddy's music in a vacuum the same way you did before," Berry added.

However, according to The Columbian, a music journalist and the author of Fashion Killa: How Hip-Hop Revolutionized High Fashion, Sowmya Krishnamurthy, sees this situation differently. She feels that fans will still play Combs despite his legal troubles —

"When it comes to Puff, very similar to a lot of incredibly talented, successful but problematic men, I do think many fans will be able to differentiate the two," Krishnamurthy said.

She further stated that while the rapper's music may still appear in television shows or films, it is unlikely to be featured in commercials or other promotional platforms, as his recent controversies have diminished its commercial appeal.

Moreover, she said that as long as fans continue to stream Diddy's music, watch his videos, and support his work in less public ways, many companies will likely continue to profit from it —

"As long as people keep streaming records, watching music videos, and supporting it behind the scenes, I think a lot of companies have no problem quietly profiting," Krishnamurthy continued.

In addition to these analyses, Time Magazine released a report discussing the potential impacts on Diddy's music following his arrest. The report stated that while Combs' music may remain available on platforms like Spotify, the streaming service will not actively promote his content going forward —

"The R&B singer's music will still be available on the platform, but Spotify will no longer actively promote it," the company's spokesperson said.

Following his arrest, Combs lost several high-profile deals, including his position as Chairman of Revolt TV, which was later followed by his selling a significant stake in the company. He also saw the cancellation of a reality show deal with Hulu.

He also faced setbacks with his influential fashion brand, Sean John, among other losses that emerged as the allegations surfaced. Additionally, when CNN circulated viral CCTV footage from 2016 allegedly showing Combs physically assaulting Cassie Ventura in a hotel corridor, Peloton paused the use of his music, and he was also stripped of the key to New York.

---

Diddy was incarcerated in September 2024 for multiple human trafficking charges at the Park Hyatt hotel on West 57th Street. His bail bond has been declined, and he is currently being held in the Special Housing Unit in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.