Sean “Diddy” Combs: Controversy and Connections to Hip-Hop Tragedies

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been a central figure in hip-hop controversies long before his 2025 sex trafficking trial. He has been persistently linked to the infamous East Coast-West Coast rap feud of the 1990s, with conspiracy theories suggesting his involvement in the 1996 shooting of Tupac Shakur and the 1997 murder of The Notorious B.I.G.

Diddy, also known as Puff Daddy, has consistently denied any involvement in these incidents and has never faced criminal charges. He has, however, occasionally spoken about the impact of these tragedies on the hip-hop community.

“There were so many rumors [about the shootings] and things for years,” he told NBC’s Today in 2017. “I was more concerned with the wellbeing of my artists, and also myself and my family.”

Diddy’s Connection to Tupac Shakur

In the early 1990s, Tupac Shakur was a leading artist at Death Row Records, competing with Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, which featured The Notorious B.I.G. The rivalry was marked by diss tracks, media coverage, and public confrontations.

A significant event occurred on November 30, 1994, when Shakur was attacked and robbed at Quad Studios in New York City. Shakur, who was facing a trial for sexual abuse, had agreed to record a guest vocal for Combs’ associate, Little Shawn, for quick cash. He was shot five times during the robbery, which allegedly netted $40,000 worth of jewelry.

Shakur survived but the incident severely damaged his relationship with Diddy and The Notorious B.I.G., further fueled by a rivalry with Suge Knight.

In a 1996 interview with Vibe Magazine, Shakur was asked if he thought “Puffy was involved in the shooting.” He replied, “Only they can answer that question. I have my own opinion but I wouldn’t slander their name like they did mine.”

Shakur added, “I believe so. I do believe so. I have proof, things that I could say that would back up my claim. But this is not for the world to know about.”

The Quad Studios case remains unsolved. In 2011, Dexter Isaac claimed he was paid $2,500 by James Rosemond to attack Shakur. However, Isaac was never formally charged, and Rosemond denied involvement.

In 2008, a former associate of Diddy’s told the FBI that Diddy and Biggie were aware of the crime beforehand. The Los Angeles Times later retracted allegations after finding some FBI reports were fabricated.

“[The Times’ claim] is beyond ridiculous and is completely false,” Diddy told Reuters at the time.

The 1994 incident heightened tensions between East Coast rappers, led by Diddy and Biggie, and West Coast artists like Shakur, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre.

In February 1995, Diddy and Biggie released “Who Shot Ya?,” which Shakur saw as a direct taunt. He responded with “Hit ‘Em Up” in 1996.

Suge Knight criticized Diddy during the 1995 Source Awards, escalating the feud. Diddy later attempted to ease tensions, urging unity between East and West Coast artists.

The Death of Tupac Shakur

On September 7, 1996, Shakur attended a boxing match in Las Vegas with Suge Knight. Following an altercation with Orlando Anderson, Shakur was shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting. He died on September 13, 1996, at 25.

No arrests were made until Duane “KeefeD” Davis was charged in September 2023. Las Vegas police accused Davis of ordering Shakur’s killing, though the actual shooter remains disputed. Davis pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.

Allegations Against Diddy

Following Davis’ arrest, a DEA report revealed Davis claimed Diddy placed a $1 million bounty on Shakur and Knight. Davis, however, denied receiving any money.

Diddy refuted these allegations, and police stated he was never a suspect. Various artists have referenced Diddy’s potential connection to Shakur’s murder, including Eminem in his 2018 track “Killshot.”

Tupac’s brother, Mopreme Shakur, confirmed Diddy reached out to deny involvement in the murder. Mopreme stated his family is still seeking justice for Tupac.

In 2016, Diddy dismissed speculation about his involvement during an interview with Charlamagne tha God.

“We don’t talk about things that are nonsense,” he said on The Breakfast Club.

In 2017, Diddy acknowledged the impact of Shakur’s murder on his life, emphasizing the need for peace in the hip-hop community.

Diddy’s Relationship with The Notorious B.I.G.

Diddy discovered The Notorious B.I.G. in 1992 and signed him to Bad Boy Records. They collaborated on several projects, including Biggie’s debut album Ready to Die and the posthumous Life After Death.

Biggie was killed on March 9, 1997, in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles. Despite numerous theories, no arrests have been made in the case.

Diddy reflected on Biggie’s death, expressing regret over their decision to attend the party that night.

“We’re human beings. [The East Coast-West Coast rivalry] had spun out of control,” he admitted. “We just wanted a night for us to relax. To be honest, it didn’t work out like that.”

More than 350 people attended Biggie’s funeral, and Diddy honored him with the tribute song “I’ll Be Missing You.”

Speculations on Diddy’s Role

Rumors about Diddy’s involvement in Biggie’s murder have persisted. In a 2025 documentary, former bodyguard Gene Deal suggested Diddy’s behavior was unusual leading up to the shooting.

Deal recalled Diddy being emotional after learning of Biggie’s death, but Diddy’s spokesperson denied the allegations.

Diddy admitted on The Wendy Williams Show in 2017 that he felt “some sort of responsibility” for Biggie’s death, regretting not ensuring his friend stuck to his plans to leave Los Angeles.