Hip-hop mogul Dame Dash offered a revealing perspective on Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal troubles, hinting at deeper issues within the music industry in a recent interview.
Dash, who has known Combs for decades, suggested the allegations point to a hidden world of power and influence. “There’s the general party and then there’s the VIP party where all the elite people have to be knowing about what’s going on,” Dash said. “That’s a secret and must be that kind of secret because I heard things but not that crazy.”
He speculated on the business implications of these gatherings. “What deals were made in those freak offs because a lot of the deals that happen happen in social environments,” Dash said. “If you get into that secret club and you’re able to hold a secret so tight to the vest, you know a lot of business deals are getting made there.”
Reflecting on industry patterns, Dash observed, “It seems like they give you 30 years to really build your wealth but because you have imperfections you’re exposed and someone can pull the plug on you at any time.”
The Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder distanced himself from Combs’ recent activities. “I haven’t been to any of his parties, especially on the LA side, in probably 20 years,” he said. “The stuff that is coming out is stuff that I know I would never want to be around.”
Dash emphasized his own moral stance: “I don’t want the buckshot of no crazy karma.” He contrasted his approach with others in the industry: “If you see abuse but because it’s not happening to you and you can still make money with that person, karmically you may be accountable.”
He expressed concern about potential fallout for hip-hop culture. “The press is going to push. They’re going to look at this as an opportunity to make this a hip-hop thing,” Dash said. He called for a refocusing of hip-hop values: “We got to pause, pull your skirt up, get back to work and fight for what hip-hop really represents.”
Throughout the interview, Dash portrayed himself as someone who chose integrity over industry success, suggesting many in hip-hop face moral compromises for financial gain and status. He hinted at a broader culture of silence, saying, “The amount of people that have said I’ve never seen it, it’s like they must have been really programmed to be quiet about it.”
Despite his criticisms, Dash noted Combs’ resilience. “You can’t take it from Puff, he’s a fighter,” he said. However, his overall message was clear: the music industry, particularly hip-hop, needs a moral reckoning.
Watch the full interview below.
