Diddy, the legendary producer behind Bad Boy Records, has created many unforgettable songs by sampling classic hits.
However, his sampling habits come at a hefty cost, and he is not shy about paying the price. Despite his current influence and reach extending far beyond music, it all started with Bad Boy Records, which changed the way the world viewed hip hop. Diddy has shaped the careers of numerous artists, and his impact on the industry is still felt today.
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One of the most significant moments in Bad Boy Records’ history was the tragic loss of The Notorious B.I.G. in 1997. In tribute, Diddy released “I’ll Be Missing You,” a hit song featuring 112 and Biggie’s wife, Faith Evans. The track expertly sampled The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” and Sting, the group’s lead singer, revealed in a recent interview with The Breakfast Club that Diddy pays him $5,000 a day for the sample. While the two artists did not initially clear the sample, they have since become good friends and have even performed “I’ll Be Missing You” together.
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Sting’s comments regarding the sample cost have been making the rounds on social media, ultimately reaching Diddy himself. Although the mogul did not dispute Sting’s comments, he did correct the singer by stating that he pays $5,000 a day rather than the previously claimed $2,000. Despite the high cost, Diddy’s dedication to creating hit songs has made him a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
“Yeah, for the rest of his life,” said the singer. Sting further added that Diddy didn’t ask to clear the sample before releasing his song but afterward. “We’re very good friends now,” he stated. They’ve also performed “I’ll Be Missing You” live together. “It was a beautiful version of that song.”
