When Sean Diddy released his hit single "I'll Be Missing You" in 1997, he included a sample from Sting's 1983 classic "Every Breath You Take." Although Diddy had not received permission to use the track beforehand, it was so successful that almost three decades later, it is still one of the most iconic rap songs ever produced.
The US Sun | Despite being one of the most successful artists back in the 90s, Sean Diddy sampled Sting's hit song “Every Breath You Take.”
In a recent tweet, Diddy revealed the answer to what many people had been wondering: How much he paid Sting for sampling his song. An astonishing sum of $5,000 per day! With the song being used continuously since its release in 1997, this means that Sting has been earning over $1.8 million dollars throughout the years - and will be paid by Diddy for as long as the song is in circulation.
Despite the fact that Diddy had used Sting's track without his permission, the singers have since reconciled and are now "very good friends." This proves that if you work hard enough and create something as great as "I'll Be Missing You", anything is possible.
It is also a testament to their mutual respect for each other's music. Sting could easily have said no to this lucrative deal but instead chose to recognize the brilliance of Diddy's work. Music collaborations such as this one help shape our cultures and celebrate our rich musical heritage.
ABC News | When asked if Diddy is paying $2,000 to Sting for sampling his song, “$5k a day,” Sean Diddy clarifies in the tweet.
Little About Sean Diddy
Sean "Diddy" Combs is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and businessman. He has earned multiple Grammy awards over the course of his career, beginning with his debut album "No Way Out" in 1997. Since then, he has gone on to become one of the most successful hip-hop artists of all time, selling over 23 million copies worldwide.
In addition to his music career, Diddy has also ventured into other businesses, such as clothing and television production. In 2003 he founded Bad Boy Records and has since produced numerous hit singles for a variety of different artists. His entrepreneurial spirit has helped him establish a net worth of over $800 million dollars - making him one of the world's richest hip-hop moguls.
Elle | Although notorious for sampling other artists’ works, Sean “Diddy” Combs is one of the most successful artists of our time.
Diddy is no stranger to philanthropy, either. He was named Philanthropist of the Year at the 2020 BET Awards for his work with Revolt TV's Student Of the Game initiative. This program provides college scholarships for young Black men and women hoping to pursue higher education.
Thus, Sean Diddy Combs' contribution to the world of music is one that will never be forgotten. From producing timeless classics like "I'll Be Missing You" to using his success to give back through philanthropy initiatives - there is little doubt that his legacy will live on forever. So, apart from his sampling notoriety, Sean Diddy is one of the most successful artists of our time.
