13 Signs You’re A Former Bad Boy Artist - Page 8

The 1994 releases of Notorious B.I.G.’s Ready To Die and Craig Mack’s Project: Funk Da World are reminders that Sean Comb’s Bad Boy imprint has been going strong for 20 years. That’s an impressive run for a label some initially dismissed as merely “urban boutique” during its infancy.

photo: WENN

But things haven’t been rosy for all the former residents at the house that Sean Combs built. Jail stints, allegations of crooked business deals, death and overall career stagnation have been hallmarks for some of the label’s biggest names. Check your pockets, your police record and the points on your royalty statement. You might find some very clear signs you’re a former Bad Boy artist.

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Photo: WENN

photo: WENN

Publishing…What Publishing?

We’ll never know the exact figure, but Biggie confirmed selling some of his publishing royalties to Puff. There are some fairly credible figures who claim those royalty points were sold at a ridiculously low rate and not given back after Biggie’s 1997 death.

Your Album Never Dropped

By all accounts, Red Café is doing quite well. Check the pictures of him flossing in Dubai, Paris and other exotic locations. As for his actual albums? Well, facts are facts, and Red hasn’t dropped a physical, retail album since George W. Bush was in office.

photo: WENN

Diddy Has More Pics With Rival Artists Than You

Remember when Jay Z told Mase, “Check your own videos, you’ll always be number two?” Ouch. But if you catch pics of Puff with Jay, 50 or any of the other acts who used to torment his roster, Jay was kind of right.

photo: WENN

You’re Part Of A “Where Are They Now?” Listing

Nothing good comes from being on a “Where Are They Now?” list because it obviously means no one knows where you are or what you’ve been doing.

photo: WENN

One Of Your Next Albums Was On KOCH

Contrary to what 50 Cent said, Koch (now e-One) is not a graveyard. But transitioning there after being on a major probably means that you and the head of your former label probably didn’t see eye to eye about your career trajectory.

You Committed A Scandalous Felony

We’re not saying being on Bad Boy drove rappers to commit crimes, but Shyne did 10 years, Loon is doing 14, and G Dep was sentenced to a 15-year bid in 2012.

photo: WENN

Your Legacy Suffered After Working With Puff

The whole purpose of connecting with Sean Combs is to lend your career some relevancy and hopefully a boost during the golden years. Ask New Edition and 8Ball & MJG how that worked out.

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There’s Footage Of You Being Publicly Shamed

Your musical bio should not include the phrase “was sent to buy boss a cheesecake” unless you were an intern.

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You’re Beefing With Members Of Your Disbanded Group

Danity Kane literally broke up before their reunion. Think about that.

You’ve Been Exiled Overseas

No shots at Loon or Shyne…we’re just saying.

A Chappelle’s Show Parody Has More Legs Than Your Career

Feel free to let us know when Chopper City, Babs, Freder and Dylan are relevant again.

photo: WENN

Ciroc Is More Popular Than Your Music

There’s a classy, low-risk way to transition out of being an afterthought on the Bad Boy roster. Cassie is still low key putting out good music and locking down the occasional modeling gig when not occupying the role of Diddy’s main chick. But as for any major label recording aspirations, it appears the Bad Boy curse is alive and well.

You Lost Your Deal And Suddenly Found Religion

It was easy to write off Mase as one of those random cases where a musician retires and goes in the exact opposite direction. But then Shyne started wearing Hasidic clothing and changed his name to Moshe Levi. Then Loon grew out his beard and became Amir Muhadith. Now, with Craig Mack looking like he worships at the Church of Duck Dynasty, three is the magic number for former Bad Boy artists suddenly getting saved.