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This Day in Black History: Nov. 4, 1969

Hip hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs was born on Nov. 4, 1969.

Break out the shiny suits, toothpicks, Cîroc and shades because it’s Diddy’s birthday.  Sean “Diddy” Combs was born on Nov. 4, 1969, in Westchester County, New York. The mogul ― known by his names Sean John, Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and more recently Mr. Cîroc ― has earned his claim to fame in the music industry and beyond.

Diddy set out on the traditional route, graduating from Catholic high school in the Bronx, New York, and going to Howard University. But after two years, he dropped out of the HBCU, determined to make a name for himself in the music industry. He got his feet wet as an intern at Uptown Records. He worked as a talent director helping to build the careers of Mary J. Blige and Jodeci. When he was fired in 1993, he established his own label Bad Boy Records.

Bad Boy Records officially put Diddy, then known as Puff Daddy, on the map. He signed Brooklyn lyricist Christopher “Notorius B.I.G.” Wallace and founded a solid label of rappers and singers who contributed to his first album No Way Out, which certified platinum seven times. Diddy and Biggie would become a force to be reckoned with in the hip hop industry making history in ‘90s East Coast hip hop.

Diddy established longevity in the industry with his innovation and impeccable eye for talent. He has won three Grammys and two MTV Music Video Awards and outside of music, he launched clothing line Sean John and signed on to develop the French vodka brand Cîroc.
With more than two decades in the music industry under his belt, Diddy launched his latest project Revolt TV, a TV station dedicated to music, on Oct 21. Diddy plans to continue to expand his empire as he hopes to be “known for building leaders.”

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 (Photo:  Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Clear Channel)

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