Ma$e and Diddy's tumultuous relationship has been a topic of discussion for years, and it seems like the rapper from Harlem is gearing up for a major comeback that might just have the last word. On the latest episode of his sports talk show, It Is What It Is, Ma$e dropped some big news - he's set to release his first album since 2004's Welcome Back. And here's the twist - he plans to unveil it on a very strategic date: the same day Diddy's trial kicks off.
"Hey, what's up everyone? Can you guys hear the music," Ma$e inquired with his co-hosts Treasure "Stat Baby" Wilson and former football star Maurice Clarett. "I'm vibing to the tracks that Killa [Cam'ron] handpicked from my unreleased music."
Ma$e made it clear that new music is indeed on the horizon. "These are the songs Cam chose, so I'm listening to his playlist," he revealed. "It's going to be fire. We made sure to select the best tracks." When Clarett pressed him on the release date, Ma$e spilled the beans, "May 25. The first day of Diddy's trial. We're dropping it. Like that move? You made me spill the beans, Mo."
Not stopping there, Ma$e hinted that the album will be a "triple CD," proclaiming, "Now we're even," in a not-so-subtle nod to his rocky history with Diddy. However, to align the release with the start of Diddy's trial on May 5, he'll have to fast-track the process.
The rift between Diddy and Ma$e originated during their time at Bad Boy Records, where Ma$e achieved significant success with albums like Harlem World. Disagreements over finances and business dealings soured their relationship, with Ma$e accusing Diddy of withholding royalties and blocking his attempts to buy back his publishing rights despite offering over $2 million. This led to a very public feud between the two, with barbs being exchanged on various platforms.
Despite the ups and downs, there have been moments of reconciliation. In September 2023, Diddy returned the publishing rights to Ma$e and other artists signed to Bad Boy, signaling a possible truce. Diddy even claimed that he and Ma$e had resolved their issues and considered each other "brothers." However, given the volatile nature of their past, the future of their reconciliation remains uncertain.
In a shocking turn of events, Diddy was arrested in Manhattan on September 16, 2024, following a grand jury indictment on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and prostitution. Federal prosecutors alleged that Diddy ran a criminal enterprise that exploited and coerced women for his personal gratification and public image. The arrest came after mounting scrutiny, including a lawsuit from ex Cassie Ventura in 2023 accusing Diddy of sex trafficking and abuse.
Federal raids on Diddy's properties in Los Angeles and Miami in March 2024 further escalated the situation, resulting in the seizure of firearms, ammunition, and a large quantity of lubricant. Despite several legal battles and attempts to secure bail, Diddy remains in federal custody awaiting trial on charges that date back decades. The future for the music mogul looks uncertain as he faces a long legal battle ahead.