DIDDY BLAMES G.DEP GUILTY VERDICT ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE, ADDRESSES REUNITING WITH MASE

Diddy reflects on his relationship with former Bad Boy artists.

Diddy has remained quiet on G. Dep’s guilty conviction for a 1993 murder, but broke his silence yesterday during an interview with Hot 97’s Funkmaster Flex. The Bad Boy mogul said that the confession most likely stemmed from substance abuse and that he wasn’t in his right state of mind.

“None of that was in G. Dep’s nature. When there were certain things that he was going through with the substance abuse situation, he would be a different person. But on an every day [basis], he was probably one of the nicest, most quietest, shyest, most humble cats that was out there. It was just so out of his character that it was mind-blowing and so when I had heard after the main announcement, he had retracted his confession and he basically said he didn’t do it,” he said. “I was like, OK, maybe he was under the influence when he confessed.

And then out of nowhere, they said he was convicted which was such a shame, because he’s such a great talent. And it all stemmed from substance abuse.”He also spoke on reuniting with another Bad Boy alum, Mase, on the remix to Wale’s “Slight Work.” Puff said that he and Mase are “cool” with one another and that if it wasn’t for him, he wouldn’t be where he is today.

“I didn’t know until I got the record. And then when I got the record, I was just like, whoa. I gotta make sure my part is tight so I could pass it off to my man right. Me and Mase are cool. We’ve kept in touch over the years. I love Mase. If it wasn’t for Mase, I wouldn’t be where I was at today. Me and him were like Batman and Robin. So it felt good to get back on a record with him, and it’s one of the hottest, most intense records in the club. That’s what I specialize in. And then talking that talk.”

MAYBACH MUSIC GROUP ANNOUNCES ALBUM RELEASE DATES, PARTNERSHIPS AT NYC PRESS CONFERENCE

Rick Ross appeared alongside Diddy, Swizz Beatz, French Montana, Omarion, Meek Mill and Wale to reveal news about his label.

Last week, Maybach Music Group and Warner Bros. Records sent a save the date for a special press conference to take place at the Eventi Hotel in New York City. Rumors circulated that the event, hosted by Rap Radar’s Elliott Wilson, would be for the signing of Omarion and Mase, as well as release dates for Self Made Vol. 2 and God Forgives, I Don’t.

This afternoon, Ross appeared to announce several new ventures including a big and tall line with Swizz Beatz and Reebok; a June 26th release date for Self Made Vol. 2; an August 28th release date for Meek Mill’s debut Dreams & Nightmares; a July 31st release date for Rick Ross'

God Forgives, I Don't; and Omarion's signing to Maybach Music Group. With Def Jam and WBR executives including Lyor Cohen, Steve Bartels and Todd Moscowitz, as well as Sean “Diddy” Combs and Swizz Beatz, in attendance, the event began with a short film that showcased the MMG squad, which includes Rick Ross, Wale, Meek Mill and Stalley. CEO of Recorded

Music for Warner Bros. Lyor Cohen took the podium to introduce Ross, marking the first time that he’s publicly introduced an artist or label since Roc-A-Fella Records 18 years ago. “When I got a chance to meet him, I saw someone that was going to be undeterred in achieving the success that he has,” said Cohen. “He’s not satisfied. There’s no stopping him. I’m so grateful that I’m associated with him and that the Warner Bros. label is associated with him.

The possibilities that Rick and Maybach Music are going to bring is going to be, in my mind, unprecedented.”

After a short Q&A with Ross about his in-studio work ethic and social media savvy, Swizz Beatz took the podium to announce a partnership with Rick Ross for Reebok to release a big and tall clothing line.

“He’s going to lead the big and tall movement,” said Swizz. “There’s a limit with clothes that stops at a certain point. With Ross, everything has to be custom made. [...] I felt that instead of just doing a regular sneaker, we give Ross his own big and tall line.”

Diddy was next to take the stage, praising Ross’ abilities and thanking him for promoting Ciroc. “I’m here to celebrate the hard work and success of my brother Rick Ross,” he said. “He, to me, is one of the hardest working men in this business. To have a relationship with him, this is not by accident. […] I know he will go down in history as one of the great record men.”

Wale took over to announce that Self Made Vol. 2 will release on June 26th, while Meek Mill revealed that his debut album Dreams & Nightmares will drop on August 28th. Rick Ross also said that his upcoming album God Forgives, I Don’t will hit retail on July 31st and that a single will drop “extremely soon.”

Rick Ross then brought out Omarion and announced him as the latest signing to Maybach Music Group. "A lot of people have been wondering what’s up with Omarion? Is his career over?" said Omarion. "I’ve never been a fan of popular opinion, but from now on, when you see me,  understand that it’s Maybach Music." After French Montana announced the release date for his debut Excuse My French (July 17th), and that the first single will feature Rick Ross, Drake and Lil Wayne, Omarion played his new single "Let's Talk" that samples The Notorious B.I.G.

Rick Ross said that he just "lets the rumors circulate" regarding signings, but wouldn't confirm any partnerships with Mase, Dom Kennedy or Nipsey Hussle.

MA$E CAN'T NOBODY HOLD ME DOWN... EXCEPT THE I.R.S

Is Diddy's former prodige Ma$e caught up on his income tax payments? Eh-Eh,  Eh-Eh.

According to documents filed in Florida by the IRS, Ma$e owes a total of 124,774.85 in back taxes ... stemming from the years 2000, 2001 and 2004.

Perhaps not coincidentally, Ma$e retired from the music business in 1999 after saying he got a "calling from God." After a turn with the ministry, Ma$e returned with an album in (you guessed it) 2004.

A call to Ma$e's rep was not returne

MASE SUED FOR $35,000 JEWELRY TAB

 

A jeweler claims that the Harlem emcee owes it a sizable tab.

Reports have surfaced that an Atlanta jeweler is locked in an ongoing legal battle with rapper Mase over an unpaid tab.

TMZ.com reports that Aydin and Company has sued Mase for $35,000, with bills going back to 2005.

The company is suing Mase for the tab, attorneys fees, and 1.5% interest per month on the money owed.

Court filings assert that the jewelers were unable to serve Mase with legal papers after trying multiple times at his Georgia home, and have had a process server file an affidavit in the case stating Mase is "evading service."