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Sean Combs, also known as Puff Daddy, established Bad Boy Records after being fired from his role at Uptown Records. Combs’ vision was to create a label that would not only discover raw talent but also shape the musical landscape. One of the label’s most significant milestones was the release of The Notorious B.I.G.‘s debut album, Ready to Die, in 1994. The album featured hits like “Juicy” and “Big Poppa” and solidified Biggie as a force in the rap world. This debut is often credited with putting Bad Boy Records on the map.

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In the same year, Craig Mack released his hit single “Flava In Ya Ear,” which became an anthem and further established Bad Boy Records as a major player in the industry. The remix of the song, featuring artists like LL Cool J and Busta Rhymes, became iconic within hip-hop culture.

Bad Boy Records reshaped the music industry by blending hip-hop with pop sensibilities, creating chart-topping hits and timeless classics. The label not only introduced some of the most memorable artists of the 90s and 2000s but also set new standards for music production, marketing, and cross-genre collaborations.

Today, Bad Boy Records remains a cultural touchstone, symbolizing innovation, resilience, and the enduring power of music to influence and inspire.

30 Must-See Pictures Of Bad Boy Records Artists Over The Years  was originally published on globalgrind.com

1. The Notorious BIG & Sean Combs On ‘Hypnotize’ Set

The Notorious BIG & Sean Combs On 'Hypnotize' Set Source:Getty

American rapper Notorious BIG (also known as Biggie Smalls, born Christopher Wallace, 1972 – 1997) (left) and Sean Combs (also known as Puff Daddy and P Diddy) on the set for the former’s ‘Hypnotize’ music video, Los Angeles California, February 1997.

2. The Notorious BIG & Sean Combs During Video Shoot

The Notorious BIG & Sean Combs During Video Shoot Source:Getty

View of American rapper the Notorious BIG (born Christopher Wallace, 1972 – 1997) (left) and Sean Combs as they talk together on the set of the ‘Can’t You See’ music video (performed by Total), New York, New York, circa 1995. 

3. Mario Winans, Harve Pierre, Cassie, & Diddy Partying Together.

Mario Winans, Harve Pierre, Cassie, & Diddy Partying Together. Source:Getty

Mario Winans, Cassie, Asim, Yung Joc, Elphant Man,Harve Pierre and Sean Diddy Combs 

4. Danity Kane for Dollhouse

Danity Kane for Dollhouse Source:Getty

Danity Kane for Dollhouse

5. Diddy’s Da Band

Diddy’s Da Band Source:Getty

Da Band during Sean P. Diddy Combs Introduces the Release of Da Band’s Album Too Hot for TV at Circuit City in New York City, New York, United States.

6. Don’t You Miss This Lil Kim?

Don’t You Miss This Lil Kim? Source:Getty

Rapper Lil Kim (Kimberly Denise Jones) performs during the Big Beat/Atlantic Records showcase at the Impact Music Convention at the Fontainebleau Hilton Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida in April 1997.

7. Faith Evans

Faith Evans Source:Getty

NEW YORK – OCTOBER 5: American singer Faith Evans poses for a photo backstage at Madison Square Garden for Lifebeat’s Urban Aid benefit concert on October 5, 1995 in New York City, New York. 

8. Remember Vote or Die?

Remember Vote or Die? Source:Getty

Sean “P Diddy” Combs (L) with supporters outside an MTV event in Times Square for Combs’ “Vote or Die” campaign.

9. Rapper Loon & Carl Thomas

Rapper Loon & Carl Thomas Source:Getty

Carl Thomas, P Diddy Combs and Loon in the press room at the 2003 VMA’s at Radio City Music Hall.

10. Diddy & Black Rob

Diddy & Black Rob Source:Getty

Sean (P. Diddy) Combs, right, poses with Black Rob at the midnight album release of Combs” latest CD at Virgin Mega Store in Times Square July 9, 2001 in New York City. 

11. Diddy & Day26

Diddy & Day26 Source:Getty

Day 26 and P. Diddy perform at MTV’s “Making The Band 4: The Final Chapter” live finale at The Hudson Theatre on April 23, 2009 in New York City. 

12. G-Dep and Black Rob

G-Dep and Black Rob Source:Getty

G-Dep and Black Rob during Don Pooh’s Birthday Party – August 21, 2003 at Club Exit in New York City, New York, United States. 

13. The Lox & Diddy Reunited

The Lox & Diddy Reunited Source:Getty

Sean “Diddy” Combs aka Puff Daddy (R) performs onstage with The LOX during the Puff Daddy and The Family Bad Boy Reunion Tour presented by Ciroc Vodka and Live Nation at Barclays Center on May 21, 2016 in New York City.

14. The Crew

The Crew Source:Getty

Craig Kallman, Mario Winans, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Harv Pierre, Stephen Hill, Mike Kyser and Kevin Liles attend Day26’s “Day26” album release party at Room Service March 24, 2008 in New York City.

15. The Dynamic Duo

The Dynamic Duo Source:Getty

Mase (born Mason Betha) (left) and Sean Combs attend the 11th annual Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards at UCLA Pauley Pavilion, Westwood, California, April 4, 1998. 

16. ‘Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down’

'Can't Nobody Hold Me Down' Source:Getty

Sean Combs (left), performing as Puff Daddy, and Mase (born Mason Betha) on the set of the ‘Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down’ music video, Apple Valley California, 1996. 

17. Craig Mack & Notorious B.I.G.

Craig Mack & Notorious B.I.G. Source:Getty

Rappers Saafir, Craig Mack, The D.O.C. and late rapper Notorious B.I.G., pose for photos backstage after their performances at the Riviera Theater in Chicago, Illinois in SEPTEMBER 1994. 

18. Shyne at Jennifer Lopez Record Release Party

Shyne at Jennifer Lopez Record Release Party Source:Getty

Shyne poses at the Jennifer Lopez record release party in New York City May 26, 1999.

19. Remember Donnie Klang?

Remember Donnie Klang? Source:Getty

Sean “P. Diddy” Combs poses for a photo with the winner of “Making The Band Season 4” Donnie Klang backstage during MTV’s “Making The Band 4” finale at the MTV Times Square Studios August 26, 2007 in New York City. 

20. Remember When Que and Dawn were a thing?

Remember When Que and Dawn were a thing? Source:Getty

Singer Dawn Richard and Day26’s Que enjoying CIROC lemon cupcakes at the White Party hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs and Ashton Kutcher to help raise awareness for Malaria No More held at a Private Residence on July 4, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California. (

21. Clive Davis, Faith Evans, & Sean Combs

Clive Davis, Faith Evans, & Sean Combs Source:Getty

Clive Davis, R&B singer Faith Evans, and rapper & music executive Sean Combs on the set of one of Evan’s music videos, New York, New York, circa 1995. 

22. Lil Kim and Lil Cease

Lil Kim and Lil Cease Source:Getty

Lil’ Kim & Lil’ Cease during 15th Annual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, New York. 

23. 112, The Notorious BIG, & Lil’ Kim

112, The Notorious BIG, & Lil' Kim Source:Getty

R&B group 112 and American rappers Notorious BIG (also known as Biggie Smalls, born Christopher Wallace, 1972 – 1997) (second left) & Lil Kim (born Kimberly Jones) (center fore) as they pose at an unspecified restaurant, New York, New York, circa 1996. 

24. Even Though Lil Kim Wasn’t Officially Signed To Bad Boy, She Was Definitely An Honorary Member.

Even Though Lil Kim Wasn’t Officially Signed To Bad Boy, She Was Definitely An Honorary Member. Source:Getty

Lil’ Kim (aka Kimberly Jones) was arrested by New Jersey cops in July 1996 and charged with possession of marijuana.

25. Total

Total Source:Getty

Singers Keisha, Kima and Pam from Total poses for photos backstage at the South Shore Country Club in Chicago, Illinois in February 1996. 

26. Diddy & J. Lo

Diddy & J. Lo Source:Getty

Los Angeles, CA, February 21, 2000 ? MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION brought together Grammy?nominated artists for a special edition of ‘Total Request Live’ and a unique photo shot by David LaChapelle. Many of these artists became stars or enjoyed even greater popularity through their exposure on ‘TRL.’ The ‘TRL’ class photo will be turned into a poster and sold via MTV.com with proceeds going to charity. L?R: Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs, Joey Fatone of ‘NSYNC, and Jennifer Lopez pose for the photo.

27. 8 Ball, MJG and Sean “Diddy” Combs

8 Ball, MJG and Sean "Diddy" Combs Source:Getty

8 Ball, MJG and Sean “Diddy” Combs 

28. Diddy, Biv and Ronnie DeVoe

Diddy, Biv and Ronnie DeVoe Source:Getty

New Edition during Post VMA Party Hosted by Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and Guy Oseary 

29. Notorious B.I.G. AKA Biggie Smalls Receives Billboard Music Award.

Notorious B.I.G. AKA Biggie Smalls Receives Billboard Music Award. Source:Getty

Rapper Notorious B.I.G. AKA Biggie Smalls (Christopher Wallace) joined by Sean (Puffy) Combs and Lil’ Kim receives Billboard Music Award on December 6, 1995 at The Coliseum in New York City, New York. 

30. Diddy Performing “Missing You” With Sting.

Diddy Performing “Missing You” With Sting. Source:Getty

Sting and Puff Daddy at MTV Video Music Awards held in Radio City Music Hall, New York City on September 04, 1997