of being little more than a plagiarist. Others have argued that songs like “It’s all about the Benjamins” are a low point in rap materialism” (Cox News, Nov.28.) If the law and his critics weren’t gunning for him, then his fans would be next on the list. “Many (fans) felt his future before the trial as an artist and entrepreneur were in doubt. His last CD, Forever, did not sell as well as its predecessor, and aside from his girl group Dream and 112’s recent successes, his Bad Boy label has not spawned any major upstarts recently. If in the next few months fans show a renewed interest in his career, or renewed faith in his street credibility, that may raise more troubling questions (AP Wire, Mar. 19.) All of this would be bad enough for anyone heading an organization as large as his, but there are even more weaknesses. He has lost 3 of his biggest acts, 1) Notorious B.I.G. 2) MA$E and 3) The Lox. We know what happened to Biggie. MA$E left Bad Boy to pursue a Christian solo career. The Lox in a very public statement asked for and got released from Combs’ label siting creative difference with the rapper/producer (AP Wire. Jan 11.) The German conglomerate BMG bought out their contract for 2.5 million dollars (Daily News. P. 62.) These are all things that Bad Boy and Sean Combs will have to overcome if he is to bring this once sprawling dynasty back to its 1997golden year.ThreatsNo sooner did Combs finish his assault/bribery case, than another case was filed against him. His estranged wife has filed suit against the flamboyant record executive in federal court, alleging non-payment of child support. She claimed that she did not file the case while the assault charges were being fought, so as not to taint him in the eyes of the jury. His image has suffered in the eyes of baby boomer CD buying parents. When you have the teen bubble pop offered by N ‘Sync and Britney Speers, ...
