Sean "P.Diddy" Combs has joined the
world’s most dominate record label, Universal, inking a 3 year deal with the
giant to market, distribute and promote his Bad Boy Entertainment record label.
Combs will retain 100 percent ownership of his
company, the catalog and the roster of Bad Boy artists.
Combs was hoping to get at least a $100 million
dollar deal and after almost 8 months of negotiating, Universal offered the
best deal, and things that were more important than money, according to Combs.
"I’m blessed to make the money," Combs
told the Associated Press. "But what I’m trying to do is make history,
make some hit records."
Combs realized the condition of the music industry,
when several record labels would not, or could not meet his $100 million dollar
price tag.
"It’s been a difficult time to negotiate
a new record deal," said Combs. "This has been a wake up call for
me."
New Edition, Dream, 8Ball & MJG, and Loon
are all scheduled for upcoming releases under the new deal.
"I do my best work when I’m working under
pressure," Combs said. "I’m in the prime of my life as a creative
person. I’m extremely focused after all the years of partying, running around.
This is a good time for me."