Born Sean John Combs on November 4, 1969, in Harlem, New York, he was raised by his mother after his father was tragically killed in 1974. He grew up in Mount Vernon, New York, and attended a Catholic boys’ school in the Bronx. During high school, he earned the nickname “Puffy” for puffing out his chest to appear larger, a moniker that would later evolve into his stage names.

Combs studied business administration at Howard University in Washington, D.C. While in college, he organized weekly dance parties and operated a campus shuttle service. However, he left Howard before graduating to pursue an internship at Uptown Records, where he quickly advanced to a talent director position. As VP at Uptown, he played a pivotal role in developing the careers of several key artists before departing the company in the early 1990s.

Bad Boy Records and Music Career

In 1993, Combs launched Bad Boy Entertainment, signing and working with prominent artists such as The Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls), Mary J. Blige, and Mariah Carey. Under his leadership, Bad Boy became a defining label in 1990s hip-hop and R&B.

Tragedy struck in 1997 when Biggie Smalls was fatally shot. In tribute, Combs released the single “I’ll Be Missing You,” featuring Faith Evans and 112. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 11 consecutive weeks and was a lead single from his debut album, No Way Out, which achieved platinum status the same year.

Personal Life and Relationships

Sean Combs’ first notable relationship was with Misa Hylton-Brim, a stylist and his high school sweetheart. The couple had a son, Justin Combs, in 1993. Justin went on to attend UCLA, where he played on the varsity football team.

Combs later began a long-term relationship with model and actress Kim Porter, which lasted from 1994 to 2007. They had three children together: Christian (born in 1998) and twin daughters, D’Lila Star and Jessie James, born on December 21, 2006.

In 2006, it was revealed that Combs had fathered a daughter, Chance, with Sarah Chapman, several months before the birth of the twins. This development marked the end of his relationship with Kim Porter.

Soon after, Combs began dating singer Cassie Ventura. Their relationship lasted for about a decade, drawing public attention but eventually ending amicably.

Rumored Relationship with Lori Harvey

In 2019, tabloids and social media buzzed with speculation after Combs was seen vacationing in Italy alongside Lori Harvey and her family, including her stepfather, television personality Steve Harvey, and mother Marjorie Harvey. The sightings came shortly after Combs had been photographed walking through New York City with Lori in coordinated outfits, fueling rumors of a romantic relationship. The situation drew particular interest as Lori had previously dated Combs’ son, Justin.

Net Worth

As of 2019, Forbes estimated Sean Combs’ net worth at approximately $740 million. His wealth stems from a diversified portfolio that includes music, fashion (notably his Sean John clothing line), media ventures, and investments in spirits such as Cîroc vodka.