Hip hop mogul Chris Lighty, who manages 50 Cent, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes among other rap royalty, has added Sean (Diddy) Combs to his roster. Combs confirmed the move through his spokeswoman late yesterday.
Lighty and his firm Violator Management will direct Diddy's music career and oversee new brand ventures. He's already begun working on the marketing of Diddy's CD Press Play, which debuted at No. 1 after its release on Oct.17.
Combs had signed on with management powerhouse The Firm over the summer but the two quickly parted ways, sources said. Music veteran Hiram Hicks stepped in soon after. Hicks could remain in the picture in some capacity though Lighty will take the lead as Combs' manager.
An artist, label exec, producer and entrepreneur, Combs already oversees numerous businesses including record company Bad Boy Entertainment, the Sean John men's clothing line, the Sean by Sean Combs women's line, fragrance Unforgivable, Bad Boy Films and Justine's Restaurant.
Lighty has worked behind the scenes to turn 50 Cent into a marketing machine. The rapper has deals with numerous brands including Vitamin Water, Reebok and the G-Unit clothing line. Total sales of products affiliated with the rap superstar are estimated at $200 million.
Not too long ago Diddy and 50 Cent were sparring over artist Mase but the two sides recently called a truce. The dispute started after 50 Cent tried to sign Mase to his G-Unit record label. Combs refused to terminate the artist's deal with his label Bad Boy. 50 Cent fought back by releasing a song with lyrics attacking Diddy.
Lighty and his firm Violator Management will direct Diddy's music career and oversee new brand ventures. He's already begun working on the marketing of Diddy's CD Press Play, which debuted at No. 1 after its release on Oct.17.
Combs had signed on with management powerhouse The Firm over the summer but the two quickly parted ways, sources said. Music veteran Hiram Hicks stepped in soon after. Hicks could remain in the picture in some capacity though Lighty will take the lead as Combs' manager.
An artist, label exec, producer and entrepreneur, Combs already oversees numerous businesses including record company Bad Boy Entertainment, the Sean John men's clothing line, the Sean by Sean Combs women's line, fragrance Unforgivable, Bad Boy Films and Justine's Restaurant.
Lighty has worked behind the scenes to turn 50 Cent into a marketing machine. The rapper has deals with numerous brands including Vitamin Water, Reebok and the G-Unit clothing line. Total sales of products affiliated with the rap superstar are estimated at $200 million.
Not too long ago Diddy and 50 Cent were sparring over artist Mase but the two sides recently called a truce. The dispute started after 50 Cent tried to sign Mase to his G-Unit record label. Combs refused to terminate the artist's deal with his label Bad Boy. 50 Cent fought back by releasing a song with lyrics attacking Diddy.
