In a recent episode of The Art of Dialogue podcast, Gene Deal, <a href="shedding light on the inner workings of the music industry, revealed a troubling narrative surrounding Mase's career under the mentorship of Diddy.
According to Deal’s account, Mase’s exceptional talent was purportedly exploited by Diddy, who allegedly utilized him as a ghostwriter for various artists, including crafting hits like the iconic “Bad Boy,” prominently featured in the movie “Bad Boys” starring Will Smith.
Despite Mase’s significant contributions to the music produced under Diddy’s label, Deal suggests that Mase received only minimal compensation for his efforts, while Diddy reportedly claimed the lion’s share of the publishing rights and profits. This alleged financial exploitation left Mase feeling disillusioned and betrayed, particularly upon realizing the stark disparity between his own compensation and Diddy’s profits.
Furthermore, Deal revealed that Diddy purportedly discouraged Mase from engaging with others in the music industry, effectively isolating him and hindering his ability to learn about the business aspects of music. This isolation left Mase vulnerable to exploitation through unfair contracts and deceptive practices, ultimately impacting his financial stability and legacy within the music industry.
Despite his undeniable success in writing hit songs, Deal suggests that Mase allegedly struggled financially due to what he perceives as unfair contracts and exploitation by Diddy. This purported mistreatment tarni<a href="shed Mase's legacy in the music industry and underscores the importance of artists understanding their rights and the business aspects of their craft to avoid similar exploitation.
Mase, whose real name is Mason Durell Betha, is an American rapper known for his work with Bad Boy Records. He gained mainstream recognition as Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs’ hype man and released his debut album “Harlem World” in 1997, which was a commercial success. Mase also collaborated with other artists like the Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy on hit songs. Despite early success, Mase took a hiatus from music to focus on Christian ministry before returning to the music scene with albums like “Welcome Back” in 2004.
He has had a mixed reception for his later releases and has ventured into founding his record label, RichFish Records. Mase’s career has been marked by highs and lows, including his association with notable figures in the hip-hop industry.
In 1999, Mase released his second album, “Double Up,” which had a more aggressive lyrical style. During an interview on a New York radio station in April 1999, he announced his retirement from music to pursue a calling from God, feeling that his music was leading people astray. Mase then enrolled at Clark Atlanta University and began classes while living off-campus.Â
In 2004 Mase shocked Diddy when he came up to V-103 in Atlanta and gave Diddy a contract to sign on the spot to release him from Bad Boy.
In 2004, after a five-year break from music during which he became an ordained minister, Mase made a comeback with the album “Welcome Back,” which reflected his new Christian lifestyle. He had a mixed reception with this new approach, but singles like “Welcome Back” and “Breathe, Stretch, Shake” received moderate airplay.
Mase later worked with the hip-hop group G-Unit and released mixtapes, but an official album was never released. In 2009, he made a second comeback, appearing on remixes and releasing new music. Mase continued to release music and collaborate with various artists in the following years.
In 2010, Mase retired from rap after settling differences with Diddy and being offered a release from Bad Boy. Despite rumors of a comeback, Mase continued to make sporadic appearances in the music scene, collaborating with artists like French Montana and Kanye West.
Mase’s melodic rap style has had a lasting influence on hip hop, with many artists borrowing his flow and lines in their own music. Kanye West has even described Mase as his favorite rapper.
Currently, Mase and his good friend Camron run a podcast together called “It Is What It Is.” The show discusses sports, especially basketball, along with hip hop culture and current events. Known for their unfiltered opinions and friendly debates, Mase and Camron, sometimes joined by Treasure “Stat Baby” Wilson, keep things entertaining. You can find “It Is What It Is” on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and likely other podcasting platforms.