Mase’s Career and Diddy’s Exploitation Exposed
In a recent episode of The Art of Dialogue podcast, Gene Deal,
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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWwMwMPMdbg
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.
