In a bombshell court testimony that has rocked the hip-hop world, Sean “Diddy” Combs, one of the biggest moguls in the music industry, has reportedly revealed some shocking details about his relationships with various rappers, including allegations of what he called “slave names” and how he allegedly “clapped” several artists throughout his career. The testimony, which has sent shockwaves through social media and news outlets, raises serious questions about the power dynamics in the music industry, particularly when it comes to Diddy’s notorious control over artists’ careers and the alleged mistreatment of some of his former collaborators.

Here’s everything you need to know about the shocking court testimony, Diddy’s comments on “slave names,” and the rap legends he allegedly clashed with throughout his career.

The Courtroom Drama: Diddy Takes the Stand

In a highly publicized legal battle, Diddy took the stand to testify about his role in the music industry, revealing a range of bombshell details that have left fans and insiders stunned. While many expected the trial to focus on financial disputes or contractual issues, what emerged instead was a blistering look into the darker side of the entertainment business, as Diddy was asked to speak about his relationships with various artists he worked with over the years.

During his testimony, Diddy allegedly referred to certain rappers as having “slave names,” a term that many are interpreting as a comment on the way these artists were bound by contractual obligations that mirrored a kind of artistic servitude under his influence. According to Diddy, these “slave names” were often used as a way to keep these artists tethered to his label and control their careers—while reaping the profits from their success.

While it’s unclear exactly which artists Diddy was referencing, sources close to the trial suggest that the mogul was hinting at several high-profile names in the rap game who have had tumultuous relationships with him, particularly from his time running Bad Boy Records.

Diddy’s Alleged “Claps”: The Rappers He Took Down

The most jaw-dropping part of Diddy’s testimony, however, came when he allegedly named the rappers he had “clapped” during his tenure in the music industry. In this context, “clapping” refers to Diddy’s alleged involvement in taking down or undermining rival artists and collaborators. These claims are not new to Diddy’s career—he has been known for having a tight grip on his artists, often being accused of taking advantage of their talents and controlling their creative freedom.

The names Diddy supposedly “clapped” are as follows:

1. The Notorious B.I.G.
   Perhaps the most infamous of all Diddy’s alleged “claps” is his relationship with The Notorious B.I.G. Biggie Smalls, who was one of the brightest stars to ever come out of the Bad Boy label, had a notoriously difficult relationship with Diddy. Some believe that Biggie, while signed to Diddy, was never able to fully break free from his mogul’s control. Though Biggie was tragically killed in 1997, rumors persist that the tension between the two was fueled by disputes over finances and creative control, which Diddy himself has never fully addressed in the public eye.

2. Mase
   Another name frequently associated with Diddy’s alleged mistreatment is Mase, the Harlem rapper who enjoyed massive success under Bad Boy Records. Mase famously left the rap game to become a pastor, and many believe his decision to step away was influenced by his strained relationship with Diddy. Mase has openly criticized Diddy over the years, suggesting that he was taken advantage of financially and creatively. Diddy’s testimony alluded to Mase being another example of an artist who struggled under his “slave names” structure.

3. Shyne
   Shyne, the Brooklyn rapper who gained fame in the early 2000s, had a well-documented falling out with Diddy. After being convicted for a 1999 nightclub shooting incident involving Diddy and his ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez, Shyne found himself embroiled in a legal battle and distanced himself from Bad Boy Records. Over the years, Shyne has been vocal about his grievances with Diddy, accusing him of neglecting his career after the shooting incident. Diddy’s court testimony referenced Shyne as yet another artist who had been “clapped,” or ultimately sidelined in his career.

4. Lil’ Kim
   The Queen Bee herself, Lil’ Kim, also had a turbulent relationship with Diddy and Bad Boy Records. While she rose to stardom under Diddy’s guidance, the two reportedly had a falling out over issues of loyalty and control within the label. Kim, like Mase, has expressed dissatisfaction with the way her career was handled and has accused Diddy of not supporting her after her legal troubles. Her name came up in Diddy’s testimony as an example of someone who was “clapped” by the mogul’s business practices.

5. Cassie
   Another artist with whom Diddy had a high-profile relationship was R&B singer Cassie. After being signed to Bad Boy for several years and dating Diddy, Cassie’s career stalled, and she was eventually dropped from the label. Diddy’s alleged role in her career setbacks has been the subject of rumors for years, and his courtroom testimony seemed to allude to her being yet another example of someone who was not able to thrive under his control.

The “Slave Names” Allegation: A Deeper Look

The most controversial part of Diddy’s testimony involves his use of the term “slave names,” which many interpret as a metaphor for the way he allegedly controlled his artists’ careers and, in some cases, kept them tethered to Bad Boy for years with tight contracts that stifled their growth. The term “slave names” can be seen as a critique of the music industry itself, which often keeps artists bound to unfavorable contracts that limit their freedom and creative expression in exchange for fame and fortune.