# Bad Boy Records > American hip hop record label **Wikidata**: [Q798658](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q798658) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Boy_Records) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bad-boy-records ## Summary Bad Boy Records is an American hip-hop record label founded in 1993 by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. It operates as a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment and is known for signing and promoting influential hip-hop artists, including The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, and Foxy Brown. The label has played a pivotal role in shaping the commercial and cultural landscape of hip-hop music. ## Key Facts - **Founded**: 1993 - **Founder**: Sean "P. Diddy" Combs - **Parent Company**: Sony Music Entertainment (since 2004) - **Headquarters**: New York City, United States - **Genre**: Hip-hop, R&B, and related genres - **Notable Artists**: The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Foxy Brown, Mase, and others - **Subsidiaries**: Includes imprints like Bad Boy South and Bad Boy Family - **Website**: [www.badboyonline.com](http://www.badboyonline.com) - **Industry**: Music industry, phonographic industry - **Wikidata ID**: Q29d43312-a8ed-4d7b-9f4e-f5650318aebb - **Instance Of**: Record label, music organization, business organization - **Aliases**: Bad Boy Entertainment - **Sitelink Count**: 26 (Wikipedia links) ## FAQs **What is Bad Boy Records?** Bad Boy Records is an American hip-hop record label founded in 1993 by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. It operates as a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment and is known for signing influential hip-hop artists, including The Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z. **Who founded Bad Boy Records?** Bad Boy Records was founded by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs in 1993. Combs, a rapper and entrepreneur, built the label into a major player in the hip-hop industry. **What is the parent company of Bad Boy Records?** Bad Boy Records is a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment. The label was acquired by Sony in 2004, becoming part of the larger Sony Music Group. **What genres does Bad Boy Records focus on?** Bad Boy Records primarily focuses on hip-hop, R&B, and related genres. It has signed artists across these musical styles, contributing to its diverse roster. **Who are some notable artists signed to Bad Boy Records?** Notable artists signed to Bad Boy Records include The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Foxy Brown, Mase, and others. These artists have had significant cultural and commercial impact. **What is the headquarters of Bad Boy Records?** The headquarters of Bad Boy Records is located in New York City, United States. The city serves as the central hub for the label's operations and artist management. **What are the subsidiaries of Bad Boy Records?** Bad Boy Records operates under several subsidiaries, including imprints like Bad Boy South and Bad Boy Family. These subsidiaries help manage and promote the label's artists and music releases. ## Why It Matters Bad Boy Records matters as a foundational entity in the hip-hop music industry, shaping the careers of numerous influential artists and contributing to the commercial and cultural landscape of hip-hop. Founded by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs in 1993, the label has signed and promoted artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z, who have left a lasting impact on music and popular culture. As a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment, Bad Boy Records benefits from the resources and distribution networks of one of the "Big Three" record companies, allowing it to reach a global audience. The label's role in the music industry extends beyond its artist roster, influencing trends and setting standards for hip-hop and R&B music. Its significance lies in its ability to bridge the gap between underground talent and mainstream success, making it a critical player in the evolution of hip-hop. ## Notable For - **Founding Influence**: Bad Boy Records was founded by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, who built the label into a major player in the hip-hop industry. - **Artist Development**: The label has signed and promoted influential artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z, shaping their careers and contributing to hip-hop's cultural impact. - **Subsidiary Operations**: Bad Boy Records operates under subsidiaries like Bad Boy South and Bad Boy Family, helping manage and promote its artists and music releases. - **Industry Partnerships**: As a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment, Bad Boy Records benefits from the resources and distribution networks of one of the "Big Three" record companies. - **Genre Diversity**: The label focuses on hip-hop, R&B, and related genres, contributing to its diverse roster and musical influence. - **Cultural Impact**: Bad Boy Records has played a pivotal role in shaping the commercial and cultural landscape of hip-hop music, influencing trends and setting standards for the genre. ## Body ### History and Founding Bad Boy Records was founded in 1993 by Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, a rapper and entrepreneur known for his influence in the hip-hop industry. Combs, born Sean John Combs, began his career in the early 1990s and quickly rose to prominence as a rapper and producer. In 1993, he established Bad Boy Records as a platform to sign and promote emerging hip-hop artists. The label's early years were marked by a focus on underground talent, with Combs playing a key role in developing and launching the careers of artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z. ### Corporate Structure and Ownership Bad Boy Records operates as a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment, a major player in the global music industry. The label was acquired by Sony in 2004, becoming part of the larger Sony Music Group. This acquisition provided Bad Boy Records with access to Sony's resources, distribution networks, and financial support, allowing it to expand its reach and influence. The label's headquarters is located in New York City, serving as the central hub for its operations and artist management. Sony Music Entertainment's ownership has enabled Bad Boy Records to maintain its status as a major player in the hip-hop industry. ### Artist Roster and Notable Artists Bad Boy Records has signed and promoted numerous influential artists, including The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Foxy Brown, and Mase. These artists have had significant cultural and commercial impact, contributing to the label's reputation as a leader in the hip-hop industry. The Notorious B.I.G., known as Biggie Smalls, was one of the most influential rappers of the 1990s, with albums like "Ready to Die" and "Life After Death" becoming classics in hip-hop. Jay-Z, another notable artist signed to Bad Boy Records, has established himself as a major figure in hip-hop, with albums like "Reasonable Doubt" and "The Blueprint" shaping the genre's evolution. ### Genre and Musical Influence Bad Boy Records primarily focuses on hip-hop, R&B, and related genres, contributing to its diverse roster and musical influence. The label has signed artists across these musical styles, allowing it to cater to a wide range of audiences. Its focus on hip-hop and R&B has helped shape the commercial and cultural landscape of these genres, influencing trends and setting standards for the music industry. The label's ability to bridge the gap between underground talent and mainstream success has made it a critical player in the evolution of hip-hop. ### Subsidiaries and Imprints Bad Boy Records operates under several subsidiaries and imprints, including Bad Boy South and Bad Boy Family. These subsidiaries help manage and promote the label's artists and music releases, allowing it to expand its reach and influence. Bad Boy South, for example, focuses on Southern hip-hop artists, contributing to the label's diverse roster and musical influence. Bad Boy Family, on the other hand, represents a collective of artists signed to the label, providing a platform for collaboration and cross-promotion. ### Industry Relationships and Affiliations Bad Boy Records maintains strong industry relationships and affiliations, contributing to its status as a major player in the hip-hop industry. The label's partnership with Sony Music Entertainment provides it with access to the resources and distribution networks of one of the "Big Three" record companies. This affiliation has allowed Bad Boy Records to reach a global audience and maintain its influence in the music industry. Additionally, the label's connections to influential artists and industry professionals have helped shape its reputation and cultural impact. ### Cultural and Commercial Impact Bad Boy Records has played a pivotal role in shaping the commercial and cultural landscape of hip-hop music, influencing trends and setting standards for the genre. The label's ability to bridge the gap between underground talent and mainstream success has made it a critical player in the evolution of hip-hop. Its impact extends beyond its artist roster, contributing to the broader cultural and commercial influence of hip-hop music. The label's significance lies in its ability to develop and promote artists who have left a lasting impact on music and popular culture. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. MusicBrainz 4. Google Knowledge Graph 5. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Bad_Boy_Records-V5Z5P)