The story of Mase (born Mason Derell Betha) is one of remarkable rise, dramatic career turns, and enduring tension with his former mentor, Sean “Diddy” Combs. Once one of the most iconic figures in Bad Boy Records’ 1990s roster, Mase’s journey has been fraught with challenges, both personal and professional. His recent public statements, fueled by Diddy’s recent arrest, offer a rare glimpse into the deep-seated animosity that has lingered for decades.

Early Life and Beginnings in Harlem

Born on August 27, 1975, in Jacksonville, Florida, Mase was one of six children. His early years were marked by family instability when his father left the family, prompting his mother to move them to Harlem, New York, in search of new opportunities. Harlem proved a challenging environment, especially for a single mother raising six kids. In his early teens, Mase briefly moved back to Jacksonville for safety concerns but returned to Harlem when he was 15.

During his high school years, Mase found a talent for basketball, playing as a point guard alongside future collaborator Cam’ron at Manhattan Center High School. His dreams of an NBA career, however, were short-lived due to academic struggles, which dashed his chances of securing a Division I scholarship. As his basketball dreams faded, Mase began to discover a new passion: music. This change in direction would prove pivotal.

Rise to Fame

Mase started writing songs and performing in nightclubs around New York, slowly gaining traction. In 1993, he teamed up with a group of Harlem-based rappers to form Children of the Corn. Spearheaded by Big L, the group also included Mase (then going by Murder Mase), Cam’ron, and Bloodshed. They caught the attention of music industry insiders, including a key figure in the Harlem hip-hop scene, Dame Dash.

By 1996, Mase’s trajectory changed dramatically. While attending a party in Atlanta, he had a chance meeting with Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs. Diddy, impressed by Mase’s charisma and raw talent, offered him a $250,000 deal with Bad Boy Records, including a $50,000 advance. Mase, at that time also considering offers from Jermaine Dupri’s So So Def, chose Bad Boy, though it would become a decision he’d later regret.

Transition to Mainstream Stardom

Once signed, Mase transitioned away from the gritty, street persona of Murder Mase, adopting a more commercially palatable image, symbolized by the shift to Mase with a dollar sign ($). This move reflected the change in his musical style as well, from underground hip-hop to radio-friendly tracks that aimed for mainstream appeal.

His collaboration with Diddy, who was also building his own career as a rapper and producer, became instrumental. Mase’s breakthrough came when he was featured on the remix of 112’s hit single “Only You,” a track that expanded his exposure to a broader audience. This success led to more opportunities within Bad Boy Records, where Mase contributed as a writer and artist on several tracks for Diddy’s debut album No Way Out.

However, behind the scenes, financial disputes began to arise. Mase, like many artists under the Bad Boy umbrella, found himself questioning the compensation and respect he was receiving for his contributions, particularly in songwriting. The late Notorious B.I.G., who had also faced similar issues with his deal, had begun advising Mase to demand more equitable pay for his work. Mase wrote several songs for artists like Lil’ Cease, receiving a $30,000 advance, but remained frustrated by the industry’s power dynamics.

Personal Loss and the Impact of Biggie’s Death

By the time Mase’s debut album, Harlem World, was released in October 1997, he had already established himself as one of Bad Boy’s biggest stars. The album was an instant success, featuring hits like “Feel So Good” and “Lookin’ At Me.” These songs not only showcased Mase’s lyrical talent but also solidified his place in the hip-hop mainstream, stepping out of the shadow of The Notorious B.I.G.

However, the loss of Biggie in 1997 had a profound impact on Mase. Biggie had been both a mentor and a close friend, and his untimely death in Los Angeles during the height of the East Coast-West Coast feud between Bad Boy and Death Row Records marked a turning point for Mase. The tension, the violence surrounding the industry, and the personal loss of friends like Bloodshed and Big L left Mase questioning his role in the world of hip-hop.

Departure from Rap and Spiritual Awakening

By 1999, despite continued commercial success, Mase’s disillusionment with the industry was growing. In a live interview with Funkmaster Flex, Mase made the shocking announcement that he was retiring from rap. At the height of his fame, the decision seemed inexplicable to fans and industry insiders alike. Mase explained that he felt the superficial lifestyle of fame and wealth conflicted with his spiritual values. The shift toward Christianity became a central part of Mase’s life, and he expressed a desire to live a more authentic and purposeful existence, free from the materialism that defined much of the music industry.

Career After Rap and Ongoing Tensions with Diddy

Mase’s retirement, however, was not the end of his career. He returned to the industry several times, most notably in the early 2000s and 2010s, but his relationship with Diddy remained strained. Financial disputes continued to cloud their history, with Mase publicly accusing Diddy of withholding proper compensation and exploiting Bad Boy artists. This tension has simmered for decades, with Mase remaining vocal about the lack of respect and fairness he believes he received from his former mentor.

In recent years, Mase has opened up more candidly about his grievances, especially following Diddy’s legal troubles. The animosity has centered around issues of exploitation and the broken promises Mase felt were made during his time at Bad Boy Records. For Mase, his story reflects the broader struggle many artists face in an industry driven by power dynamics and financial control.

Conclusion

Mase’s story is one of success, loss, and eventual disillusionment with the music industry. His journey from Harlem streets to platinum albums is filled with personal tragedies, spiritual transformation, and enduring resentment towards a system that he believes never gave him what he was worth. The ongoing tension with Diddy speaks to the darker side of fame, where artists often find themselves at odds with the very people who helped propel them to stardom. For Mase, his career is a testament to the complexities of success, loyalty, and the pursuit of a higher purpose beyond the glitz and glamour of the music industry.