Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Music Streams Increase Following Arrest: Industry Experts Weigh In

The arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs has led to a significant increase in streams of his music catalog, according to industry data and analytics company Luminate. The mogul, known by various monikers such as Diddy, Puff Daddy, and P. Diddy, saw an average 18.3% surge in on-demand streams during the week of his arrest compared to the previous week.

George Howard, a music business management professor at Berklee College of Music, explained that the spike in streaming numbers is not surprising. He likened it to a form of curiosity, where people turn to music to try to understand the individual behind the allegations.

With Combs’ diverse business ventures, including Revolt TV and Ciroc vodka, Howard noted that many may view him as a businessman first and musician second. The intrigue surrounding the charges against Combs is similar to the fascination people have with car crashes – they can’t help but look.

The trend of increased streaming numbers following controversy is not uncommon in the music industry. For example, after a documentary accused R. Kelly of sexual misconduct, his streaming numbers nearly doubled. Howard also pointed out that the anonymity of streaming platforms may contribute to the spike in numbers, as listeners can explore an artist’s music without the same level of public scrutiny as purchasing a physical album.

Combs is facing federal sex trafficking and racketeering charges, with the indictment detailing allegations dating back to 2008. Despite the serious accusations, he has pleaded not guilty to the charges. The increased interest in his music serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between artists and their art in the face of controversy.