Mase was one of the biggest stars on Bad Boy Records in the ’90s. Just as he was dominating the charts, everything came to a sudden halt. There’s been a lot of speculation over why Mase decided to walk away at the peak of his career.
One thing that’s clear is the ongoing tension between him and Diddy, his former mentor and label boss. Many rappers, including Busta Rhymes, have called out Diddy for how he treats his artists, but he always seems to brush it off and defend himself.
However, Mase finally didn’t hold back and exposed just how badly Diddy treated him and others, even going so far as to claim that Diddy was literally starving his artists. Let’s dive into what really went down.
At 49, Mase has finally broken his silence and confirmed the long-standing rumors that have circulated about his relationship with Diddy and his personal life.
For years, fans and insiders have speculated about the tensions between Mase and Diddy, the truth behind his sudden departure from the rap game at the height of his career, and his rumored relationships with famous women like Aaliyah and Brandy. Now, after decades of silence, Mase has come forward to share the untold story, shedding light on the real reasons behind his exit from the music industry, his complicated relationship with Diddy, and his personal experiences with Aaliyah and Brandy.
Mase’s Career Peak: The Rise and Fall of a Star
Mase, born Mason Betha, was one of the biggest stars of the late 1990s, thanks to his smooth flow and catchy hooks. Signed to Bad Boy Records in 1996, Mase quickly became one of Diddy’s most successful artists, dominating the charts with hits like “Feel So Good” and “Lookin’ at Me.” His debut album Harlem World went quadruple platinum, and he was positioned as one of the key figures in the hip-hop world.
However, despite his commercial success, there was always a dark cloud hanging over Mase’s career. The rumors about his tensions with Diddy, his label boss and former mentor, have been circulating for years. Mase’s sudden decision to retire from rap in 1999, at the peak of his fame, left fans and industry insiders puzzled. What could have driven Mase to walk away from it all? Now, at 49, Mase has finally opened up about his complicated feelings toward Diddy, revealing how the music mogul’s behavior ultimately pushed him to leave the industry.
The Diddy Controversy: Mase Hated His Treatment
One of the key revelations that Mase has confirmed is the deep resentment he held toward Diddy. According to Mase, Diddy’s treatment of him and other artists at Bad Boy Records was exploitative and damaging. Mase has spoken about how Diddy promised him the world but ultimately failed to deliver. Despite his success, Mase found himself in a contract that left him financially struggling. He wasn’t alone in his frustration, as the Notorious B.I.G. himself had suspected that Mase was broke due to similar shady contracts under Bad Boy.
Mase has long hinted at the tension between him and Diddy, but he has now confirmed that Diddy’s treatment of him played a major role in his decision to walk away from music. In his own words, Mase was essentially “starved” by Diddy, who kept a tight grip on his artists’ earnings. Despite writing a significant portion of Bad Boy’s hit albums, Mase’s financial situation did not reflect the success he helped create.
This dissatisfaction with Diddy’s business practices was a constant source of friction for Mase. He has repeatedly alluded to Diddy’s lack of support, his controlling nature, and the way he exploited his artists’ talent while leaving them financially strained. Mase’s frustrations eventually reached a boiling point, leading him to leave Bad Boy and the music industry altogether.
Mase’s Personal Life: Aaliyah and Brandy Rumors
Beyond his professional tensions with Diddy, Mase’s personal life has also been a topic of speculation, particularly his rumored relationships with two of the biggest stars of the 1990s: Aaliyah and Brandy. For years, fans and media outlets have speculated that Mase was romantically linked to both women, and while Mase never confirmed these rumors in the past, he has now shed some light on the truth.
Mase has admitted that he did indeed have serious relationships with both Aaliyah and Brandy, two of the most beloved R&B singers of the era. In his memoir and interviews, Mase has referenced both women, hinting at the depth of their connections. His relationship with Brandy, in particular, was well-known, with many fans speculating about their romantic involvement. Mase’s 1997 hit “Lookin’ at Me” even alluded to his relationship with Brandy, with lyrics that seemed to reference their time together.
As for Aaliyah, Mase has confirmed that the two were also romantically linked. Their brief romance has been the subject of much speculation, especially given Aaliyah’s untimely death in 2001. Mase has reflected on his time with Aaliyah in interviews, recalling the special bond they shared. While their relationship was not as public as his connection with Brandy, it was significant to Mase, and he has spoken fondly of Aaliyah in interviews, remembering her as a beautiful and talented soul.
Mase’s Departure: Spiritual Awakening and the Push to Retire
Mase’s sudden departure from the rap game in 1999 has always been a mystery, especially given his immense success at the time. In his new revelations, Mase explains that his decision to retire was deeply personal and spiritual. Mase experienced a profound shift in his life after witnessing a close person’s miraculous recovery from illness and their subsequent spiritual awakening. This event, along with discussions about God and spirituality with actresses Tia and Tamara Mowry, helped Mase realize that his true purpose was not in the rap game but in pursuing a life of faith.
Mase has explained that he was increasingly uncomfortable with the direction his career was taking under Diddy’s guidance. While he appreciated the success he had achieved, he felt that the image he was being forced to project—polished, flashy, and mainstream—was in direct contrast to his true identity. Mase had originally been known for his gritty, street-wise persona, but as his career progressed, he became more of a marketable figure, which didn’t sit well with him. This internal conflict, combined with his newfound spirituality, pushed Mase to make the difficult decision to leave the industry.
The Aftermath: What Came Next for Mase?
After retiring from music, Mase pursued a life of ministry and spirituality, eventually becoming a pastor. He also made a return to music in the mid-2000s, but his time in the industry was never the same. While Mase’s decision to retire was met with mixed reactions, it was clear that his choice was driven by a need for personal fulfillment and spiritual growth. Despite his return to rap in the 2000s, Mase never regained the same level of fame and success that he had in the 1990s.
Now, at 49, Mase has fully reflected on his career and the events that led to his departure from the industry. His relationship with Diddy, his frustrations with the business side of the music industry, and his spiritual journey have all shaped the man he is today. Mase has finally confirmed what many fans had speculated for years—that his departure was driven by a combination of personal and professional reasons, including the toxic dynamics with Diddy, his discomfort with his commercial image, and his desire for a more meaningful life.
Mase’s story is one of both success and struggle, of fame and frustration, and ultimately, of self-discovery. As he looks back on his life and career, he has no regrets about his decisions, including stepping away from the music industry at the height of his fame. Today, Mase is living his truth, and fans finally have the answers they’ve been waiting for.
