112 Distances Themselves From Diddy Amid Legal Controversies, But Their Legacy Remains Untouchable

Once a cornerstone of Diddy’s iconic Bad Boy Records, the R&B group 112 now appears to be drawing a clear line between their legacy and the embattled music mogul. Over the weekend, a viral concert clip surfaced showing the group performing The Notorious B.I.G.’s classic hit “Hypnotize”—but when it came time to mention Diddy in the verse, 112 fell silent.

The moment didn’t go unnoticed. As the crowd reacted with laughter and surprise, it became evident that the omission was intentional. While 112 has not made any public statements regarding their relationship with Diddy, their onstage silence spoke volumes.

The timing of the subtle snub comes as Diddy faces mounting legal troubles, including RICO charges tied to sex trafficking and sexual assault, as well as multiple high-profile lawsuits. For a group that helped define the golden age of Bad Boy Records, distancing themselves now signals a significant shift.

112’s history with Diddy runs deep. The group was among the original artists signed to Bad Boy in the mid-1990s. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1996, was the label’s first full-length R&B project following their signing in 1995. That album introduced the timeless ballad “Cupid,” and featured collaborations that blended romantic harmonies with streetwise flair—an approach that became a signature of their sound.

Their connection to The Notorious B.I.G. was equally impactful. 112 famously collaborated with Biggie on his Life After Death album and on their own breakout hit “Only You,” which also featured Mase. As one of the few R&B groups to thrive in hip-hop’s competitive landscape, 112 helped bridge genres at a time when such crossovers were rare.

Their follow-up albums Room 112 and the Grammy-winning Part III (2001) further showcased their versatility, with platinum hits like “Peaches & Cream” expanding their appeal across mainstream audiences. The group eventually left Bad Boy for Def Jam in 2003, continuing to release music while preserving their signature harmonies and polished image.

Despite evolving through lineup changes and industry shifts, 112’s influence on late ’90s and early 2000s R&B is undeniable. Their music helped define a generation of urban sound, laying a blueprint for artists navigating the intersection of R&B and hip-hop.

Now, as Diddy’s empire faces scrutiny, 112’s quiet refusal to acknowledge their former label head reinforces their desire to separate their enduring legacy from his growing controversies. For fans, it’s a reminder that while Bad Boy may have been the launching pad, the group’s success has always been rooted in talent, timeless music, and artistic integrity.

Today, 112 continues to tour globally, performing alongside other legacy acts and proving their catalog has stood the test of time. While the industry changes and reputations shift, 112’s place in R&B history remains firmly intact—built not on controversy, but on pure musical excellence.