Sean “Diddy” Combs received the prestigious Global Icon Award at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, held on Tuesday, September 12 in New Jersey’s Prudential Center. The award was presented to him by his longtime friend Mary J. Blige and his 17-year-old daughter, Chance.
“Puff’s impact on pop culture is immeasurable. His iconic music videos redefine the form. His global influence is forever felt across the entire music industry,” MJB said during her heartfelt introduction of Diddy, who was marking his first appearance at the VMAs since he handled hosting duties in 2005.
Joined on stage by his twins, D’Lila Star and Jessie James (16), and his son King Combs (25), the 53-year-old music mogul expressed gratitude towards his family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support. He also emphasized the significance of using his influence to bring about positive change in the world.
“This is so surreal,” Combs said while accepting the honor. “I appreciate y’all coming and giving me my flowers and celebrating me. I got to thank God because that’s my secret weapon. You know, it don’t matter what religion you are, but make sure you know there’s a higher power of love and I want to just say, I give all glory to God. Thank you so much. This is a dream come true.”
Recalling his journey, Combs shared that after his aspirations to join the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t materialize, he sought solace in the vibrant New York club scene. He reminisced, “I would be in the clubs dancing in New York, doing my Diddy bop, and then people would see me and they would cast me for videos. That’s how I fell in love with the music industry. I saw the executives and I wanted to chase that dream.”
He continued, “You just gotta keep dreaming. I know sometimes, you get hit with those hard things… I thank God for this choice that he made for me to be able to touch you with my music, give you a good time, make you dance, make you feel good, that’s the only intention. That’s the only intention, and also make sure that we all get the same 24 hours. You know what I’m saying? So when we came in the game, we came in as bosses, we came in as kings, we came in as queens and that’s what’s up.”
Before receiving the Global Icon Award, the Bad Boy founder graced the stage with a medley of his chart-topping hits, including “Mo Money Mo Problems,” “I’ll Be Missing You,” “Last Night,” and “It’s All About the Benjamins.” He was joined by Yung Miami, Keyshia Cole, and his son King Combs.
The hip-hop icon and music mogul received four other nominations: best R&B and best collaboration for his team-up with Metro Boomin, The Weeknd and 21 Savage, best collaboration and best hip-hop for his song “Gotta Move On” with Bryson Tiller, Ashanti and Yung Miami.
The Harlem legend is slated to drop a new album this Friday titled “The Love Album: On The Grid,” marking his first full-length project since 2015’s “MMM (Money Makin Mitch).” The LP boasts an impressive lineup of guest features, including The Weeknd, Busta Rhymes, H.E.R., Ty Dolla $ign, Summer Walker, French Montana, and more. LP.
Diddy received the Global Icon Award for “his unparalleled career and continued influence that has achieved unrivaled global success in music and beyond.”
