Danyel Smith: The Memory With Diddy

 

     A complex relationship existed between Danyel Smith and Sean Combs, known widely as Diddy. Their interactions, though non-sexual, were marked by the professional dynamics and power plays characteristic of the music industry in the 90s. This is a story of ambition, tension, and survival in an industry fraught with peril for women.

In July 1997, Smith became the editor-in-chief of Vibe, a music magazine dedicated to Black music and culture. Founded by Quincy Jones and Time Inc. in 1992, Vibe was a significant platform at a time when hip-hop was both in mourning for its lost icons and riding high on commercial success. The magazine's mission was clear: to keep hip-hop alive and ensure it received the cultural recognition it deserved. This was a period marked by the recent murders of Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G., creating a somber yet pivotal backdrop for Smith's tenure.

Sean Combs, the force behind Bad Boy Records, was a central figure in this era. His label was thriving, largely due to the success of Biggie and Mase, and his own debut album "No Way Out," which included hits like “I’ll Be Missing You,” a tribute to Biggie, “It’s All About the Benjamins,” and “Been Around the World.” These tracks underscored hip-hop's commercial boom and global reach. Smith, recognizing Combs' influence, aimed to feature him on Vibe's December 1997/January 1998 cover, complete with white feathered wings inspired by the 1978 film "Heaven Can Wait."

The cover shoot in September 1997 was Smith's first extended encounter with Combs. Despite the challenges, including Combs' controlling nature, they managed to get the desired shots. However, the real trouble began when Combs demanded to see the covers before publication, against Vibe’s policy. His insistence and subsequent threat to show up at the office prompted Smith and her team to prepare for potential confrontation.

Smith’s office was on the third floor of a building at Lexington and 32nd Street. On the day Combs arrived, tension was palpable. Smith, with the help of her colleagues, was shuttled through offices to avoid him. Ultimately, she managed to leave safely, clutching the proofs of the cover story. The next day, however, Combs called and issued a chilling threat: he would see her "dead in the trunk of a car" if she didn’t comply. Smith stood her ground, and after involving her lawyer, received an apology from Combs.

This was not the end of the turmoil. Soon after, Vibe’s servers, which contained the entire issue, were stolen, allegedly an inside job facilitated by Combs’ connections. This incident left Smith questioning her safety and the integrity of those around her.

Years later, Smith would recall these events vividly, though some details were only pieced together through conversations with former colleagues Ava Chin and Jesse Washington. This period left a significant mark on Smith, making her question her own truths and the cost of her ambition in a male-dominated industry.

Despite these confrontations, Smith and Combs continued to interact professionally. Their paths crossed at various industry events, and Smith even wrote a celebratory article for Combs' 2006 Vibe cover. The photographs from these events, capturing their seemingly amicable interactions, now appear surreal against the backdrop of recent allegations against Combs.

In November 2023, Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, sued Combs under New York's Adult Survivors Act, alleging rape, abuse, and trafficking over a decade. This lawsuit, settled the next day, opened the floodgates to more allegations, bringing to light accusations of sexual assault dating back to 1990. These revelations have cast a dark shadow over Combs' legacy and forced a re-evaluation of the industry's culture.

Smith reflects on her own experiences and the broader context of the music industry, where ambition often came at a high price for women. The industry's culture of silence and complicity allowed many abuses to go unchecked. Women in the industry faced immense pressure, and reporting misconduct often led to professional and personal repercussions.

Smith’s story is not just about her encounters with Combs but also about the systemic issues within the music industry. It highlights the dangerous environment women navigated, the sacrifices they made, and the resilience they showed. Smith herself has been both a witness to and a victim of this harsh reality, balancing her ambition with the constant threat of professional and personal harm.

The legacy of these experiences is complex. While Smith and many other women made significant contributions to the industry, their stories are also marked by the trauma and challenges they faced. The recent wave of allegations against powerful figures like Combs has sparked a long-overdue reckoning, forcing the industry to confront its past and make meaningful changes for the future.

In revisiting these memories, Smith not only confronts her own past but also calls for a broader acknowledgment of the experiences of women in the music industry. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the need for continued vigilance and advocacy to ensure a safer, more equitable environment for future generations.