MTV has unveiled that Sean “Diddy” Combs will be honored with the prestigious Global Icon Award at this year’s Video Music Awards. This event, broadcasting live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on September 12 at 8 p.m. ET, holds special significance for the music mogul. It marks his first live performance on the VMAs stage since 2005.
Introduced in 2021, the Global Icon Award is MTV’s highest recognition for artists whose influence knows no boundaries. The “Gotta Move On” hitmaker is set to join the esteemed ranks of previous recipients like Foo Fighters and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
During his earlier career, Sean Combs was recognized as the visionary behind the establishment of Bad Boy Records in 1993. Today, he has not only nurtured legendary talents such as the late Notorious B.I.G. but has also thrived as a prominent artist in his own right. Diddy’s impressive discography includes two No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 chart and five chart-topping singles on the Hot 100. His impact on the music industry is undeniable.
⭐ IT’S OFFICIAL ⭐
The hip-hop legend @Diddy is your 2023 #VMA Global Icon Award Recipient!!!
Tune in to @MTV on September 12 to see him accept the award AND perform at this year’s #VMAs 🚀🧑🚀 pic.twitter.com/ElG4XWj1ur
— Video Music Awards (@vmas) September 5, 2023
Adding to the excitement, Diddy’s highly anticipated album “The Love Album: Off the Grid” is poised to drop just days after his VMAs performance. This album promises a star-studded lineup, featuring collaborations with Jazmine Sullivan, Summer Walker, Ty Dolla $ign, Coco Jones, Mary J. Blige, and many more. Notably, it was recently revealed that The Weeknd will make his final guest appearance on this LP.
In recognition of his ongoing impact, Diddy has earned four nominations at this year’s VMAs. His tracks “Creepin’ (Remix)” featuring Metro Boomin, Weeknd, and 21 Savage, and “Gotta Move On (Queens Remix)” with Bryson Tiller, Ashanti, and Yung Miami, are both contenders for the prestigious Best Collaboration category. Additionally, the former track is in the running for Best R&B, while the latter is competing for Best Hip Hop.
Diddy’s history with MTV runs deep, dating back to 1997 when he graced the MTV stage with a heartfelt tribute to Biggie, just months after the rapper’s tragic passing. He has also hosted the Video Music Awards and the Europe Music Awards in the early 2000s. His return to the VMAs this year coincides with rumors of a special 50th-anniversary homage to hip-hop, making it an event to watch.