Stephen A. Smith has compared the backlash experienced by Sean “Diddy” Combs amid sexual assault allegations against him, with Kanye West’s seeming fall from grace following Anti-Semitic remarks.
During an episode of the Stephen A. Smith Show, the sports pundit and cultural commentator sat down with Hip-Hop legend Uncle Luke to discuss the ongoing controversy surrounding both artists. “I brought up P. Diddy, you brought up Kanye West, as well,” the 56-year-old said to the 2 Live Crew founder as they discussed ongoing current events in entertainment.
Smith debated with Luke about which star he felt is more likely to publicly redeem themselves, with the ESPN First Take host picking Kanye West as who he believes has a better chance of regaining the popularity he once enjoyed.
Puff Daddy and Kanye West perform during Puff Daddy and Bad Boy Family Reunion Tour at Madison Square Garden on September 4, 2016 in New York City.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Live Nation
“The music industry, it’s like a metaphor for resurrection, for crying out loud,” the Queens native reasoned. “There’s always a second chance, there’s always additional opportunities. With Kanye, I believe that to be the case, with P. Diddy, I’m not so sure.”
However, from Uncle Luke’s vantage point, Ye’s difficulties in booking live events and sample clearance issues are major roadblocks affecting his ability to perform and operate as a recording artist. Whereas Combs, on the other hand, is only under investigation and has yet to be charged or found guilty of a crime, but hasn’t been “blackballed,” as has been alleged in West’s case.
Uncle Luke speaks during ‘Salute The Sample’ on SiriusXM’s Rock The Bells Radio at SiriusXM Studios on May 05, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM
“I think Diddy probably can weather the storm more so than Kanye ’cause Kanye is at a place right now where he’s barred out of arenas,” the Miami native explained to Smith. “He can’t get records cleared, he can’t get features [from artists]. Diddy may be able to come back from this if he’s innocent.”
The 63-year-old continued, adding “When you think about it, there’s no charges pressed.” Yet, Smith quickly pointed out that Diddy’s allegations are criminal in nature and has prompted raids by Homeland Security, which can be seen as evidence to the severity of consequences the rap mogul could possibly face. “That’s a whole ‘nother movie,” Uncle Luke said of the federal executive department’s investigation at Combs’ homes.
Watch Stephen A. Smith and Uncle Luke compare Kanye West and Diddy below.