Mase’s Diddy-Blitz For His Contract Release Illustrates Sound Business Advice

Yesterday I took some time out of an otherwise busy day to have a laugh at the antics of one Mason Betha in his quest to be freed from the bondage that is his contract with Diddy and Bad Boy Records.  We’ve long heard stories and seen the byproduct of Diddy’s management style which is reminiscent more of a plantation owner than a label head.  So for an artist under contract with Bad Boy to escape the reign of terror seems less likely than a slave master signing his slave’s freedom papers.  But that’s exactly what happened as Mase was emancipated from his contract with Diddy’s outfit.

But when ATL’s Shuddup.com published some candid video footageof just how Mase managed to pull off the otherwise impossible feat, it was clear that the element of surprise was Mase’s strategy and key to success.

As you’ll see in the video for those who missed it Mase unexpectedly pops up during Diddy’s radio appearance with his group Dirty Money on Atlanta’s V103.  Its still unclear whether Diddy and Mase talked recently about the release and if Diddy knew of Mase’s intentions.  We’re certain however, that Diddy wasn’t expecting Mase to crash his interview.  Boxed in a reluctant Diddy signed the document realizing if he refused it would quickly become a topic of conversation during the interview and make Diddy look like the bad guy instead of helping to promote his upcoming “Last Train To Paris” release.

A visibly subdued Diddy looks over the document carefully during a break as one of his hit records with Mase plays on-air.   Diddy explains the exchange as they come out of break.

“Just be clear [Mase] has the freedom to do whatever he want to do,” he said. “People have felt like our situation I may have stopped him or whatever, he can do whatever he wanna do. I’m tryna make sure everyone is crystal clear. If you want those Mase verses, getcha hustle on. He gotta slick tongue though, he’s a mean negotiator so you better come with that guap.”

While the document isn’t a complete contract release but rather an appearance release allowing Mase to appear on songs with other artists consider it a win for the little guy.  And while we don’t expect much from Mase now that’s he’s a “free” it does highlight a key tactic in war or business and negotiation.  Would the Japanese have been as effective in bombing Pearl Harbor without the element of surprise?  The 9/11 terrorist used our the element of surprise and our own media intrigue to launch the most devastating attack on the continental U.S. since the Revolutionary war.  Its proof that even the most savvy tyrant can be slain like Goliath if he’s unprepared.  So whether its Texas Holdem Poker, War or Business negotiations…do as Mase did, never let em know what you’re thinking or which way you’re coming from.  Maybe you too can pull a rabbit out of a hat.