According to a newly unsealed list of the platform’s shareholders which was first unveiled by The Washington Post, troubled Bad Boy founder Diddy was one of the investors who helped Elon Musk turn Twitter into X after he purchased it for $44B in 2022.
The document, which went public today(August 22), lists almost 100 entities as part-owners, with Diddy listed under the name ‘Sean Combs Capital, LLC’ alongside other notable names such as Bill Ackman, Saudi Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud and Twitter founder Jack Dorsey.
How much Diddy invested into isn’t clear and names of current company shareholders are not known to the public.
The full revealing comes after U.S. District Judge Susan Illston initially granted a motion filed by independent tech journalist Jacob Silverman.
Silverman stated he was seeking transparency in the best interest of the public. Former Twitter employees have alleged in court the company violated their arbitration agreements by not paying certain fees after Musk took over, forcing the company to file for the sealed list.
Making a monumental power move, VERZUZ—the online award-winning, multi-media platform launched by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland—has cemented an exclusive partnership with X for distribution. Swizz and Timbaland personally broke the news at an activation in Cannes, France today.
Earlier this year, Swizz and Timbaland reacquired VERZUZ from previous partner Triller, now owning 100% of the platform, while retaining their equity (along with the artists who participated in VERZUZ) in Triller. Upon resuming complete control, they sought out the perfect channel for independent distribution.
The partnership journey with X has now begun!
Together, the companies orchestrated a mutually beneficial alliance where Swizz and Timbaland maintain their full ownership and creative control, while X receives exclusive distribution rights. As a result, VERZUZ will now broadcast to an audience of over 550 million active users, exponentially expanding its viewership and international reach like never before. Since the inception of VERZUZ, the conversations around each VERZUZ naturally evolved on X from fans and enthusiasts alike. Viewers will now be able to watch for FREE exclusively on X, bringing the visual series, and viral conversation, all to one platform! Stay tuned for the announcement of the nextVERZUZ matchup coming soon.
About this chapter, Swizz stated, “We are beyond thrilled to have found the best partner for Verzuz. Not only are we excited to have Verzuz on X, we’re excited to help X build the biggest entertainment company in the world. I would like to thank Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, Brett Weitz, Mitchell Smith and the entire X team for believing in the Verzuz vision. We can’t wait to get to work.”
Timbalandadded, “We are thrilled to partner with X, the most innovative platform globally. Our goal has always been to bring Verzuz to the world which we can now do bigger than ever.”
As they have since the first VERZUZ, the founders uplift the culture and community into the spotlight in the center of the world’s stage. However, they preserve the same grit, honor, authenticity, and integrity that makes hip-hop, rap, R&B, soul and ALL genres of music so special. They have the opportunity to magnify its resonance, thanks to Elon Musk, Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, and the entire X team championing their unfiltered voices.
Linda Yaccarino stated, “X is so proud to partner with trailblazing creators, artists, and entrepreneurs Swizz Beatz & Timbaland. Our platform stands at the forefront of innovation, and Verzuz defines the essence of an innovative content experience. As we continue to work with the most exciting voices to bring premium content to X, there is no better fit than this series. Together we will redefine how consumers engage with their favorite entertainment, one Verzuz at a time.”
VERZUZ has partnered with Uncontained Media, led by Christian Sarabia, and Raymond Garcia. Together, they have produced multiple hit shows including Emmy Winner DRIVE WITH SWIZZ BEATZ and will serve as the production company and Executive Producers of VERZUZ.
The influence and impact of VERZUZ has proven to be undeniable. So far, it has produced over 40 episodes, generating 100 million-plus live views and over 70 billion impressions. It has naturally encompassed other verticals with VERZUZ SPORTS, and VERZUZ COMEDY, all which play well to some of the most highly engaged communities on X. Not to mention, the power of the #VERZUZEFFECT cannot be overstated. Every artist that has participated in a VERZUZ have seen dramatic increases in streaming, ticket sales, merchandise, and overall revenue from just one appearance.
Releasing two previous projects this year, Doom Hip-Hop’s JOSEPHNSPARROWB makes a surprising new entry for 2018 with a conceptual effort simply known as, X. Known for his custom sound compiled of Lo-Fi Hip-Hop, Doom Rap, and Metal. JOSEPHNSPAAROWB astonish with a new era sound set to bring a new sub-genre to the limelight.
X, a story about a man whose done horrible things in his life and has died without closure. Stuck in a limbo, between life and death, as a ghost, introspecting on his wrong-doing. Intriguing story, JOSEPHNSPARROWB pitches a body of work that will set him apart from majority of the new artists looking to breakout in 2019.
Stream JOSEPHNSPARROWB’s new album, X, below, courtesy of Soundcloud.
Inviting; however, the production on X is fringe often among the 11-track effort. With the production establishing the tone, it is frightful but fails to be terrifying enough to solidify a groundbreaking foundation to transform the project into a must-hear. Due to the project’s organization, X can’t find a smooth path and often jumps around, causing an unignored distraction.
As the production decay by the end of the project, the story’s lyricism sticks to the script and tells a great scary story. Using realism to emphasize an original horror, JOSEPHNSPARROWB’s story-telling will be known as the rising star’s most valuable technique. “Teen Suicide” is the rising star’s most confident track on the project and an exceptional finale.
Dark, suspenseful, and convincing. X is an acquired taste that will grow on new listeners through time. The project established value through its unique story-telling and keen execution. The project’s tone establish dominance. While unfamiliar territory, exploring the new project will be fulfilling for all whom embark.
