The influence of Bad Boy Records across the entertainment industry is almost impossible to ignore. What started as a little known music label in 1993, grew into an iconic conglomerate that gave us a host of performers who went on to create their own respective wins.
Of course, none of it was possible without the wise-beyond-his-years Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was just 24 when he established Bad Boy and invested in not only his artists’ music, but their image as well. Looking back, it’s hard to imagine the ’90s without the women whose style embodied not only the Bad Boy aesthetic, but became instant trendsetters for sticking to their guns and wearing what made them comfortable: hair included.
And because we can’t wait to see the Can’t Stop Won’t Stop documentary, premiering June 25 on Apple Music, we’re taking a walk down memory lane by honoring the ladies who made the ’90s and ’00s our favorite beauty era.
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Although Mary J. Blige wasn’t signed to Bad Boy Records, Diddy has gone on record to say that his label wouldn’t exist without the singer, whose debut album he produced for Uptown Records. During their time together, Mary established her tough girl persona through her tomboy style and understated beauty choices. Who could forget the close-cropped hair she rocked when What’s The 411? was released?!
As the first female signee to Bad Boy Records, Faith Evans was quickly catapulted into the spotlight, where her style and beauty became a clear reflection of her spot within the Bad Boy family. Her makeup was always on point, her outfits were sexy and feminine and her hair was big and blonde.
Following the death of her then husband, The Notorious B.I.G., the singer steered away from her platinum locks and quickly became known for the ginger roots she still rocks today. Our list of favorite celebrity red heads begins and ends with her.
The voices of Kima Raynor, Keisha Spivey and Pamela Long are all over our ’90s playlists, and their laidback style is equally iconic. During their time with Bad Boy Records, the singing trio were cool as ice in their matching outfits and hairstyles, two of which were pixie cuts. There were plenty of celebs who wore their hair short during this era (Halle Berry, Toni Braxton), and Total is definitely a part of that elite group.
From the iconic “Crush on You” video to the red carpet ensembles that made front pages, the Brooklyn rapper continues to inspire both the fashion and beauty industries with her outrageous and trendsetting looks. There isn’t a wig she hasn’t worn or a lipstick she hasn’t tried. Kim’s icon status was solidifed years ago and it remains unshaken.
Back in 2007, the actress and singer joined the Bad Boy family and quickly established a signature style that included her pompadour. Altough she’s since experimented with a slew of other natural hairstyles, we’ll always remember when she swore by this powerhouse ‘do.
