‘Drink Champs’ Host Reveals Diddy’s Behind-The-Scenes Involvement in Viral 2022 Kanye West Episode

Host Jason Lee, left, speaks with rapper and "Drink Champs" host N.O.R.E. during an episode of "The Jason Lee Show" in Los Angeles. During the interview, released April 15, N.O.R.E. revealed that Sean "Diddy" Combs personally reviewed Kanye West's controversial 2022 podcast appearance before it was published. (Screengrab: BET Networks)

As Sean "Diddy" Combs continues to fight his federal conviction, new details are emerging about the disgraced mogul's behind-the-scenes influence over one of hip-hop media's most controversial moments.

During a recent interview with Jason Lee, "Drink Champs" host N.O.R.E. revealed that Combs — who was the head of the Revolt network at the time — personally reviewed Kanye West's viral and highly inflammatory 2022 interview before it ever hit the internet.

According to the Queens rapper, Combs called him while the episode was still in the editing bay to share his thoughts on the cut. The revelation adds a heavy layer of context to the broadcast, which ultimately led to West being dropped by Adidas, Balenciaga, and CAA after he made several antisemitic remarks and inflammatory statements regarding the death of George Floyd.

Looking back at the fallout, N.O.R.E. expressed deep regret over how the final edit was handled.

"I feel like I should've took out a lot more with the Ye interview," N.O.R.E. explained. "Because Ye — at the end of the day, I felt like me and Ye was friends... I just wish I was in on the conversation a little more."

The disclosure arrives during a turbulent legal week for Combs. The Bad Boy Records founder’s legal team is currently back in court appealing his 50-month prison sentence. Combs, who was convicted last fall on prostitution-related charges, was recently transferred to FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey. According to his attorneys, the facility was specifically requested because it offers a residential drug treatment program to address the mogul's ongoing substance abuse issues.

While Combs' expected release date is currently set for April 2028, the ongoing appeals and the constant unearthing of his past industry dealings ensure his name remains at the center of the daily news cycle.