Sting has clarified that recent legal troubles surrounding Sean “Diddy” Combs do not impact his feelings toward the iconic track “I’ll Be Missing You,” which Diddy recorded as a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. in 1997. In a new interview, Sting addressed the possibility of distancing himself from the track, which famously samples The Police’s “Every Breath You Take.” Sting stated, “I don’t know what went on [with Diddy]… But it doesn’t taint the song at all for me. It’s still my song,” making it clear he has no reservations about the collaboration despite Diddy’s legal controversies.
Diddy’s Grammy-winning tribute, co-written by Sauce Money, dominated the charts, staying at number one for 11 weeks and establishing Diddy as a solo artist following Biggie’s passing. For Sting, the success of the song has remained a point of pride, and he continues to view the sample as an extension of his original work rather than a separate creation.
The track, which has become a classic, has surged in popularity again amid rising nostalgia for 90s music. Diddy’s son, Christian “King” Combs, has even been sharing throwback videos of his father’s hits on social media, rekindling interest in Diddy’s early music catalog. Fans have celebrated this renewed appreciation, with “I’ll Be Missing You” often cited as one of the era’s most memorable tributes.
This statement comes as Diddy faces a legal battle following recent charges. However, Sting’s comments indicate that he views the song’s legacy as untarnished, a reflection of both its cultural impact and the timelessness of the original Police hit.
