Danyel Smith, a renowned journalist and author, who most probably recognize as the Editor in Chief of both Vibe and Billboard magazines, recently shared that in the mid-90s Diddy threatened to have her un-alived in the trunk of a car if he wasn’t given editorial control over his Vibe cover. So we’re going to get into exactly what happened between her and Diddy.
Danyel Smith’s career is defined by her groundbreaking work as the first African-American editor of both Vibe and Billboard magazines. Her tenure at these publications coincided with significant moments in music history, including the rise of hip-hop and the tragic deaths of icons like Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.. Danyel Smith’s ability to capture the essence of these events with authenticity and depth has solidified her reputation as one of the foremost voices in music journalism.
Danyel, who has had a prolific career chronicling pop and hip-hop culture, revealed the details of Puffy threatening her life in her memoir, Shine Bright: A Very Personal History of Black Women in Pop. According to Danyel, the confrontation with Diddy occurred in the mid-1990s, a tumultuous period for hip-hop journalism.
It’s not surprising to hear that Diddy threatened to un-alive Danyel Smith, considering his history of harming women both in his personal life and in his professional life.
Danyel Smith’s impact extends beyond her written work, like her memoir, Shine Bright. She continues to champion the stories of Black women through her podcast, Black Girl Songbook, where she delves into the histories and legacies of influential Black female artists. Her dedication to preserving and promoting these stories ensures that the contributions of these women are recognized and remembered.
