Black Americans "got a little bit shortchanged" by President Barack Obama, according to rap mogul and entrepreneur Sean "Diddy" Combs.
In a candid interview aired Sunday on MSNBC's "Politics Nation With Al Sharpton,"
Combs also urged black voters to "hold" their vote until both current presidential candidates — Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and GOP candidate Donald Trump — "come for our vote," and "bring something with it."
"My number one thing, though, to be honest, is black people," Combs said after talking about his new education initiative; Combs just opened a charter school in Harlem.
"I feel like we put President Obama in the White House. When I look back, I just wanted more done for my people because that’s the name of the game."
"This is politics," he continued. "You put somebody in office you get in return the things that you care about for your communities. I think we got a little bit shortchanged. That’s not knocking the president. …He’s done an excellent job, you know, but I think it’s time to turn up the heat, because the black vote is going to decide who is the next president of the United States."
Combs said talking about black voters isn't enough to command their loyalty.
"Hillary Clinton, you know, I hope she starts to directly talk to the black community," he said, adding: "It really makes me feel, you know, almost hurt that our issues are not addressed and we’re such a big part of the voting bloc."
"I honestly think that heat has to be turned up so much that as a community we have to hold our vote," he said. "Don't pacify yourself. Revolutionize the game. Make them come for our vote. It's a whole different strategy. I think we need to hold our vote. I don't believe any of them."
"That's a big announcement," Sharpton responded.
"You can get the vote. You're going to have to come get it," Combs replied. "You have to bring something with it."
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.