The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards featured a career-spanning medley by Sean "Diddy" Combs, who took the stage at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, to accept the Global Icon Award. Rather than a standard retrospective speech, the multi-platinum mogul delivered a high-energy, fast-paced set that compressed decades of Bad Boy Records history into a single television segment. Fans looking to unpack the complete setlist, guest appearances, and standout moments can find the full breakdown below.
Opening with a dynamic sequence of his biggest anthems, Diddy proved why he earned the night's highest honor. Joined on stage by several of his children and heavy-hitting surprise guests from across his career, the performance stands as one of the most talked-about television moments of the 2023 award season.
Complete 2023 VMA Performance Setlist
Diddy's medley moved rapidly through different eras of his discography, blending solo tracks, label collaborations, and heartfelt tributes.
- "I'll Be Missing You" – The emotional centerpiece honoring The Notorious B.I.G., featuring atmospheric staging.
- "It's All About the Benjamins" – A high-tempo rendition driven by classic East Coast production.
- "Bad Boy for Life" – The definitive label anthem celebrating longevity in hip-hop.
- "I Need a Girl (Part Two)" – A smooth transition into his early-2000s R&B-infused crossover hits.
- "Gotta Move On" – An upbeat club track featuring a live appearance by Yung Miami.
- "Last Night" – Performed alongside Keyshia Cole, marking a rare live reunion for the track.
- "Mo Money Mo Problems" – The grand finale featuring a dance break alongside his son, King Combs, stepping in to channel classic verses.
Special Guests and Family Appearances
The scale of the performance relied heavily on collaborative chemistry. Mary J. Blige introduced Diddy for the Global Icon presentation, setting an emotional tone before the music started. During the set itself, Keyshia Cole emerged to belt out the chorus of "Last Night," while Yung Miami joined for "Gotta Move On".
Family played a central role throughout the production. His son King Combs performed side-by-side with him, tackling verses with energy that drew comparisons to classic 90s hip-hop deliveries. Additionally, his twin daughters Jessie and D'Lila, along with daughter Chance, joined him on stage, capping off a night that celebrated both his personal lineage and his musical footprint.
The Global Icon Award Presentation
Following the performance, Diddy accepted the Global Icon Award from Mary J. Blige and his daughter Chance. His acceptance speech touched on his accidental path into the music industry.
"I thought I would be playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but God made another choice, and thank God for making this choice: for me to be able to touch you with my music, to make you feel good. That's my only intention."
The recognition arrived just days before the release of his studio album The Love Album: Off the Grid, positioning the VMA medley as both a retrospective look backward and a promotional vehicle for new material. Media outlets and fans widely reviewed the segment as a masterclass in television pacing, utilizing seamless transitions and heavy nostalgia to command the arena audience.
You can read more about the event's history and official broadcast details on MTV or explore archival coverage via Billboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What songs did Diddy perform at the 2023 VMAs?
He performed a medley consisting of "I'll Be Missing You," "It's All About the Benjamins," "Bad Boy for Life," "I Need a Girl (Part Two)," "Gotta Move On," "Last Night," and "Mo Money Mo Problems".
Who presented Diddy with the Global Icon Award?
The award was presented to him by R&B legend Mary J. Blige and his 17-year-old daughter, Chance Combs.
Which special artists joined him on stage?
The performance featured guest appearances by Keyshia Cole and Yung Miami, alongside choreography and support from his children, including King Combs.
Where can I watch the official performance video?
The complete performance is hosted on the official MTV YouTube channel, split into clips covering the medley and the award acceptance speech.
