Born in Harlem, Combs starting building his empire early. At the age of 25, a young Diddy discovered and produced one of the most iconic rappers of all time, Biggie Smalls. (Sadly, Combs also eulogized Smalls upon his death five years later). Now, at the age of 40, Diddy has done Hollywood, Broadway, and TV - but most impressively, has grown his empire to include a fashion label, fragrances, and restaurants. And of course, this is all in addition to owning Bad Boy Records.

In the November issue of ELLE, Andrew Goldman sits with Combs to discuss sex, sacrifice, and fatherhood.

On sexuality during his childhood
I was in pursuit of female attention from when I was probably four or five. It started with my mother's friends putting me to sleep on their laps. But I wasn't really asleep; I was enjoying the way it felt to lay on a pair of beautiful breasts.

On the aftershocks of his father's murder
A couple years ago, my psychologist came to the conclusion that this is one of the big problems I have as far as maturing in a relationship. After my father got killed, my mother said, "I'm never getting married again. I don't want men around my children." So I've never actually been able to witness a husband and wife's love. Sometimes when I see it with my friends, I just find myself staring like a child, because I've never actually seen it before. It's one of the sad parts of my life.

On his mother's sacrifices
My mother's a beautiful woman and could have been in a relationship to help out with the bills. She didn't want to go that route, so she worked four jobs and sacrificed a lot-dresses or shoes she might have bought-for me.

Read the full interview with Sean "Diddy" Combs on ELLE.com >>