SEAN COMBS has blamed a current lack of creativity in the global DJ scene for stifling hip-hop music. The rap mogul is adamant that the genre is in the midst of a "recession" because there are so few talented beatmakers around to help create interesting tracks.

He tells MTV.com, "People have figured out the formula when they make records for radio, and DJs ain't DJs no more. DJs don't break records no more. DJs don't play album cuts. DJs play what is going to move the crowd. DJs, they don't expose you to the newness. That was the DJs' thing.

Hip-hop is in a recession also." But Combs is convinced that there is enough fresh, young talent in the music industry at the moment to make sure that rap artists will continue to sell records.

He adds, "(Hip-hop) is not dead, it's definitely way better than where it was at, as far as with 'Ye, T.I. and with Jeezy. It's so much great stuff out there, the responsibility has to come with the DJs."