Sean "Diddy" Combs, who elevated hip-hop in American culture while building a music and clothing empire that made him a billionaire, faces a sex trafficking trial next month that could cement the rapper's shattered reputation - or offer him a shot at redemption.

Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking for allegedly coercing women to participate in elaborate sexual performances known as "Freak Offs." With jury selection kicking off on May 5,

Combs's bid to delay his upcoming sex-trafficking trial by two months. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian said the hip-hop mogul made his request too close to his trial. Jury selection is scheduled to start on May 5,