P.Diddy Cover Story: Make P’s Like Diddy
Artist:
P Diddy
From his rap career, clothing line and record label to his Unforgivable fragrance, Sean John Combs is one of the world’s most enterprising entrepreneurs. Back with a brand new (and brilliant) album, RWD hits NYC to hang out for the day with P. Diddy. Words by Hattie Collins
There are moments in a journalist’s life when the crappy pay, terrible hours and lack of pension pays off. Right now, dear reader, is one of those very times. We’ve just stepped out of the $650,000 customised Maybach Benz straight into the Diptyque candle-lit studio where the car’s owner and the man we’re here to see, Mr P Dot Diddy is about to perform. We’re at New York’s Clinton Studios to see the Bad Boy rehearse for a live performance at the NFL’s 2006 kick off ceremony in Miami the following week. Besides the full band and legend that is P. Didz, there are around 10 people in the room; Julie Greenwald and Kevin Liles - President and Executive Vice President respectively of Warner Music Group; actor Jackie Long (of Idlewild and ATL fame); Exec VP of Bad Boy Harve Pierre; two personal assistants and a handful of up-and-coming producers and songwriters. Director Bryan Barber just left, while Comb’s girl (and soon to be mother of his twins) Kim Porter is en route for dinner after he’s done. It’s a strong look for The Book. A strong look. The band starts up and with a grin, the words. ‘As we proceed, to give you motherfu*kers what you need...’ fall from his lips. It’s showtime!
For 90 minutes we’re privy to a personal performance of hits including Victory, All About The Benjamins, Mo Money, Mo Problems and a particularly powerful rendition of Biggie ode, Missing You. Makes you realise how much hotness this man has made since Bad Boy’s beginnings back in 1994. But has he still got it? Earlier in the day he allowed us to attend a record label playback of new album Press Play; put it this way, not only has he not lost his touch, the Midas effect is even stronger. Keyshia Cole stars on the Prince-alicious Last Night, Brandy goes D&B on Thought You Knew while beat-makers including Swizz Beats and Timbaland make heat with Mary J, Big Boi and P. Diddy himself who sings and raps better than ever before - just check out his (supposed reply) to 50’s diss I’m Richer, Bitch. After he’s done, we step back into the beautiful Maybach and take a ride to Daddy’s House, the recording studio owned by Puff where he lets us sit in on design meetings for Sean John and a talk with DJ Clinton Sparks. To get this type of access to an artist is rare- for someone of P. Diddy’s stature, it’s unheard of. Clearly, he’s an incredibly busy man but we have a lot to ask. Thankfully, the gracious, warm and engaging entrepreneur is only too happy to answer all.
First of all – what do we call you? Puffy, Sean, Diddy or P. Diddy?
(Laughs) Ok, it’s P. Diddy in the UK and Diddy in the US. Someone here already has the name Diddy, so I’m more than happy for them to have it. I have many to choose from.
Press Play is your first album for ages. Where have you been?
I took a little break for a couple of years and it was the best thing I could have done. I bought all the knowledge I gained from working with everybody from Aretha Franklin to Barry White, Sting, Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige, Snoop, Biggie, Jay-Z, Nas... and I got inspired. The album is about a guy who thinks he’s one of the baddest cats to ever walk the face of the earth. He meets this girl, she seduces him, he seduces her, they fall in love and then comes the pain. So it’s me talking about relationships.
Is there love in your life right now?
Oh yes. You might have heard myself and Kim are expecting twins – well, the news is true. It’s official. You heard it here first!
So are you and Kim going to get married?
I would love to settle down, but I take marriage very seriously. I want to make sure it’s the right thing to do. In the past, I’ve been insensitive and not understood that you can have all the money and success in the world but without someone to love you, you really have nothing at all.
It feels like you’ve really stepped up your rap game on this record – would you agree?
Yes. I think I’ve really evolved as an artist, which is a strange thing to have happen. I’m honest about myself – I criticise myself harder than anyone else could do. By the time they throw darts at me, I’ve already thrown the same names at myself. I’m clear on who I am and where I’m at and that’s the one thing about this album that I feel proud about is that I’ve gotten better. I feel I’ve really grown because I’ve changed my technique, taken risks and chances.
Like dropping a D&B track, for instance?
Well, I wouldn’t say it’s D&B cos I don’t want to get myself in trouble (laughs) – but it’s D&B inspired. I spend a lot of time in London so I heard it real quick one time in a club there and this is just the way I remembered it.
Have you heard any grime?
Oh yeah, yeah. I think grime is ready to blow, I was saying this the other day. If it gets with the right producer, that don’t take the grime off of it...I’m not saying I’m the right producer, I don’t want the grime scene to get scared, but I feel it could really be something cos it’s so emotional which is lacking in music. I have my eye on it.
Have you heard Skepta’s ‘I wanna make P’s like Diddy’ lyric?
No, I haven’t heard that one. That’s hot though.
Seeing you perform Missing You earlier was incredible.
That track is one of the most honest songs ever made. I haven’t done that song in four years because it hurt so much doing it. When I think of Big, I think of the way he walked, the way he talked, the way he laughed, the way he rapped... He was always there for me in my times of need.
Tell us about the first time you met Big?
He was very quiet; you saw his vulnerable side and I liked that about him. A lot of people don’t know that about him; Big never fronted. What you saw was what you got.
Do you think his murderer will ever be found?
I really don’t know. My focus is that I can’t bring my boy back so I don’t dwell on the speculation of who might have killed him. I know God will handle his business. What moves me everyday is not who killed him, but that he’s not here.
From Big to Danity Kane you’ve had pure No.1s. But tell us about the down years when Bad Boy had a hit drought.
I learnt how to lose at an early age by playing sports and getting beat up now and then! When you get your ass kicked, you do everything in your power not to lose. But you learn it don’t kill you. Having a bad year ain’t gonna kill me. But mark my words I know how to win; I specialise in that.
Who are some of your celebrity friends?
Seeing as this is for a UK mag, I know David Beckham a little bit (laughs). I met him at one of my parties that I threw a few years back. He’s a very cool guy. And I’m going to be partying with Wayne Rooney soon. He’s coming to New York so I’ll show him how we do it over here (laughs).
What’s the best party you’ve thrown?
The first White Party, because there were so many different people. And that’s really what the White Party’s about; bringing people together. You had boys from Harlem to Hollywood actors to politicians to people on parole.
What’s the secret of your considerable success?
It’s my belief and faith in God. A lot of people may think it’s corny but it’s true.. I take pride in that there’s no one like me – I’m just P. Diddy - but that’s because it’s the way God intended it to be.
Press Play is out Oct 17 on Atlantic Records
The Name’s Diddy... P. Diddy
What did you think of Jamie Foxx saying you should be the next Bond?
(Laughs) I definitely agree with him – it’s time for a black Bond. One of us should do it, me or him! I like the new Bond that’s there now but when he’s done with it I’d definitely be grateful for an audition! If they don’t give me the Bond role I’m gonna make my own action film. Why not, you know?
Having won Grammy’s, is Oscar next on the list?
I hope so. What’s more important than winning Oscars though is that I make films that touch people. I don’t know what the future holds though. I take it day-by-day.
RWD Magazine
P Diddy Official Site
P Diddy Myspace
From his rap career, clothing line and record label to his Unforgivable fragrance, Sean John Combs is one of the world’s most enterprising entrepreneurs. Back with a brand new (and brilliant) album, RWD hits NYC to hang out for the day with P. Diddy. Words by Hattie Collins
There are moments in a journalist’s life when the crappy pay, terrible hours and lack of pension pays off. Right now, dear reader, is one of those very times. We’ve just stepped out of the $650,000 customised Maybach Benz straight into the Diptyque candle-lit studio where the car’s owner and the man we’re here to see, Mr P Dot Diddy is about to perform. We’re at New York’s Clinton Studios to see the Bad Boy rehearse for a live performance at the NFL’s 2006 kick off ceremony in Miami the following week. Besides the full band and legend that is P. Didz, there are around 10 people in the room; Julie Greenwald and Kevin Liles - President and Executive Vice President respectively of Warner Music Group; actor Jackie Long (of Idlewild and ATL fame); Exec VP of Bad Boy Harve Pierre; two personal assistants and a handful of up-and-coming producers and songwriters. Director Bryan Barber just left, while Comb’s girl (and soon to be mother of his twins) Kim Porter is en route for dinner after he’s done. It’s a strong look for The Book. A strong look. The band starts up and with a grin, the words. ‘As we proceed, to give you motherfu*kers what you need...’ fall from his lips. It’s showtime!
For 90 minutes we’re privy to a personal performance of hits including Victory, All About The Benjamins, Mo Money, Mo Problems and a particularly powerful rendition of Biggie ode, Missing You. Makes you realise how much hotness this man has made since Bad Boy’s beginnings back in 1994. But has he still got it? Earlier in the day he allowed us to attend a record label playback of new album Press Play; put it this way, not only has he not lost his touch, the Midas effect is even stronger. Keyshia Cole stars on the Prince-alicious Last Night, Brandy goes D&B on Thought You Knew while beat-makers including Swizz Beats and Timbaland make heat with Mary J, Big Boi and P. Diddy himself who sings and raps better than ever before - just check out his (supposed reply) to 50’s diss I’m Richer, Bitch. After he’s done, we step back into the beautiful Maybach and take a ride to Daddy’s House, the recording studio owned by Puff where he lets us sit in on design meetings for Sean John and a talk with DJ Clinton Sparks. To get this type of access to an artist is rare- for someone of P. Diddy’s stature, it’s unheard of. Clearly, he’s an incredibly busy man but we have a lot to ask. Thankfully, the gracious, warm and engaging entrepreneur is only too happy to answer all.
First of all – what do we call you? Puffy, Sean, Diddy or P. Diddy?
(Laughs) Ok, it’s P. Diddy in the UK and Diddy in the US. Someone here already has the name Diddy, so I’m more than happy for them to have it. I have many to choose from.
Press Play is your first album for ages. Where have you been?
I took a little break for a couple of years and it was the best thing I could have done. I bought all the knowledge I gained from working with everybody from Aretha Franklin to Barry White, Sting, Mariah Carey, Mary J Blige, Snoop, Biggie, Jay-Z, Nas... and I got inspired. The album is about a guy who thinks he’s one of the baddest cats to ever walk the face of the earth. He meets this girl, she seduces him, he seduces her, they fall in love and then comes the pain. So it’s me talking about relationships.
Is there love in your life right now?
Oh yes. You might have heard myself and Kim are expecting twins – well, the news is true. It’s official. You heard it here first!
So are you and Kim going to get married?
I would love to settle down, but I take marriage very seriously. I want to make sure it’s the right thing to do. In the past, I’ve been insensitive and not understood that you can have all the money and success in the world but without someone to love you, you really have nothing at all.
It feels like you’ve really stepped up your rap game on this record – would you agree?
Yes. I think I’ve really evolved as an artist, which is a strange thing to have happen. I’m honest about myself – I criticise myself harder than anyone else could do. By the time they throw darts at me, I’ve already thrown the same names at myself. I’m clear on who I am and where I’m at and that’s the one thing about this album that I feel proud about is that I’ve gotten better. I feel I’ve really grown because I’ve changed my technique, taken risks and chances.
Like dropping a D&B track, for instance?
Well, I wouldn’t say it’s D&B cos I don’t want to get myself in trouble (laughs) – but it’s D&B inspired. I spend a lot of time in London so I heard it real quick one time in a club there and this is just the way I remembered it.
Have you heard any grime?
Oh yeah, yeah. I think grime is ready to blow, I was saying this the other day. If it gets with the right producer, that don’t take the grime off of it...I’m not saying I’m the right producer, I don’t want the grime scene to get scared, but I feel it could really be something cos it’s so emotional which is lacking in music. I have my eye on it.
Have you heard Skepta’s ‘I wanna make P’s like Diddy’ lyric?
No, I haven’t heard that one. That’s hot though.
Seeing you perform Missing You earlier was incredible.
That track is one of the most honest songs ever made. I haven’t done that song in four years because it hurt so much doing it. When I think of Big, I think of the way he walked, the way he talked, the way he laughed, the way he rapped... He was always there for me in my times of need.
Tell us about the first time you met Big?
He was very quiet; you saw his vulnerable side and I liked that about him. A lot of people don’t know that about him; Big never fronted. What you saw was what you got.
Do you think his murderer will ever be found?
I really don’t know. My focus is that I can’t bring my boy back so I don’t dwell on the speculation of who might have killed him. I know God will handle his business. What moves me everyday is not who killed him, but that he’s not here.
From Big to Danity Kane you’ve had pure No.1s. But tell us about the down years when Bad Boy had a hit drought.
I learnt how to lose at an early age by playing sports and getting beat up now and then! When you get your ass kicked, you do everything in your power not to lose. But you learn it don’t kill you. Having a bad year ain’t gonna kill me. But mark my words I know how to win; I specialise in that.
Who are some of your celebrity friends?
Seeing as this is for a UK mag, I know David Beckham a little bit (laughs). I met him at one of my parties that I threw a few years back. He’s a very cool guy. And I’m going to be partying with Wayne Rooney soon. He’s coming to New York so I’ll show him how we do it over here (laughs).
What’s the best party you’ve thrown?
The first White Party, because there were so many different people. And that’s really what the White Party’s about; bringing people together. You had boys from Harlem to Hollywood actors to politicians to people on parole.
What’s the secret of your considerable success?
It’s my belief and faith in God. A lot of people may think it’s corny but it’s true.. I take pride in that there’s no one like me – I’m just P. Diddy - but that’s because it’s the way God intended it to be.
Press Play is out Oct 17 on Atlantic Records
The Name’s Diddy... P. Diddy
What did you think of Jamie Foxx saying you should be the next Bond?
(Laughs) I definitely agree with him – it’s time for a black Bond. One of us should do it, me or him! I like the new Bond that’s there now but when he’s done with it I’d definitely be grateful for an audition! If they don’t give me the Bond role I’m gonna make my own action film. Why not, you know?
Having won Grammy’s, is Oscar next on the list?
I hope so. What’s more important than winning Oscars though is that I make films that touch people. I don’t know what the future holds though. I take it day-by-day.
RWD Magazine
P Diddy Official Site
P Diddy Myspace
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