I live in Oxford, Ohio. I've been a Bad Boy fan since 1994, the first time I heard "Juicy" by The Notorious B.I.G. It was a song that has always stuck with me as an all-time favorite. After hearing that song, I saved up every penny to go out and get "Ready to Die" and after hearing the entire CD over and over, I was hooked. Every song was like listening to a great storyteller. I felt like I was there in the streets of Brooklyn, living the same life that The Notorious B.I.G. portrayed in his lyrics. I still think about how great of an MC he would be today if he were still here on this Earth. I've always been a fan of hip-hop and R&B, there was no way that you could grow up in my house and not be. It was instilled in us. After the the death of Biggie, we saw the emergence of Diddy as a household name. I remember getting allowance money together in order to pick up Puff Daddy and the Family's "No Way Out" and Total's self titled album. Mase's "Harlem World" and The Lox's "Money, Power & Respect" came next. I was completely convinced that Bad Boy, etc. could do no wrong. I've been a loyal fan throughout the years, it's hard to believe that I've been a fan of their music this long, but time flys when you're having fun.
I can honestly say that I am a very loyal fan of music. I go out and buy the artists that I love and will continue to support them through good and bad. I don't believe in illegally downloading the music of these artists. I feel like it's a slap in the face and it shows no respect for the time and work that it takes to put out a quality album for you to enjoy for years to come.
I have the utmost respect for Diddy. He's a smart businessman, a great father an inspiration to all of us that want to be a part of something great. You can never count him out, even after the little hiatus, he came back with Bad Boy, etc. being better than ever. With the success of Danity Kane and the recent popularity of the Making the Band 4 boys (Day 26 and Donnie), Diddy has proved that he is the best in the game. I respect all that he does from his music, clothing and other business ventures. He's a constant leader for this generation.