Note: I realize this is not what you would typically expect from Bad Boy Blog. So, please feel free to skip this post. I expect to have some thoughts to share about the Norfolk show, as well as some photos and (maybe) video soon enough. Thank you.
I think most readers probably realize this, but if not: I am a big fan of Diddy. A big fan. How big? Well, ask yourself this question: if you could choose one musical act that you would like to see perform in person, dead or alive, who would it be? For me, it would be Diddy.
I have (seemingly) every musical recording he's ever produced or performed on, with a substantial (legally obtained) collection of music that spans digital, cassette, CD and vinyl. If you sit down and chart out my music listening habits on my Last.fm profile and dive deeper than the very basic summary statistics they provide, you will see that I listen to songs featuring Diddy more than any other act (and it's not even close).
I have spent tens of thousands of dollars on music featuring Diddy or released by Bad Boy Records, clothing from Sean John, numerous Diddy-related products and countless pieces of memorabilia. With the hope that I am not starting to sound like a crazy fan, I would also say that he's an inspiration to me on a personal and professional level, as well.
I have been a fan of him for 14 years, since 1997 when I was 12 years old. But, until last Sunday, I had never seen him live. I wasn't old enough, he didn't tour near me, whatever the reason. Diddy only rarely tours.
The list of dates for Diddy/Dirty Money's "Coming Home Tour" has been shrinking, with the group canceled all four scheduled Florida dates, the Houston, Texas date and both of the closing dates in Missouri.
While it may be natural to suggest that the reason for these cancellations was a lack of ticket sales, a representative for the group told TMZ that it was a matter of logistics.
"A few dates for the 'Coming Home Tour' in Florida and Missouri were canceled due to production and technical logistics which made it impossible for Diddy Dirty Money to perform the best show for their fans. The remaining shows in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix are scheduled as planned and will mark the ending to a widely acclaimed tour."
With plenty of time to plan the tour and select the venues, it is unfortunate that they are just now becoming aware of logistical issues at multiple venues, after fans have purchased tickets and are excited that the group was coming to their city.
The controversy surrounding a police escort that Diddy received, following the Diddy/Dirty Money "Coming Home Tour" stop in New York City, seems to be winding down.
Initially, it was reported that John Mahdessian, owner of high end couture cleaner Madame Paulette, had organized an escort away from the Hammerstein Ballroom where Diddy had just performed. The reason? Diddy wouldn't have been able to make it on time to a scheduled after-party in New Jersey.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that it was unclear why Diddy received an escort, as they are only to be given for security reasons. He said that he would investigate.
The police responded and, their side of the story is that Diddy was only escorted for one and a half blocks. NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne told FOX that it was "unauthorized and is under investigation."
Mayor Bloomberg has now told the New York Post that it is possible that the escort may have been an appropriate move and that it "does not seem like the great brouhaha that had been made of it."
"When you really look at it, I don't know whether it's true, but what you read in the paper is that a sergeant had a big crowd, wanted to get the guy out of there, said to somebody, 'Get him out of here, give him a ride, give him an escort for one block to get out of the crowd,'" Bloomberg said. "Maybe that was the appropriate thing. I'll leave that up to the Police Commissioner when he does an investigation."
Earlier this week, we learned that Kalenna would appear as a guest on Ja Rule's "Top the Top," from his upcoming album "P.ain I.s L.ove 2," which is set for a June 7 release.
In the clip below, Ja Rule previews the track, in the studio and you can hear a large portion of it.
"Coming Home" is the fifth Diddy single to be certified at platinum or better, following "Been Around the World," "I'll Be Missing You," Can't Nobody Hold Me Down" and "Come With Me."
Here are Bad Boy's positions on the most recent Billboard U.S. album and single charts, released today. It's a good week for Dirty Money: "Last Train to Paris" gains, "Coming Home" holds firm and "Your Love" moves up. On top of that, "Coming Home" has been certified gold by the RIAA, in recognition of over 500,000 units sold.
"It's a revolution that's going on right now and it's a lot of artists that are going against the grain of record companies and radio and this is a different type of time. I think these cats have learned from us and they understand ownership. This generation that's doing it, is doing it well. I'm very proud of them for just taking a chance on themselves and believing in themselves. Odd Future's believing in themselves. Wiz Khalifa believed in himself. When nobody believes in you... that's what I represent, I represent that whole hustle. These guys aren't going to have to kiss that a** or play that political game and they doing what the f*** they want to do and I want them to keep doing what they want to do."
The Post spoke to Andrew Quinn, an attorney who represents the sergeant who ordered the escort. He says that the escort "wasn't to benefit [Diddy]," but instead was to improve a potential safety issue with the mounting crowd in the area.
They also quote a retired officer who worked in the same precinct, where Diddy was arrested back in 1999 following the club shooting incident. The unnamed officer said that Diddy mistreated officers then and, as such, should not have received assistance from them.
"After how he treated cops the night he was arrested in Club New York, no one should have helped him cross the street, let alone get a police escort," he said.
Meanwhile, MYFOXNY.COM spoke with Mike Zimet, the "former security director" for Diddy. Zimet said that Diddy would have never requested such a favor himself, because the city is home to any number of celebrities at any given moment and if they were catering to all of them, they wouldn't be able to do their job.
Last night, Diddy and Dirty Money's "Coming Home Tour" rolled into Atlanta. Previously announced guest Big Boi took the stage, but a number of other Atlanta-centric artist also appeared, including Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, Young Chris, Roscoe Dash, Rocko and more. Access Atlanta has a gallery of photos and you can check out a number of video clips below.
Compilation Video featuring Tyga Presenting Diddy with a Gift
However, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg said that Diddy shouldn't have received an escort if there wasn't a security issue and an investigation was launched.
Allison McGevna of FOX News has an update on the story, which includes statements from the NYPD, the New Jersey State Police, the Essex County Sheriff's office and the township of West Orange, where the event was held.
"After being repeatedly rebuffed by police officers on the street and a police lieutenant at the station house, a dry cleaner claiming to represent Sean Combs apparently prevailed upon a sergeant to direct a police van driven by a police officer to escort Combs a total of one city block from mid W. 35th St., closer to 9th Ave., across 9th Ave. and another half block to Dyer Ave, after which the Combs party drove unescorted," NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne told FOX. "Although a distance of just one block, the assistance provided was unauthorized and is under investigation. Assertions that Combs was escorted by the NYPD into New Jersey are false."
What can you tell us about your solo debut?
This album will showcase the most intimate parts of me. I'm exposing myself to the fans who have only heard me as someone apart of a group. Sonically, I will fuse my New Orleans roots with modern synth sounds. It'll be really raw and bass driven, while staying soulful.
Alvin Blanco of MTV News reports that Kalenna of Dirty Money will be appearing on Ja Rule's upcoming album, "P.ain I.s L.ove 2," which is set for a June 7 release. The song is called "To the Top."
A new, alleged 50 Cent/David Guetta collaboration appeared online recently, titled "Bulls*** & Party." For the track's chorus, 50 interpolates a portion of "Party & Bulls***" by The Notorious B.I.G.
"All we do is bullshit, then party, then bullshit some more," he says on the track. "All we do is bullshit, then party, around the globe on world tour. That's that bullshit, let's party."
Red Cafe revealed to YRB that he's got a collaboration with Lady Gaga in the vault, saved for his debut album which he hopes to release this summer.
Lady Gaga is signed, in part, to Akon, just as Red Cafe is. Due to this, the two were working in the same studio and Red Cafe says that he was around while she was recording her entire debut album.
The write-up indicates that his album will include production from Ryan Leslie, Kane Beatz, Boi-1da and Reefa.
According to Rap Radar, the group has made their decision: they will sign a distribution deal with Red Distribution/Sony and form their own company, Odd Future Records.
Originally, the plan was to take a helicopter, but the FAA did not approve the flight. Talking to the Post, John Mahdessian, owner of high end couture cleaner Madame Paulette, confirmed that he organized the escort, calling on his contacts.
But, now Mayor Michael Bloomberg is investigating the escort, saying that Diddy it is unclear why Diddy received one as they are only given for security purposes.
Follow it's premiere on MTV Jams, the music video for Gorilla Zoe's "Twisted" has been released online. You can watch it below. It was directed by Parris.
According to E1 Music, Gorilla Zoe's new music video for "Twisted" featuring Lil' Jon has premiered on MTV Jams and is the "Jam of the Day," playing every hour.
XXLMag.com spoke with Red Cafe about his performance in Ghana, Africa, which happened on Saturday.
“I want to see the motherland, I want to see everything,” he said. “I’m going on a little tour while I’m out there to see the different things I need to see just to learn (about the history of) slaves and all that. So we set that up for the day after (the concert), so I’m gonna be doing that and just going out there and trying to give back as much as possible.”
Last night, before they performed at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York, Dawn Richard and Kalenna of Dirty Money performed the national anthem prior to the National Basketball Association (NBA) playoff game between the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics.
According to G'Ron's Twitter stream, he'll be releasing a new single featuring Brian Angel of Day26, titled "Stay Out My Way." His message was retweeted on Brian Angel's Twitter.
Opening act Lloyd brought out Ashanti and Ja Rule for a Murder Inc. reunion. Diddy then proceeded to invite Faith Evans, Black Rob, Q-Tip, Lil' Cease and Jim Jones to join him on stage, with a lot of love bring thrown around. It wasn't just love, but the actual word love, too, as Diddy exchanged "I love yous" with both Faith and Black Rob.
"I love this man right here," Q-Tip said after performing "Check the Rhime" and "Vivrant Thing." "This a true giant. I love this man right here. Thank you so much, my n****."
"This man right here, he taught me so much," Diddy then said, about Q-Tip. "When I was growing up, he was younger than me, he was doing his motherf****** thing, rocking stages all around the world, representing for motherf****** New York. He's still doing his motherf****** thing. He's one of the greatest entertainers of all-time. This n****'s beyond hip-hop, rock and roll. His name is Q-Tip!"
As Diddy finished, Q-Tip was yelling for him to "stop it!" Diddy called Q-Tip one of his "true friends" along with Busta Rhymes. It's a funny clip, but a beautiful thing to see.
Diddy pulled out all the stops at the Hammerstein ballroom this evening for the only New York performance of the "Coming Home Tour."
Tyga and Lloyd opened the show with Lloyd putting together his own Murder Inc. reunion, bringing both Ashanti and Ja Rule on stage. Wale jumped on stage, as well.
The "Coming Home Tour" set list received a little jolt, however. Diddy brought out Faith Evans (for "Love Like This" and more), Black Rob ("Whoa"), Q-Tip, Lil' Cease and Jim Jones ("We Fly High (Remix)").
He also went and took the Versace shirt out of the closet. Don't know what shirt? Take a look at the photo below, which also features Faith, care of Denise de Pass.
Suffice to say, it was a pretty successful and well received show, judging from my Twitter stream. Hopefully, he saved a little bit for the Norfolk show on Sunday.
The new music video for Big Boi's "Be Still" has just been released. The song features Janelle Monae and the video itself was shot in February. Watch below.
Here are Bad Boy's positions on the most recent Billboard U.S. album and single charts, released today. Dirty Money's "Your Love" gains across the board. "Coming Home" sees small losses, but remains unchanged in a few categories and even makes a new debut on the Hot Dance Airplay chart, likely fueled by the Dirty South remix of the song.
The "Coming Home Tour" appears to have had an impact on the album charts, where "Greatest Hits" by The Notorious B.I.G. and "Last Train to Paris" by Dirty Money both gain.
Albums
The Billboard 200
177. "Greatest Hits" by The Notorious B.I.G. (re-entry).
190. "Last Train to Paris" by Dirty Money (re-entry).
Top Current Albums
150. "Last Train to Paris" by Dirty Money (up from 169).
The mixtape features guest appearances from Lil' Wayne, Red Cafe, Lloyd Banks, Trey Songz, Ryan Leslie, Ne-Yo and more. Red Cafe is featured on "Y'All Don't Hear Me Tho," which was produced by Cardiak. You can listen to it below.
Levi Maestro posted the fun video below where he spends the day with Kevin Love, who plays for the NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves.
Part of that day is also hanging out with Diddy, in town to kick off the "Coming Home Tour," stops by to say hello to Love, who invited him to Target Center, where the team plays it's games. Diddy shoots some hoops and runs wind sprints.
Robert DiGiacomo of pressofAtlanticCity.com has an interview with Diddy, talking about the tour and the group. He was asked why, at this part of his career, did he want to be a part of a group, versus releasing a solo album?
"I heard different voices in my mind," he said. "I didn't want to listen to a whole album of just me, unless I was doing 'No Way Out 2.' This was something that lent itself to being a two-way street, emotionally and lyrically. I've always been a big fan of groups and the way they bounced off each other when they were truly a group.
"I started preproduction on the album, and [Dawn Richard and Kalenna] started writing," he continued. "When they were laying down the vocals, the chemistry was just incredible. I asked them if they would rock me on the album."
Spiff TV filmed the three recap clips below, taking a look at the Toronto, Chicago and Providence stops on Diddy and Dirty Money's "Coming Home Tour." Performance footage, behind the scenes and chatting with the attendees.
Young Money rapper Tyga is opening for Diddy and Dirty Money on their "Coming Home Tour." At the same time, Lil' Wayne is also on the road for his "I Am Still Music Tour." MTV News chatted with him about the potential conflict.
"Wayne told us: Don't rely on him to make you hot, don't rely on him for the hits. You have to really go out and grind for your own and build your own fanbase," Tyga told MTV's Sway. "That's important. People respect that more, too, when you can build your own foundation and they can really get to know you as a artist and not know your more you as a group."
He also discussed what it was like to tour with Diddy and what he's taken away from the experience so far.
Cassie, who is of African-American and Filipino descent, is featured in the campaign alongside Selita Ebanks (Jamaican, Irish, Indian, African) and Solange Knowles (African-American and French Creole).
"Today, people are blended and I think the three of us are a prime example," Ebanks told WWD. "Women in my family range from vanilla to the deepest chocolate."
According to Richards, advertisements featuring the trio should be released with June, alongside a repackaging of the line. WWD's coverage was supplemented by a cover featuring all three. Check it out below.
FADER has released "never before seen footage" of Biggie performing "Warning" with Lil' Cease at radio station KMEL's 1995 Summer Jam. They promise more exclusive footage soon. Watch below.
FADER has announced that their annual Icon issue will highlight The Notorious B.I.G. Here is how they describe it:
In our issue you’ll read accounts from the intern who witnessed Big and Tupac’s first encounter, you’ll hear what Puff thinks about when he listens to Biggie’s music today. You’ll see new photos of prominent places in Big’s life, from the tunnel he drives through backwards in the “Hypnotize” video, to the block where he performed his infamous teenage freestyle.
The Source has the track listing for Fabolous new mixtape, "The S.O.U.L. Tape," which will be released on Thursday. Among the tracks included is "Y'all Don't Hear Me Tho," produced by Cardiak and featuring Red Cafe.
According to Jessica Calefati of The Star-Ledger, a dance routine for Janelle Monae's "Tightrope" was featured on the April 18 episode of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." It was choreographed and performed by Jamal Simms.
Last night, Diddy made an appearance on CBS' "Hawaii Five-0," playing Reggie Williams, an NYPD detective who travels to Honolulu, Hawaii in order to pursue men who were responsible for a crime against his family (behind the scenes).
Alexis Stevens of The Atlanta-Journal Constitution reports that an Atlanta-based photographer, Jabari Tilgham, has filed a lawsuit against Diddy, Bad Boy, Club Mansion Elan and four unnamed bodyguards, claiming that he was beaten by "[Diddy's] personal security" at an event Diddy co-hosted at the club in October.
According to his attorney, Jeffrey Gewirtz of Jeffrey | Scott LLP, Tilgham's story is supported by a signed affidavit from a security guard employed by the club.
In Toronto, Diddy performed some additional songs as part of his medley of hits. They were "Been Around the World" and "I Need a Girl, Part 1 (Remix)," in addition to "We Fly High (Remix)" by Jim Jones. In Minnesota, he did "Victory."
Finally, we now know what verse Diddy is spitting over Kanye West's "All of the Lights." It's from "Another One" by the Bugatti Boyz. Watch it at the end of the clip below.
Toronto-based blogger Mr. Will-W. was at the Diddy/Dirty Money show on Sunday and posted this gem of a clip of Diddy running through a medley of hits. To say this clip gets me excited for the April 24 show in Norfolk is an understatement!
As an aside, you'll see songs that go beyond what we previously talked about in the set list post. As mentioned then, the set list may vary by show and, also, with so many songs, it can be easy for concert goers to miss a song or two. Among the new songs is "Been Around the World," Jim Jones' "We Fly High (Remix)" and "I Need a Girl (Remix), Part 1."
Mr. Will-W. has a review of Diddy/Dirty Money's stop in Toronto on Sunday night. This includes the footage below of "No Ordinary Love," the tour exclusive that mashes Sade with Dirty Money.
For fans of Bad Boy, Diddy and The Notorious B.I.G., it looks like a book worth adding to your collection. Contained within is Prodigy's reflections on Bad Boy's interest in signing the group, Biggie and on the east/west coast beef. Of course, you have to keep in mind that this is one man's opinion and one man's memory.
Prodigy recounts how E-Money Bags, someone who associated with both Mobb Deep and 2Pac, told him that 2Pac knew that Biggie and Diddy had nothing to do with the Quad Studios shooting, which would leave him hospitalized with five gunshot wounds. He would later accuse both of being involved.
Bags, as Prodigy refers to him, told him that he explained to 2Pac who was behind the shooting, but that 2Pac wanted to use it to start controversy and, in Prodigy's words, "turn his gunshot wounds into a marketing and promotion scheme."
According to the Maybach Music Group store, Diddy will be featured on the upcoming collaborative MMG album (Rick Ross, Wale, Pill and Meek Mill).
The track is called "Pacman" and it is by Pill and Rick Ross featuring Diddy. It was produced by Young Shun. Earlier this month, a Diddy-less version of the track was posted on the Maybach Music Group Facebook page.
In that version, Ross name checks Diddy. "Blew a mil ticket, one night at King of Diamonds - me and Puff Daddy, b****, I'm the king of diamonds," he rhymes, referencing his birthday party in January.
Tonight is the night: Diddy's appearance on CBS' "Hawaii Five-0" is tonight. It'll air at 10 PM ET. Check out the video below to see some clips from the episode, set over Dirty Money's "Coming Home."
Steven J. Horowitz of The Boombox reports that, during an appearance on HOT 97, hosted by DJ Absolut, Diddy was asked to name his five favorite rookies and lyricists.
When it came to lyricists, it was Rick Ross, Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne, Fabolous and Drake. Diddy said that he would take Fabolous over Drake, if it came to it as he "would have to roll with the home team if I had to leave somebody out."
Dirty Money spoke with the Boston Herald about the tour, the dynamics of the group and what Diddy has told Dawn Richard and Kalenna, in their quest to gain a wide audience.
“It sounds corny, but you get out of it what you put into it,” Diddy said from Chicago. “I tell them all the time that I don’t have magic dust to make them a star. They’re out here to make themselves stars. Will.i.am had to make himself a star. Beyonce had to make herself a star. Kanye had to make himself a star. There’s nobody that’s gonna be able to sprinkle some magic dust on you. It has to come from within.”
Sept. 7 San Antonio AT&T Center
Sept. 8 New Orleans New Orleans Arena
Sept. 9 Louisville KFC Yum! Arena
Sept. 11 Grand Rapids, Mich., Van Andel Arena
Sept. 13 Columbus, Ohio, Schottenstein Arena
Sept. 14 Indianapolis Conseco Fieldhouse
Sept. 16 Omaha Qwest Center
Sept. 17 Tulsa BOK Center
The video below is random and the sound is behind the visuals, but I wanted to share it nonetheless as it is the first video released since the signing. They talk about some fraudulent charitable promotion. I couldn't find much out about that.
On her blog, Dawn Richard talks about returning to the stage to perform on Diddy/Dirty Money's "Coming Home" tour. There is some rehearsal footage mixed in there, as well.
James Reed of the Boston Globe has an interview with Diddy, touching on the inspiration for "Last Train to Paris," the appearance of Grace Jones on Dirty Money's "Yeah Yeah You Would" and more.
Q. You have an all-star cast on this one — from Lil Wayne and Justin Timberlake to Usher and Drake — but how did Grace Jones end up on this album?
A. We had a show with her in Rio [de Janeiro], and I go to her brother’s church. It was a whole six-degrees-of-separation thing. I had met her one other time a long time ago. We just had a vibe. I picked up the phone and called her. I sent her the record, and she was like, “I loved it. And you know I don’t do anything with anybody.’’
Cleveland rapper Machine Gun Kelly took to Twitter today to comment on rumors that he has signed a major label record deal.
The rumor that has gained momentum is that he has signed to Bad Boy. This is fueled by Diddy's repeated co-signing of him on Twitter and at the SXSW Music festival (watch the clip below). Music video production outfit The Topshelf Company, who has worked with Keri Hilson, Jason Derulo, Snoop Dogg and more, tweeted in March that he had recently signed to Bad Boy, without providing further details. In addition, music production marketplace PMP Worldwide, run by former Bad Boy Head of A&R Conrad Dimanche, listed a request for his project under the label "TBA (Interscope pending)."
So far, I have been unable to get anyone to go on the record on the story, which is why we haven't covered it yet. But, since MGK feels that it is worth commenting on, I wanted to at least pick up his remarks.
"Funny how I see all these comments about me being signed?," he said on Twitter today. "F****** must have mailed the check to the wrong house? LOL. Or maybe it's because I don't have a mailing address! I do appreciate the support but I'm just out here workin' now with EST. That's my family, that's my team. But, believe that when I do sign one day I will be the first to tell you. Not a label, not a blog. I'm doin' this for something bigger than me."
"I think we have the ability to be something great and really make an impact," he continued. "Not just in music, but on this generation. Rome wasn't built in a day, so it's gonna be a process but stick with me, we will be great.
Some folks, like BBB commenter Meme and myself, are wondering what the set list is for Diddy/Dirty Money's "Coming Home Tour." I'll be at the April 24 show in Norfolk, VA, so I'll know soon enough. It is possible that the set list may vary slightly from gig to gig, as well.
They are opening the show with a substantial portion of "Last Train to Paris." According to Spencer, it goes in this order: "Intro," "Yeah Yeah You Would," Waka Flocka Flame's "O Let's Do It (Remix)," "A** on the Floor," "Strobe Lights," "Last Night Part 2," "I Hate That You Love Me," "Your Love," "Yesterday," "Angels," "Loving You No More" and "Hate You Now."
The "Coming Home Tour" kicked off on Wednesday in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Check out the clip below for some behind the scenes, including a really small taste of the stage show.
In the clip below, The Source asks Swizz Beatz who his top 5 song ad-libbers are. He placed Diddy at the top of the list.
"You know, I got my inspiration for ad-libs from Diddy," he said. "'That's right' and 'as we proceed to give you what you need.' He was a big inspiration in that."
Bronx, New York-based rapper Fred The Godson has just released the first single from his upcoming mixtape with DJ Drama, titled "Daddy Gettin' Money." The track features Diddy on the intro, outro and chorus. Listen below, care of Fred The Godson's YouTube channel.
In the clip below, Diddy has a random encounter with Carson Daly, who introduces him to Evan Glodell, who is behind the indie film "Bellflower." Long story short, Diddy helps him get home by handing him $1,000 in cash.
I found it an interesting read because it talked about the show, which gives you an idea of what to expect at future stops - including Norfolk, VA on April 24, which I will be attending. Some notes:
- The performance was 80 minutes long.
- It featured an "elaborate, artful" light and video show, in Bream's words, the most "expensive ever seen at a hip-hop club performance."
Forbes reports on data released by Euromonitor, covering the top 10 best selling celebrity fragrances in 2010.
Sales are still strong for Sean John's Unforgivable, originally launched in February of 2006. It was tied for fourth among all celebrity fragrances, with NYC by Sarah Jessica Parker, Fancy by Jessica Simpson and Harajuku Lovers by Gwen Stefani. All four had sales of $18 million dollars.
The top three fragrances were White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor ($54 million), Driven by Derek Jeter ($27 million) and Heat by Beyonce Knowles ($21 million).
Diddy told Graff that the performances on the tour will feature "a representation of the guests, visually" from the "Last Train to Paris" album. It'll be interesting to see how they pull that off. Diddy also touched on the future of the group and said that more unreleased Dirty Money material will be released online.
"We signed onto the project for the long haul," he said, "so, we've got more to work with for this [album] before we start jumping to 'What are we gonna do next?' What we're doing next is we're going out on the road, which is a huge undertaking. I usually plan ahead with certain things, but with this thing you've got to keep your eye on the ball. So, our focus is really with the tour and the next single before we say, 'Oh, we're gonna work on another album.' We're still working this album, you know what I'm saying?"
Finally, Dawn Richard talked with HIPHOLLYWOOD.COM about the stage show that will be featured when the tour kicks off later this evening. Watch below.
Jon Bream of the Star Tribune has a story on young singers, like Cody Simpson, Greyson Chance, Camryn and Willow Smith.
P. Diddy, the hip-hop mogul who helped Usher make his smash debut at age 13, agrees: "It's in your heart, it's in your soul. If I could have started at 10, I would have loved to." ...
But, Diddy cautioned, the "survival rate is not high" for these kids' careers.
Gorilla Zoe is featured alongside Young Dro on a new song from Donnis, titled "Eyes Low." It was produced by Honorable C.N.O.T.E. You can download it for free on DatPiff, care of Donnis' Twitter.
In his comments about D.I.T.C.'s "Champagne Thoughts", he also mentioned that Diddy had an interest in managing O.C., a rapper that Buckwild had worked with.
Jon Bream of the Star Tribune spoke with Diddy about a myriad of topics including the tour, his use of Twitter, why Skylar Grey was featured on "Coming Home" and more.
Why did Diddy use Grey when he already has two top-notch vocalists in Diddy Dirty Money?
"Skylar Grey's voice is beautiful. Skylar Grey was like one of 15 guest appearances," the boss explained. "It's not like I don't respect my talent because I let Justin Timberlake do a verse or let Drake do a verse. Same thing: We want to work with great artists. We don't have a problem with sharing the spotlight. That's what makes it better, when you play with great people." ...
What percentage of his income comes from music-related stuff?
"To be honest, I'd say 100 percent. The music is my foundation. You can't go to higher floors and diversify if your first floor isn't intact. It doesn't hurt this week having the No. 8 single on the charts, it doesn't hurt doing 'American Idol,' it doesn't hurt signing Janelle Monae."
PopDash: You’ve worked with Kaleena from Diddy Dirty Money on the song ‘White Lie’. We saw some pictures of you partying with Diddy earlier this year and were wondering what it’s like hanging out with someone as iconic as him?
I felt the same meeting him as I did all the guests on my album really. A lot of people ask me if I pinch myself when I think about how far I have come but I never do. What I do though is reflect and when I think back to being ten and being a massive Puff Daddy fan it’s hard to believe that we’re socialising and working together.
PopDash: Did he offer you any advice when you met?
He said, *does slightly dodgy American accent* “Look young’un, you’ve got global appeal so remember that and let it influence your music”.
According to a press release, Janelle Monae will be among performers that will pay tribute to Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" album, which will have been released 40 years ago in May.
The concert, being billed as Global Soul with Rickey Minor, Stevie Wonder and Friends (including Monae) will take place at Los Angeles' Hollywood Bowl on July 24. Tickets go on sale May 7.
This one slipped under my radar, but I still wanted to mention it: in February, Maino's "NY Remix" of "Welcome to My Hood," his take on the DJ Khaled record of the same name, appeared online. It featured T-Pain (from the original), Red Cafe and Uncle Murder.
In the lighthearted clip below, Diddy announces (or sings) that "Swagga Claus" is coming to town, when the "Coming Home Tour" (buy tickets) comes to your city.
Diddy will play Reggie Williams, an NYPD detective who travels to Honolulu, Hawaii in order to pursue men who were responsible for a crime against his family. But, in doing so, he enters the sights of the, well, five-0.
In the clip below, Diddy and the cast chat behind the scenes. It also includes a little bit of footage from the episode.
Soul Culture has a very cool interview with former Bad Boy/The Hitmen producer Carl "Chucky" Thompson, discussing the creation of the classic Mary J. Blige album, "My Life." He shares some of the behind the scenes and talks a lot about working with Diddy on the release.
In the clip below, Diddy and Red Cafe joke around and promote Cafe's "Above the Cloudz" mixtape (free download). Diddy calls it the pair's first collaboration since Red Cafe signed to Bad Boy.
MTV's O Music Awards are dedicated to highlight the best of online music - content, music videos, Twitter profiles and more.Though nominations are open to anyone, Janelle Monae (or content related to her) is listed as a nominee in two categories.
Billboard's Ray Waddell chatted with Matt Galle from Paradigm Artists, which handles booking for both Monae and Mars (Galle is assigned to Mars). It's an interesting read. Galle mentions that, despite Mars selling many more records, Monae has earned co-billing because she is more of a touring veteran and they needed to "give her respectful billing."
Soul Train: So you have entirely different desire for women in the recording industry?
Janelle Monae: My thing is I just wish as women, female recording artists, we would stand up for what we believe in. Stand up for our core values; the things we were taught by other powerful and strong women. I think if we all stood up and said we’re not trying to sell sex, we’re trying to be the voice for the next generation, and do something positive or inspiring or creative instead of sexy, I think we could go so much further in life. I’m not trying to knock any other artist; to each his own. Hopefully I can be a light for somebody else who may define success in another way. They’ll see they don’t have to talk about sex or talk about things that are not worth talking about to be successful. Once they see that in another artist, that’ll inspire them to get away from whoever is telling them to go this route in the music industry.
Last month, Diddy jumped on stage at the Philadelphia stop on Rick Ross' "I Am Still Music" tour. He performed his verse from Waka Flocka Flame's "O Let's Do It (Remix)" and remained on stage while DJ Khaled came out to perform "All I Do is Win." Watch the performance in the clip below. It also features Diddy providing his "co-sign" to Meek Mill.
The producer of the remix, Dirty Money, chatted with MTV about how it all came together, Diddy's reaction and reaction to the song in general.
He said that after he produced the remix for Interscope, he received a call from Diddy who told him that he loved the track and wanted to add some vocals to it, which he did. Watch below.
Why? Well, check out the two clips below. One of Tiesto playing the record and another of Dirty South playing it. Of the first clip, Dirty South told MTV News that he had "never seen a response like that in my whole life. I had to take a video of it. It was insane!"
MTV is asking people to vote from a selection of six tracks, to determine what the biggest song was. Unfortunately, at press time, "Coming Home (Dirty South Remix)" finds in fifth place with 5.16%.
Dawn Richard sung the national anthem at the nationally televised baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants on April 2 in L.A. Watch a clip of it, shot from the stands, below.
NorthJersey.com's The Record reports that, last month, the New Jersey State Police raided and seized the assets of a suspected counterfeiting operation in Passaic, NJ. The story mentions that Sean John was one of the brands that they had, or intended, to counterfeit.
Detectives said they seized more than 15,000 pieces of counterfeit trademark clothing valued at about $1.6 million, involving brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, North Face, Ed Hardy and the NBA. About 100,000 counterfeit trademark neck labels and price tags for trademark companies including Baby Phat, True Religion and Sean John also were confiscated.
He also jumped on stage during Snoop Dogg's concert, donning t-shirt in tribute to the late Nate Dogg. Snoop paid tribute to The Notorious B.I.G., playing "Hypnotize," and that is when Diddy appeared. He stuck around for a group rendition of Snoop's "Ain't No Fun (If the Homies Can't Have None)." Watch the clip below.
"The Lincoln Lawyer," a new film about a lawyer who operates out of his car, starring Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei and Ryan Phillippe, hit theaters last month. According to BuzzFocus.com, the movie features The Notorious B.I.G.'s "You're Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You)" at it's climax. The song, however, is not included on the film's soundtrack.
Rumor Fix, a website dedicated to clearing up celebrity rumors by publishing official statements from celebrities and their representation, has an exclusive interview with Jeremy Greene where Greene reveals that he has filmed a sex tape with an adult film actress named Kacey Jordan.
Greene mentions that an adult film production company is interested in distributing the tape. Despite the suggestion of the article's headline, it is unclear if the footage has actually been released anywhere at this time.
A review of the Twitter streams of Greene and Jordan reveal the two verbally sparring recently. Jordan makes some very serious accusations, saying of Greene, "blackmail, rape, what a piece of s*** this guy is... prison time for you." She continues, saying that she "just spoke with [her] people... This guy has f***** up big time."
Greene hasn't responded directly, but his publicist (according to his bio on Twitter), Kali Bowyer has gone back and forth repeatedly with Jordan, defending her client while exchanging a hostile series of messages with both her and those attacking Greene.
Jeremy Greene has signed with management company Mizay Entertainment, which is run by Debra Antney, who is the mother of rapper Waka Flocka Flame. They list Waka, Gucci Mane, French Montana and OJ Da Juiceman among their clients.
Last month, in celebration of the 14th anniversary of the passing of The Notorious B.I.G., Raekwon, Lil' Cease, Fred The Godson and Lady Luck took the stage in New York, NY, to perform some of their records and some records released by Biggie and the Junior M.A.F.I.A. Kwan Lee TV recorded it and you can check out the footage below.
March 22 came and went without a release of Gorilla Zoe's next album, "King Kong." HipHopDX reports that the album is now scheduled for a June 22 release.
Here are Bad Boy's positions on the most recent Billboard U.S. album and single charts, released today. Dirty Money's "Coming Home" maintains ground with a mixed bag of gains and losses, while "Your Love" moves up slightly.
Albums
The Billboard 200
172. "Last Train to Paris" by Dirty Money (down from 123).
Top Current Albums
158. "Last Train to Paris" by Dirty Money (down from 119).
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
36. "Last Train to Paris" by Dirty Money (down from 28).
According to reports by ABC News, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Daily News and the Associated Press, little is revealed in the heavily redacted files. The most noteworthy point seems to be related to the bullets that were used in his murder. They were were "very rare" Gekko 9 mm ammunition and the Daily News says that, according to the files, the FBI believed they found those type of bullets in the garage of David Mack, a former LAPD officer who has been regularly linked to the murder.
The Post article also revealed that Diddy helped set up a meeting between Tyler and Justin Bieber, who he is a big fan of. Tyler talked to MTV about the meeting last month.
The song featured Blige taking over on the chorus and adding a verse of her own. One of Diddy's verses from the original was kept, and he provided some ad-libs, while Lil' Wayne added another verse.
That song is now Blige's latest single which Vibe says will be included on her upcoming album, the 10th of her career. On top of that, the Colin Tilley directed music video has already been released and you can check it out below. Cool visual.
"Thank you to Diddy for letting me keep the 'Someone to Love Me' joint and remaining a part of it!," Blige said on Twitter. "Love you for life! Have a great tour!"
Last month, Examiner.com's San Francisco section posted an interview with i SQUARE. They talk about the formation of the group, the meaning of their name and more.
Music producer, and former member of Bad Boy's Hitmen, Jeffrey "J. Dub" Walker has posted some unreleased mixes from Dirty Money's "Last Train to Paris" on his Music180 profile.
They include "Coming Home," "Shades," "Yeah Yeah You Would" and "A** on the Floor." When contrasting them with the cuts that made the album, you can note the subtle differences.
On Twitter, Walker called them the original versions of the songs. In the album credits, Walker is credited with providing additional keyboards to three of the four songs.
Update: This post was an April Fools Joke. I hope that everyone had a fun day!
According to multiple sources at Bad Boy Entertainment and Atlantic Records, Bad Boy Records will soon be changing it's name to Good Boy Records, following disputes between the two companies over ownership of the name.
However, according to one Atlantic source, the use of the name was only intended to extend to Diddy's releases - such as "Last Train to Paris" - and not to artists Diddy would sign to Interscope moving forward. But, with i SQUARE and Cassie both releasing music under "Bad Boy/Interscope," both parties have been actively discussing the point of confusion.
Bad Boy has resolved itself to a name change and that name, says a Bad Boy representative, will be Good Boy Records, playing off of the opposite of Bad Boy. It is unclear who will release the first album under the Good Boy/Interscope banner, but it likely will be i SQUARE, Cassie, Red Cafe or Jeremy Greene.
In line with this, we have changed our logo above and have secured the domain name goodboyblog.com, which we have already begun redirecting to our current content. We will begin to fully transition to this name shortly.
The movie now has a website and will be in theaters on May 13. They have also released a trailer, which you can watch below and download from Apple's website.
