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From the press release:
... Burger King Corp. (NYSE:BKC) announced today that beginning June 5, 2008, U.S. restaurants will be open until 2 a.m. or later Thursday – Saturday. To support the extended hours announcement, BKC launches the next phase of its partnership with music and fashion mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, via a new television advertising spot, “Diddy’s Way.” Directed by acclaimed director, producer and actor Spike Lee, the spot begins airing today.
The ad features Diddy discussing the late night strategy with an actor playing BKC’s CEO. Upon Diddy’s announcement, “BK® is open Late,” crowds of guests rush to BURGER KING® restaurants for late night dining.
“Further extending our late night hours allows us to meet strong consumer demand and deliver on the HAVE IT YOUR WAY® brand promise,” said Russ Klein, president, global strategy, marketing and innovation, Burger King Corp. “Diddy is synonymous with late night and is a natural fit for his role as our ‘Late Night Ambassador.’”
“Last year’s campaign was a huge success and this year, I wanted to do something bigger and better. Everyone knows I own the night, as ‘Late Night Ambassador’ it’s my goal to get everyone involved, whether they’re leaving a club, concert, or studio session, BK® is the only place that does late night right,” remarked Sean Combs.
BKC first announced its partnership with Diddy in October 2006 as part of a multi-year campaign.
I'm generally pretty skeptical of the stories reported by The Mirror, but this one seems genuine. I'd still take it with a grain of salt, though.
"I want that girl on my next album," he says. "I'm a huge fan. Not only is she so, so beautiful, she has a great voice. She is extremely talented, and it's great she's from England.
"She has one of the best voices I've heard. I'm already thinking about my next album and definitely want to make it work, so she's on it. I had Christina Aguilera on my last album, but it's all about Leona Lewis on my next."
In the article, he also praises Lewis Hamilton and talks about wanting to work with David Beckham on fashion.
Earlier this month, Nikita recapped the exhaustive coverage that Diddy received in the May 2 issue of the Daily Variety. I also briefly mentioned all of the "congratulations" advertisements featured in the publication. But, now that I finally have my hands on a copy, I'm able to go into a little detail. Unless otherwise noted, the ads I mention are full page ads.
The front cover of the magazine features a message from Sean John. "You have always been a star to us, now the world knows just how brightly you shine... The SJ Family." Inside that cover is a message from BET Networks. "Music maker to music mogul. Star of stage and screen to his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We salute our billion dollar entrepreneur. Congratulations from your friends and family at BET Networks."
Page 7 features a message from MTV. They have a picture of Diddy with a star over it that has the words "Super. Star." inside of it. Then, below, "Congratulations on your star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame." Moving to page 9, there is a row of 5 stars. One each for Sean Combs, Puff Daddy, Puffy, P. Diddy and Diddy. "Congratulations to all of you from your friend, Antonio "LA" Reid and the entire Island Def Jam family."
Page 13 has a note from the William Morris Agency. "We proudly congratulate our client, Sean Combs, 2008 Hollywood Walk of Fame honoree." Jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz has a half page ad on page 14. "Dear Puff, You have the Midas touch... Whenever you do something you take it to the top. Enjoy your star! You deserve it."
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Reuters has some quotes from Diddy in Cannes, France for the Cannes film festival.
"I studied the great ones. I observed them as they walked the red carpet and dealt with interviews, you know like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, and Clint Eastwood and Gwyneth Paltrow."...
Asked what he had learned from the stars, Combs replied: "To really take your time. When you observe all of the legendary movie stars they take their time. When they are on the red carpet ... they're not rushing."
Apparently due to reports like this one, Bad Boy issued a press release this afternoon:
SEAN “DIDDY” COMBS SAYS NO TO CHAMPAGNE AND TEQUILA
NEW YORK, N.Y (May 23, 2008) — Entertainment powerhouse, Sean “Diddy” Combs, today announced that he has given up champagne and tequila. "When I reach for a drink, I reach for Ciroc Vodka". Combs said.
Combs, credited with raising the profile of hip hop culture in mainstream America, continues to profess his loyalty and love of his betrothed Cîroc Vodka, the ultimate premium vodka. False reports have been circulating that Combs was reveling with other brands.
“Cîroc Vodka and Diddy are a match made in party heaven. We are both at the top of our game and bring only the best to whatever we do. Nobody rocks a party like Diddy and there isn’t a better tasting vodka on the market – why drink anything else?” remarks Sean Combs.
The world renowned business entrepreneur, fashion designer, actor and music artist joined forces with Diageo, the world’s leading, spirits, wine and beer company early last year to create a groundbreaking alliance where he oversees all brand management decisions for Cîroc Vodka.
As a lifestyle and entertainment icon, Combs embodies the brand’s “Art of celebration” concept both personally and professionally and is committed to promoting responsible decision making when it comes to drinking.
From the Mirror:
Sharon Stone, who donated her 1976 vintage Porsche, and pledged money, took on the role of auctioneer and made a beeline for rapper P Diddy, who offered a willing bidder the opportunity to spend 24 hours with him – the bid sold for $314,000 (£157,000).
Diddy's step son, Quincy Brown, was featured on MTV's "My Super Sweet 16" last night. You can watch it online now. Gives you a little different look at Diddy.
You can also check out some extra footage with interviews and more.
After watching this video, I was so inspired by Diddy's passion while talking about Kanye West's "Glow In the Dark Tour", I purchased tickets last night. Watch the video below to see exactly what I'm talking about.
Rap-Up.com reports that Diddy's step son, Quincy Combs (who Kim Porter had with singer Al B. Sure), will be featured on MTV's "My Super Sweet 16" on Monday at 10:00 PM ET. We reported on this party back in December.
Rap-Up.com says that, as part of the party, Quincy will be recording a single with a top rap artist, judging a $5,000 dance contest and having a concert that will, according to the article, be one of the best in the history of the show. They have a preview, which you can watch below.
Should be a fun show.
Internet DJ reports that the upcoming album from Sharam, "Sidedish," will feature a collaboration with Diddy. Sharam is one half of the production duo known as Deep Dish. Previously, they produced a remix of Diddy's dance music foray, "Let's Get Ill".
Watch below for a Diddy of various celebrities, music industry people and others congratulating Diddy on his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It includes well wishes from Bono, Donald Trump, Ellen DeGeneres, Gorilla Zoe, Jody Breeze, Bow Wow, Usher, his kids, Kim Porter, Ashton Kutcher, Andre Harrell, Q-Tip, Russell Simmons, Phylicia Rashad, Danielle Smith (Editor-in-Chief, Vibe Magazine), Harve Pierre, Star Jones, Sean C., LV, Kevin Liles, Mike Kyser, Julie Greenwald, Derek Luke, Cassie and more.
It's a cool video, but the name jokes, imitations, etc. get a little old after awhile.
Watch below for Diddy's appearance on Ellen on May 5.
MTV spoke with Diddy and D-Dot on the upcoming Biggie biopic, Notorious.
"It's rare that you get a movie made about you when you're still relevant, but [they] took on the challenge," Combs said of the cast, adding that he was especially impressed with actor Derek Luke, who is playing Diddy. "People asked me years ago who you'd want to play me, and I said Derek Luke ... so it was just destined. I got to see him do his thing, and it was scary for me. I had to leave, 'cause he was acting just like me." ...
"[Gravy as B.I.G. is a] little creepy," echoed the flick's music supervisor, Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie. "You know he's not B.I.G., and we accepted that, [but all of] B.I.G.'s people ... looked to Gravy and said, 'You can play B.I.G. You could do it!' I believe that Gravy has studied hard enough; I think he got enough battle scars from the streets that he could pull it off. We're very happy that he's a part of it."
Watch below for a clip from the interview with Diddy.
MTV News spoke with Diddy on his recent Hollywood star unveiling and the Making the Band 4 tour. He says that, at some of the shows, he'll appear.
"In some cities and states, I'm gonna make a guest appearance," Diddy told them. "Do a light 15 hits. I'm not gonna bore you with, like, 40. I'mma just hit you with 15 real quick verses to really get the place rocking."
There is also video of the interview, but it's not working for me. I'm going to include it below, anyway.
On May 1, Nikita profiled Variety's comprehensive coverage of Diddy in honor of him receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
SFGate reports that this issue of Variety also featured 17 full page ads paying tribute to Combs, from groups and individuals ranging from MTV and BET to Aretha Franklin and Dallas Austin. In talking with someone at Variety, this would seem to be the Friday, May 2 issue of the Daily Variety.
On May 1, we reported on Diddy's party ("Diddy's Den") at the opening celebration of the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Meshantucket, CT.
The Hartford Courant has an interview with Barton G. Weiss, a party planner who will be putting the event together.
Q: Will there be any of your famous nitrogen martinis, macaws, feathers or Asian duck-filled pancakes?
A: Well, there will be no nitrogen martinis, and as far as the pancakes, I'm not in charge of the food, just the visual. Our main area will be the ballroom, and we will be transforming that into " P. Diddy's Den," the ultimate lounge for the after-party he will be attending. It will be done in gold and plum and teals, fun yet not outlandish. I want to create a most memorable evening so that people will always remember the opening of Diddy's Den.
People has a quick interview with Diddy, mostly covering acting and L.A. life.
To further fit in with his new Hollywood crowd, he’s even revamping his party style to sync up in with the West Coast curfew: "Everybody stops working at like six o'clock and the clubs close at two. Everything is on a strict schedule and you have to respect that."
Yesterday, Diddy received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The AP has a great report (there is a video from the event, below, as well).
"This is big. This is legendary," [Jamie] Foxx told the music label intern-turned-entertainment mogul. "And they will never be able to take this away from you."
Combs, wearing a white suit, slapped hands with Foxx and told the crowd: "Today is proof that if you believe, all your dreams can come true. I've gone from Harlem to Hollywood." He lay down on the red carpet next to his star to pose for photographers. ...
"So if the music industry's getting cannibalized by the Internet, I figure out how to work with it, I figure out how to survive. You throw me in the jungle butt-naked, I come out with a lion's head, some bearskins and a bunch of food. I may be driving a Maybach."
Last November, Diddy picked an assistant from his YouTube search. Her name was Heather.
Well, on last night's appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Diddy mentioned that she is no longer working for him, that she "took a job abroad." He mentioned that the VH1 reality series for a show called "I Want to Work for Diddy" is moving forward. He called it "uplifting", saying "it's not as corny as it sounds." The contestants will be working with ex-assistants of his as well as high level executives.
Kim Porter is featured in the May 12 issue of Jet Magazine, along with the kids that she and Diddy share. It looks like an interesting feature talking about Porter's life after breaking up with Diddy, her career aspirations, the kids, her relation with Combs, etc. Diddy is even quoted in the article, taling about Porter's mothering skills and their relationship.
Via Celebrity Baby Blog.
Diddy is set to receive his prestigious “star” on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame tomorrow at 11:30 am. The stars will turn out to help Diddy celebrate this tremendous honor, in recognition of his multi-faceted career in the entertainment business. In light of this huge feat, Variety decided to do 7 different stories on the man they call Diddy. Here’s a little recap of them.
The first story, titled “Combs is the Leader of the Brand” takes a small look at Diddy’s career. As a young boy, he lied about his age in order to work a paper route making about $600 a week. It’s that kind of drive that has lead him into grossing just about $525 million annually with music, fragrance and fashion empire.
Diddy’s star is well deserved and is a great honor.
Contrary to popular belief, Diddy is very serious about his new acting career, as he spoke about this in “Combs Gets the Acting Bug”. He hired the same acting coach that helped the likes of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. Although very skeptical at first, Susan Batson accepted his offer. Diddy made a good first impression on her, stating, "Don't stay if I can't do this. If I don't do well, I can take it, just tell me. Because it's my intention to try to make history, to really, really contribute." Realizing his talent and effort, she helped to prepare him for his role in “A Raisin in the Sun” - both the Broadway and television versions. Diddy has decided to take on his acting career full speed, delegating his other duties to his employees. But Diddy’s music fans should not worry, "You'll still get an album outta me," says Diddy.
Next, “Combs Brand Rolls the Merchandise” talks about the many business ventures that he’s a part of. He launched his Sean John brand back in 1998, which has now transitioned into the third-largest menswear company, after Polo and Tommy Hilfiger. Diddy also teamed up with Estee Lauder for his fragrance “Unforgivable” earning about $80 million in 2006. No matter what business venture, Diddy is completely hands on with every aspect of his products. MTV’s “If I Were King” showed Sean John’s return to New York City’s fashion week and the blood, sweat and tears that went into the show.
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Last August, we reported on Diddy's appearance at a Screamfest tour stop where he came on stage during T.I.'s set and was joined by an all-star cast. This group included Jay-Z, Kanye West, Swizz Beats and 50 Cent. Scream Star has made about 10 minutes of good footage available.
Via SOHH.com.
The MGM Grand at Foxwoods hotel and casino in Meshantucket, CT will be opening on May 17. The Boston Herald reports that Diddy will host a party as part of their opening weekend celebration.
And what would a high-rollin’ time be without Sean “P Diddy” Combs? The renaissance man will host an ultra-exclusive, late night “Diddy’s Den” party at Shine, Ed Kane’s new nightclub, where DJ AM will spin.
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