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The video also features cameos by Aasim (fairly certain, the video is a little sketchy quality wise), track and field star Sanya Richards, T.I. and Cedric the Entertainer.
Thanks Theo.
BallerStatus.com has an interview with Jadakiss. They asked him about Mark Curry's book and Diddy's business ethics. Somewhat surprisingly, Jadakiss pretty much shut Curry down, saying that how Diddy conducts business is normal and even admitting that how The Lox conducted theirs, i.e. through the radio, was not the way to approach a business situation.
BallerStatus.com: Yeah, [Curry wrote] about Diddy and his ethics of business. I know in the past, you and The LOX were vocal about business with Diddy. What do you think about Mark Curry's accusations that he's made?
Jadakiss: Every artist is different. Every individual is different. That might be how he feel at the moment. We were very vocal about the publishing thing, which helped us out a little. Maybe it didn't help us out, but we just got hot headed and lost our cool a little because that ain't really the way to conduct business over the airwaves and we were able to work it out with Diddy. Maybe he got some different issues, maybe he feel some kind of way, or maybe he don't feel no way at all and just felt like doing a book since he never got to put out an album and that's how that went down.
BallerStatus.com: Do you think his business ethics are bad?
Jadakiss: Diddy learned from somebody else. Now that I'm grown and understand the game, I can't really be mad at what he learned. This business was here 100 years before Diddy became a CEO. He makes his business and his contracts beneficial for him, which there's nothing wrong with that. If you conducting business and you got the right lawyers that's telling you to write what these contracts are saying, at the end of the day, when you're signing any contract it should be beneficial for you. But if you're just blind to the fact and you're just happy to be down with Bad Boy like [The LOX] was 'cause it was so hot, we just signed some sh** we didn't really look at 'til two, three years later. And this is happening today. There's going to be a bunch of people making books like Mark Curry. There's going to be a bunch of more people riffing with label heads about publishing and money that's owed to them, so that's going to always go on, because if you don't pay attention, it's really on you. He can't do nothing contractually that you didn't agree to.
Hip hop is sort of an alternate reality. If you sign a contract that is beneficial to you (which is the aim of signing a contract in the first place, as Jadakiss says) and you execute that contract, you can be vilified, you are a "paperwork gangster." As if handling your business like a responsible person is a bad thing.
Sometimes, what isn't recognized is the investment that labels make when they sign an artist, the money that is put out. Some artists make good; most don't. Does anyone get up in arms because the label didn't see a return on it's investment? Then, why would you get up in arms if the label purchased the rights to someones work and the work did well? You can't have it both ways, you can't be on both sides.
Business, good business, is making moves that put the business in a position to be successful. That goes for everyone. At the core is this simple fact: people take the best offer they have at the time. When The Lox signed their contract, they didn't think "wow, this is a bad deal, let's sign it." No, they thought "this is a great deal, we should take it." Maybe they had ill founded notions, maybe they were wrong, maybe they didn't do their own due diligence.
But, if The Lox hadn't been successful (and a part of their success was Bad Boy and Diddy and that propelled them to enjoy the success they enjoy, to this day), Bad Boy would have lost money. Would there have been a "Let Bad Boy Go" or "Give Bad Boy Back Their Money" campaign? No, of course not. Bad Boy entered into a contract with them and, for better or for worse, they were tied to The Lox. That's just the way it is.
Berlinista reports that DJ HELL's new album, "Teufelswerk," will feature a collaboration with Diddy titled "The DJ." The track is described as a "freestyle jack-track and future single." The album will be released on April 27.
You may have heard that Xzibit, as a guest on Sirius Satellite Radio's The Foxxhole, made some remarks about partying with Diddy and how, after Diddy's party had ended, they all headed to another club - the three main characters in the story being Diddy, Xzibit and Karrine Steffans.
Once in this club, he says: "... [Karrine] point over in the corner, it's two dudes kissing. You know what I'm saying? I'm like... the f*** is this? You know what I'm saying? So, I'm like OK, then there's girls in the club, too. And then she point in the other direction, it's another dude over there like butt a** naked dancing."
Host: "Fonzworth Bentley. [Background laughter]."
Xzibit: "You know what I'm saying? We take off, man. You know what I'm saying? We leave the club directly. I didn't say peace to nobody, I didn't see nobody."
Host: "So, you're saying ... the club was pretty gay?"
Xzibit: "It was suspect. Lotta suspect. You can chalk it up to being in Miami or whatever. But, I've been in a gang of clubs, man, and I ain't never mistakenly stepped into a club having that kind of activity."
Of course, people have run with this. No surprise there. I saw the story and took a pass because, honestly, I felt it was just Xzibit talking a little recklessly and there really was no story there.
The reason I mention it now is that Xzibit has come out and issued a statement on his MySpace page. In the statement, he blames journalists, hip hop sites and bloggers for twisting his words.
"All this SPIN that you journalist are putting on the statements I made on a radio show to DIRECTLY effect a guy in a manor not intended is wrong," he writes.
He says that Diddy called him and told me that the name of the club was Space, "I believe." This could be it.
He goes on further to say that "... a bigger problem I see is the negative stance these hip hop sites and blog sites are taking when speaking of gay people in general. I do NOT like to spread hate and make it a point not to do so, so this is not the way I intended this interview to unfold."
Admirable sentiments. Here's the problem: the person at fault most here is Xzibit. He made statements that were irresponsible, that gave the impression of what has been reported. He played with the audience, the hosts, and laughed along with them. He's the one who said the club was "suspect." Suspect of what? Of being gay? How can he now come out and play this card?
There's no doubt that various websites and online publications have taken his words and run with them and twisted them. But, at the heart of it is the fact that he did make statements that were taken in this manner and that is no one's fault, but his own. Xzibit has always seemed like a really cool guy to me, so I was surprised when I first heard them and disappointed in Xzibit. But, even though these outlets have trumped up his words, the greatest responsibility, right now, lies with him and he has taken the easy way out, by blaming everyone else, and accepting none of that responsibility.
Check out the video below for a radio interview of The-Dream. At 7:01, he talks really quickly about working on Diddy's upcoming album, "Last Train to Paris." He says that he gave Diddy "the best male record I've written. Probably the best record I've written overall."
Thanks to BBB reader Brandan for the tip.
Fresh off the presses, following up on MTV's exclusive look at "Last Train to Paris."
DIDDY ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM:
“LAST TRAIN TO PARIS” ARRIVES IN STORES ON SEPTEMBER 22ND
Sean "Diddy" Combs has revealed new details of his sixth LP. The album, entitled "LAST TRAIN TO PARIS,” is slated to arrive on September 22nd. The LP features what Combs describes as electro-hip hop soul funk – welcoming in an unexpected mixture of sight and sound. "I'm ushering in a new movement called 'train music'," says Combs. "LAST TRAIN TO PARIS” is Diddy's follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2007 release, “PRESS PLAY."
"‘LAST TRAIN TO PARIS’ is deeper than any of the other stuff I have ever made. It’s a profound love story. It’s me with my shades off. It’s the truth." says Combs. Diddy is collaborating with hit-making producers The Dream, Tricky, The Neptunes, Mario Winans, T-Pain and Rodney Jerkins.
"I've been a businessman for the past two years. It’s time for me to focus on being an artist again,” explains Combs. “I am going to show the world a new refreshing side of me. Get on or get off!"
For the past 16 years, Sean “Diddy” Combs has used his artistic vision and entrepreneurial drive to capture and express the sentiments of a generation. As a producer and a performer, he not only created a new musical genre of hip-hop soul, but also catapulted the music and style of African-American youth into the American mainstream. Today, as founder and CEO of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group, Diddy oversees one of the world’s preeminent urban companies, encompassing a broad range of businesses, including recording, music publishing, artist management, television and film production, fashion, and restaurants.
In recent years, Diddy has added Broadway actor, marathon runner, and fragrance producer to his ever-growing list of accomplishments. He was named one of the most influential business people in the world by Time magazine and CNN.
Having sold 75 million records worldwide, Diddy has left an indelible mark on pop culture.
MTV News' Shaheem Reid has an exclusive on Diddy's upcoming album, "Last Train to Paris."
It'll be a concept album, a love story. The release will be accompanied by a short film, starring Diddy, with production beginning in May. The release date for the album is September 22. And though it will be either by Diddy or by "Diddy as...," the album will not just be Diddy as a solo artist. He's assembling a group that will consist and him and two girls.
"One of the things, I wanna give you that's not out there yet is that it's not me as a solo artist," Diddy told Reid. "It's a group I put together; myself and two girls. Two young ladies, you may know them or you may not. It's almost like some back-in-the-day Loose Ends-type sh--. We're going to be telling the story of Last Train to Paris."
Diddy also revealed some of the people that he will be collaborating with, on the production side. He named The-Dream, Tricky Stewart, Rodney Jerkins, The Hitmen, T-Pain, Mario Winans and The Neptunes.
In the article, Diddy talks more about the story that will play out with the album and also what he is looking for, in the film. It also features quotes from Pharrell Williams.
Diddy announced on his Twitter that he's shooting a cover for Mixmag with dance DJ Felix Da Housecat.
Diddy confirmed to Extra that he's been working with actor turned rapper Joaquin Phoenix in the studio. Check out the video below (starting at 0:44).
This comes after rumors of a hoax and Phoenix himself confirming plans to work with Diddy.
XXLmag.com reports on Diddy's recent appearance on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Diddy mentioned that he had signed up for a new comedy. "I can't announce who it's with," he said. "But it's with some definitely comedy heavy hitters."
Here is a press release relating to Diddy and "A Raisin in the Sun" being honored at the NAACP Image Awards.
SEAN COMBS NABS TWO NAACP IMAGE AWARDS FOR
THE ACCLAIMED FILM ADAPTATION “A RAISIN IN THE SUN”
-- MUSIC MOGUL AND “RAISIN” EXECUTIVE PRODUCER WINS FIRST TV ACTOR TROPHY,
WHILE FILM EARNS BEST TELEVISION MOVIE/DRAMATIC SPECIAL --
NEW YORK, N.Y (February 13, 2009) — Sean “Diddy” Combs, the acclaimed music mogul, record producer, fashion designer, multi-platinum Grammy winning artist and Broadway sensation can now add award-winning television actor and producer to his long list of accolades. Combs who starred in and executive produced the special three-hour movie adaptation of “A Raisin in the Sun” earned two NAACP Image Awards last night at the 40th annual show, nabbing “Best Actor In a Television Movie, Miniseries or Dramatic Special” as well as a producer honors when “Raisin” picked up the award for “Best Television Movie, Miniseries or Dramatic Special.” His co-star Phylicia Rashad also won for “Best Actress in a Television Movie, Miniseries or Dramatic Special”
These wins cap a stellar award season run for “Raisin” which also previously earned three Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Globe nod, following a record setting Broadway revival. Reprising the role of Walter Lee, Jr. which brought him critical acclaim during the Broadway run, Combs delivered an exceptional performance for the television movie which marked his first role as a leading man on film. In addition, Combs also served as Executive Producer along with legendary film and Broadway producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, who collectively made the film the highest rated TV movie among women for the season, garnering more than 12 million viewers.
"Raisin has been an incredible journey for me and I am honored to be recognized for my work by the NAACP and the entire film and television community,” said Combs. “We were blessed to have an exceptional cast and crew and the wonderful words of Lorraine Hansberry to speak and inspire us. I am so proud to have been involved with the production both in front of and behind the camera, and to remain a part of Raisin’s continued successes.”
Following up previous reports, Katey Rich of CinemaBlend.com shares her experience interview Joaquin Phoenix, who is currently on a promotional tour for the film, "Two Lovers."
... we indulged him in his desire to talk about rapping, and maybe because of that, we got more out of him than Letterman did. He was talkative, almost friendly, admitting he's planning to collaborate with Diddy and talking about his plans for dance songs, even "sexy songs," on his rap album. He mentioned how much he hates promoting films, which we had pretty much guessed, but also trashed acting in general, saying that talking about your emotional connection to your character is just something you say "when you're trying to get nominated."
The article goes on to detail Casey Affleck's insistence that Phoenix is genuine. Affleck, Phoenix's brother-in-law, is filming him as part of a documentary on the actor's transition into music.
On the season premiere of Making the Band 4, Diddy announced that the making of his next album, due out in September of this year, will be featured on the show. He also revealed a title, "Last Train to Paris."
According to his MySpace, Diddy will be on Access Hollywood tonight on NBC at 7:30 PM ET. He'll be on with Rodney Jerkins.
The New York Post has a comment from a Diddy rep on Mark Curry's book, "Dancing With the Devil."
"This is a work of fiction, filled with lies, written by a disgruntled former artist ... He was properly credited for the two songs he wrote and never produced any other material worthy of release by Bad Boy."
In my post about the book, I mentioned that Curry had co-written 4 songs released on Diddy albums, that he had not appeared on, in addition to "Come With Me," from the "Godzilla" movie soundtrack. So, it is a bit unclear which songs are the two songs the rep was referring to and why there is only two. I'll see if I can find out.
Via HipHopDX.
In the video below below, Diddy talks about the word profound and his new album - it closes with a call out to all artists, producers, song writers, photographers and directors, "... if you want to help Diddy take things to a new profound level." If you qualify, the statement then invites you to send "tracks or ideas" to dirtymoneylogi [at] gmail [dot] com.
The AP has a report from Clive Davis' annual pre-Grammy party. They mention:
Diddy got the often staid crowd on their feet with a moving rendition of his tribute to the slain Notorious B.I.G., "I'll Be Missing You," with Biggie's widow, singer Faith Evans, and a gospel choir.
Entertainment Tonight has a few quotes from Diddy on acting and on his appearance on "CSI: Miami." The clip from the episode, that they have on their site, is the same one that I posted previously, but when it is over, there is a short interview clip with Diddy, as well.
This episode will air on February 9 on CBS. AceShowBiz.com reports that this episode is titled "Presumed Guilty and that the second episode that will feature Diddy is called "Sink or Swim" and is set to air on March 2.
Check out a new episode of DiddyTV below, where Diddy introduces famed photographer Terry Richardson (warning: his website contains content, such as nudity, that is not appropriate for all audiences and, likewise, the video contains profanity).
In the video, Richardson revealed that he's doing some work with Diddy, coming in September. September is when Diddy's album is supposedly coming out. Perhaps Richardson is going to be shooting, at least, some of the album artwork? Just a guess.
I just thought this was a fun clip of Diddy and Royce fooling around. Warning, though: explicit content.
MTV News' Shaheem Reid spoke with Diddy on the state of hip hop and his upcoming album.
"Right now, I'm working on my record, and it'll be out in the end of summer," he told us recently in NYC. "It's feeling good. It's different. I'm creating a new sound. It doesn't sound like anybody else's stuff out there. With that comes a risk. I'm excited about the risk. I do have a beef a little bit with the game right now. I think hip-hop has lost its risk-taking quality. Everybody goes to the comfort zone. It doesn't have that risk anymore. You're not like, 'What is that?' when you hear that record anymore." ...
"People have figured out the formula when they make records for radio, and DJs ain't DJs no more," he declared. "DJs don't break records no more. DJs don't play album cuts. DJs play what is going to move the crowd. DJs, they don't expose you to the newness. That was the DJs' thing. Hip-hop is in a recession also. It's not dead, it's definitely way better than where it was at, as far as with 'Ye, T.I. and with Jeezy. It's so much great stuff out there, the responsibility has to come with the DJs. I'm about to call the DJs out. 'Cause they are the future, and they gotta step it up. I can't keep turning on the radio no matter where I'm at and can't tell who's who.
"DJs used to have a style," Puff continued. "The hottest DJ in the game right now is Q-Tip. That right there is a DJ playing, taking you on a mind-travelling experience. Playing something and you're like, 'What's that?' "
MTV News' Jayson Rodriguez caught up with Diddy, on his Steelers winning the Super Bowl.
“I’ve been a Steelers fan since Mean Joe Greene gave the little boy the jersey,” Diddy wrote, referencing the classic Coca-Cola commercial from the ’70s starring Pittsburgh’s former defense legend. “And I always will be. It’s a great day to be a Steelers fan. From Obama to the Steelers. It don’t get better than this.”
MTV News' Jayson Rodriguez spoke with producers Sean C. and LV on the secretive nature of the development of Jay-Z's last album, "American Gangster." Diddy worked with the duo, introducing Jay-Z to the tracks that made up the foundation of the album, which is nominated for a Grammy award.
Despite what the article says, however, Sean C. and LV are not managed by Bad Boy.
Warning: explicit content.
Toward the end of the video, what Diddy is referencing is Royce's YouTube channel ImNaS***FoolTV.
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