Diddy does not have a lot of people in his corner right now. It seems everybody who dealt with the Bad Boy mogul is either happy or unsurprised to see him go down. Diddy’s former bodyguard, Gene Deal, is no exception. Deal recently sat down for an interview with The Art of Dialogue. He not only claimed that Diddy belonged behind bars, but went on to allege that the mogul learned his excessive behavior from the moguls that came before. Namely, Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons and Uptown Records CEO Andre Harrell.
Gene Deal started his tirade off by laying the blame squarely at Diddy’s feet. He doesn’t hold anybody else accountable for Diddy’s bad behavior other than the man himself. He did, however, point to the men who mentored Diddy during the early period of his career. Deal cited three luminaries within the industry in particular. “You gotta realize, he learned from Andre Harrell,” the ex-bodyguard alleged. “He learned from Russell Simmons. He learned from Clive Davis.” Diddy worked under Harrell when he was an intern at Uptown Records in the early 1990s. It was Russell Simmons, however, who Deal alleged was the most notable influence.
“When those people are telling you that they were heavy into the drugs,” Deal explained. “They was heavy into beating women, and doing things at that crazy stage. That’s gonna make him think that he can get away with the same thing.” The ex-bodyguard claimed that he saw similarly behavioral traits whenever he was at Simmons’ home. “I’m not gonna say alleged cuse I saw that for my own self,” he asserted. “It can make this man into a monster and that’s what it did.”
Russell Simmons, like Diddy, has experienced a fall from grace in recent years. The hip hop legend was accused of sexual assault by multiple women in 2017. Simmons vehemently denied these allegations in a 2018 statement issued to Rolling Stone. “They have shocked me to my core as I have never been abusive or violent in any way in my relations with women,” he wrote. Despite his denial, more women accused him of assault and/or rape. Simmons stepped down from his duties at Def Jam. Interestingly enough, Russell Simmons was one of the few people who defended Diddy when the mogul’s dark past was coming to light.
Suge Knight’s prison podcast has already brought about countless shocking claims, including a recent unexpected allegation about Diddy and Clive Davis. In a new episode of Collect Call with Suge Knight, the former Death Row boss recalled Jimmy Iovine making a bombshell revelation during a meeting at Interscope. Apparently, he wasn’t supposed to hear the explosive news, but decided to share it with him anyway.
“We in the office, in the Westwood Interscope office,” Knight began. “I walked in Jimmy’s office. I didn’t have to knock on the door […] we was havin’ a conversation and he overheard somebody say something he probably shouldn’t have heard.”
Suge Knight Recalls Cryptic Chat With Jimmy Iovine
“He said, ‘I’m here because Clive Davis told me that him and Puffy’s real tight. And, uh, you know, lovers.’ So I thought he was talkin’ like, they got love for each other. I’m like, aight. He said, ‘Nah, they are lovers,’” he continued. “And I’m like, ‘Why do you keep saying that?’ I said, ‘Are they lovers, like, f*ckin’ and suckin’?’ And he said, ‘I don’t wanna say that,’ but that’s what that means, right?” Knight’s claims are unconfirmed, but this is far from the first time Diddy’s been accused of having a romantic relationship with a fellow male celebrity. It’s also far from the first time Suge Knight has accused other male celebrities of secretly hooking up.
In February, for example, he alleged that Andre Harrell and Russell Simmons once had a romantic relationship. “They might not wanna say it, [but] they know they was lovers,” he claimed. “They participated in those types of things. Now, once again, a person has the right to be whatever they wanna be. But own it!” What do you think of Suge Knight accusing Diddy and Clive Davis of being in a romantic relationship? Are you surprised? Do you think there could be any truth to his allegations? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Ice Spice was one of many stunning stars at Clive Davis’ annual Pre-Grammys Gala on Saturday (February 3), rocking a sleek, black Rick Owens dress. Others like Coi Leray also wowed the crowd with their style, and it was a great opportunity for these creatives to link up and ease their nerves ahead of “music’s biggest night.” Moreover, the 24-year-old hitmaker got to meet Charli XCX, Lana Del Rey, Jack Antonoff, and many more celebrities at the event, and even got to perform. Hopefully tonight’s awards ceremony (Sunday, February 4) holds even more notable link-ups and moments for all these musicians to build rapport and entertain viewers.
However, a lot of Ice Spice fans are busy these days defending their GOAT against possible enemies, although they are all speculative. Recently, some new fuel was added to the alleged Latto beef fire, as the 777 MC filmed a music video in Spice’s hometown of the Bronx. Both sides speculated as to whether this was an intentional choice due to their supposed feud, which is only based on fan interpretations of subliminal, applicable-to-anyone shots and some minor coincidences and references. Regardless of the veracity or falsehood behind that, it’s important competition to uphold in the rap game, but only on an artistic level.
Speaking of competition, Ice Spice fans found themselves in direct battle with Megan Thee Stallion’s Hotties. A Nicki Minaj stan account compared the two on Twitter, and chaos ensued as each side made their arguments. Of course, Nicki and Meg are deep in beef right now, and the “Princess Diana” rapper and Queen Barb have quite the strong bond. They showed each other a lot of love and collaborated on “Barbie World,” although Spice herself hasn’t really engaged in any beef around this as of writing this article.
Meanwhile, folks hope they get to see much more of RIOTUSA’s rap partner at tonight’s Grammys ceremony. Not only is she up for Best New Artist and a couple more awards, but so is her most famous admirer: Taylor Swift. If they win for “Karma” and accept an award onstage, you can bet the Internet will break again. For more news and the latest updates on Ice Spice, come back to HNHH.
Clive Davis, a titan in the music industry, has shaped the careers of countless iconic artists and influenced the direction of popular music for decades. As of 2024, his strategic vision, unparalleled ear for talent, and successful ventures in record production and executive leadership have culminated in a net worth of $900 million, according to Eric Singer.
Davis came from a humble beginning to becoming a powerful figure in the music world. This is further marked by his founding of Arista Records and his tenure at Columbia Records. He played a pivotal role in launching and nurturing the careers of superstars across various genres. This narrative explores Davis’s contributions to the music industry, his role in discovering and promoting musical talent, his impact on the business side of music, and his philanthropic efforts.
Architect Of Musical Careers
UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: Photo of Clive Davis (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Clive Davis’s uncanny ability to discover and foster talent has been instrumental in the success of numerous artists who have defined generations. From Janis Joplin and Bruce Springsteen to Whitney Houston andAlicia Keys, Davis’s influence spans across rock, pop, R&B, and beyond. His hands-on approach to artist development and commitment to artistic integrity have not only led to the creation of timeless music but have also paved the way for artists to achieve critical and commercial success.
Visionary Leadership In The Music Business
Punch, Clive Davis and Top Dawg at the Billboard Power 100 Event held at NeueHouse Hollywood on January 31, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John Salangsang/Billboard via Getty Images)
Beyond individual artist development, Davis’s strategic leadership has left an indelible mark on the music business as a whole. His tenure at Columbia Records and later at Arista and J Records exemplifies his innovative approach to the industry, from embracing new music trends to pioneering strategies in marketing and album promotion. Davis’s foresight in navigating the digital transformation of the music industry further solidifies his legacy as a forward-thinking executive.
Clive Davis’s impact extends beyond the boardroom and the recording studio. His influence is deeply woven into the fabric of contemporary music and culture. Through his work, Davis has contributed to the soundtrack of countless lives, enriching the cultural landscape with diverse and powerful voices. His autobiography and the documentary Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives offer insights into his philosophy on music and life, sharing valuable lessons from his storied career with future generations of industry professionals and music enthusiasts alike.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Clive Davis & Whitney Houston at the Private House also in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage)
Equally noteworthy are Clive Davis’s philanthropic efforts and his advocacy for artists’ rights and music education. His contributions to various charitable organizations and educational institutions underscore his commitment to giving back. Particularly to the community and supporting the arts beyond the commercial sphere. Further, through scholarships, mentorship programs, and donations, Davis has helped nurture new talent and ensure that music remains a vital and accessible art form.
Clive Davis’s journey is a testament to his enduring influence in the music industry. Moreover, it shines light on his legacy as a pioneer who has continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible in music. Overall, his contributions have not only shaped the careers of individual artists but have also transformed the way music is created, marketed, and experienced worldwide.
Whitney Houston is widely celebrated as one of the most phenomenal vocalists of our time. Her passing in 2012 left behind a legacy that continues to captivate our hearts and minds decades later. With 11 consecutive songs debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, alongside a repertoire that spans pop, R&B, dance, and gospel music, it’s no wonder her influence covers almost every genre.
This can be seen in her memorable acting roles in The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale, and The Preacher’s Wife. She created an impressive body of work that reached unparalleled commercial success. For this purpose, the task of narrowing down Whitney Houston’s songs may seem impossible due to her wide catalog. However, the impact of her discography will forever linger in our hearts and speakers.
7. “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay” (1998)
In “It’s Not Right But It’s Okay,” Whitney Houston reveals newfound wisdom when confronting her lover’s infidelity, sagely intoning, “It’s not right, but it’s okay.” Unrelenting in her stance, she forgoes the traditional sorrowing melodrama for resilience and resolution. As a result, two distinct remixes of the track achieved tremendous success. The Darkchild album mix, with its syncopated marimba beat, was featured in the music video. The Thunderpuss dance mix garnered substantial radio airplay. Proving her pop proficiency still held firm, Houston earned a 2000 Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Additionally, the song achieved a Top 5 ranking on the Hot 100. This classic track is a testament to the singer’s masterful ability to bridge heartbreak and hope through her art.
6. “I’m Your Baby Tonight” (1990)
A shocking episode unfolded in 1989 during the Soul Train Music Awards. Whitney Houston was met with jeers from some members of the audience. Apparently, her presence at the ceremony was considered an insult to R&B music due to her fame in the pop ranks. Consequently, driven by a desire to restore Houston’s reputation within rhythm and blues, music executive Clive Davis enlisted producers Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Antonio “L.A.” Reid to write a riveting piece that would be sure to resonate with R&B radio stations. The result? An unabashedly sensual New Jack Swing opus, titled simply “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” soared to the peak of the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart, propelling Babyface and Reid’s first-ever entry into the Hot 100.
5. “How Will I Know” (1985)
When selecting Whitney Houston songs to include in her debut album, A&R head Clive Davis recognized the value of a lively tune akin to Deniece Williams’ popular “Let’s Hear it for the Boy.” Meeting that criteria, George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam jointly wrote this delightful song with production from Narada Michael Walden. Necessary to realize, right after the emotive release of “Saving All My Love For You,” the catchy melody of this single demonstrated the breadth of Houston’s talent. The vivid visuals of its Day-Glo music video capture all of the song’s joyous energy.
4. “I Have Nothing” (1993)
Composed by David Foster and Linda Thompson, the powerful ballad “I Will Always Love You” from the film The Bodyguard was praised with two Academy Award nominations in 1992 (the other being “Run to You”). Houston delicately yet powerfully narrates the captivating lyrics of “Don’t make me close one more door,” making its mark as impactful as Jennifer Holliday’s electrifying performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” Imbued with poignancy and resonance, this classic track will forever carve a place in our hearts.
3. “I Will Always Love You” (1992)
Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” commercial success has reached unprecedented heights, with a record-breaking 14 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and the highest global sales for any female artist. However, its broader impact lies beyond numbers, as it remains an emblem of enduring love due to its pivotal role in the acclaimed Bodyguard movie and soundtrack. An instantly recognizable cappella intro further testifies to Houston’s prodigious talent, as does her deftly executed vocal performance that effortlessly shifts between powerhouse notes and ethereal falsetto passages. This duet between technical brilliance and soulful expression renders “I Will Always Love You” a timeless classic.
2. “My Love Is Your Love” (1985)
With her third album, I’m Your Baby Tonight, Whitney Houston retired from full-fledged recording. She embraced a Streisand-like celebrity status, focusing on movies, melodic contributions, and public appearances. However, this all changed when Arista President Clive Davis urged her to record My Love Is Your Love. It was her first new album in eight years— an effort that has become one of her most revered works.
The lead single, the Bob Marley-inspired “No Woman No Cry,” was especially successful. Its hip-hop flavor was a bold departure for Houston, but its reassuring warmth and her heart-rending vocals make it a truly special composition. Indeed, its “love is your love” refrain has become immortalized as one of her career-defining hits.
1. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” (1987)
Clive Davis had a hunch that this track could become one of the best Whitney Houston songs. Chiefly, he had a straightforward instruction for Whitney Houston: when she sang the word “dance,” she was to sing it with increased intensity and ardor. With that seemingly minimal direction in mind, Houston gave her greatest performance, arguably better than her previous hit, “How Will I Know.” Her vocalizations opened with a cry of elation and progressively gained strength, highlighting feelings of fervor and freedom. As a result, this exuberant single earned Houston a second Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, and remains her best-known classic.
We’re just hours away from the 2023 Grammy Awards, and things are heating up. Tonight (February 4), at Clive Davis’ Pre-Grammy Gala, husband-wife duo Offset and Cardi B made an appearance.
While on the red carpet, the two couldn’t help but get handsy. As Offset grabbed Cardi B’s backside, the two kept French kissing.
Everyone on the red carpet was all for it, as you can hear attendees of the Gala cheering.
Cardi and Offset have long been open about their affection for each other. In a recent interview with Essence, Cardi shared one of their favorite make-out memories, which resulted in them getting married.
“We were making out and he was like, ‘You’re going to have my baby one day,’ and I was like, ‘We ain’t having no baby. You have to marry me,’ and he was like, ‘Alright, let’s get married,’” Cardi said, recalling the events that led to them getting married in their home bedroom. “I was like, ‘Let’s just get married then. You said you wanted to marry me.’ And we did.”
Clive Davis is opening up about Whitney Houston’s last days. The infamous music exec recently revealed that he was shocked by Whitney’s 2012 death. Davis says Houston made a “valiant attempt” to give up drugs before she died.
“I was with her 48 hours before her death,” Davis told Page Six. “It never occurred to me [that she would die two days later].” The record producer signed Houston in 1983 when she was just 20 years old. He continued, “She was showing me what she had done in rehab. How she had given up smoking. She had cleared her throat of nicotine. And she was wanting to start going in the studio. I never would have thought 48 hours before her death, that she would pass, that there would be that horrendous, premature end to her life.”
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – FEBRUARY 12: Producer Clive Davis (L) and singer Whitney Houston speak onstage at the 2011 Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute To Industry Icons Honoring David Geffen at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 12, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage)
The 90-year old legend added that Whitney was looking forward to the next chapter of her life. “She was making a valiant attempt during that period to give up drugs and rehabilitate herself.” Whitney was found unconscious in a Beverly Hilton suite, submerged in the bathtub on Feb. 11, 2012.
The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office claimed that her death was caused by effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use.” Additional drugs were also found in the late singer’s system at the time of her death, including Benadryl, Xanax, and cannabis. Davis says he knew from the first time he met Whitney that she was a star. “That voice that was the finest of her generation, and is up there with the two or three best of all time. That is what the film does.”
His interview comes amid the premiere of the Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” which he co-produced. Catch the Kasi Clemmons directed film in theaters now.
As I Wanna Dance with Somebody receives mixed reviews, Clive Davis sheds light on Whitney Houston and her personal life. Davis is responsible for shaping the superstar careers of legendary artists, including Houston. For years, he has teased he would produce his own Houston biopic, and finally, the music executive delivered.
Davis recently sat down with Extra to speak about his close, decades-long friendship with the late star. During the conversation, Houston’s rumored, secret romance with Robyn Crawford was mentioned.
“They did have a teenage, one-year affair,” Davis confirmed.
Robyn Crawford, left, and American singer Whitney Houston (1963 – 2012), circa 1988. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images)
He also mentioned those speculative reports about Houston’s personal struggles.
“There have been so many articles that have…attempted to trace her addiction to being a frustrated lesbian,” said Davis. “Or never [dating] a man before Bobby, all of which was totally inaccurate.”
“I know of several men that she dated before Bobby,” he added. “I mean, she did see Jermaine Jackson for two years.”
February 2022 marked 10 years since Houston passed away. Davis recalls their final conversation as Houston was scheduled to perform at his coveted, annual pre-Grammy event.
“My real last conversation with her was 48 hours before she passed away. I was in L.A., we were getting ready… [for] my Grammy party,” he said. “I didn’t know she was going to surprise me and sing there. We spent the whole afternoon together. She wanted to assure me… and this is hard to express… that she had beaten her addiction. Not only to drugs, but to cigarette smoking. I had no clue that her passing was abruptly to come.”
I Wanna Dance with Somebody hits theaters tomorrow, December 23.
The latest biopic exploring the life of the late Grammy-award-winning singer Whitney Houston, I Wanna Dance With Somebody, is hitting the theaters this Friday, December 23. After news of the film began circling the web, fans of the vocalist had several questions. The first and most crucial question was, who would play the legendary recording artist? With the trailer’s release, we now know Rise of Skywalker actress, Naomi Ackie, will star as the Newark, New Jersey native.
Second, who will cover the revered vocalist’s songs for the film? Canadian singer Deborah Cox did the honors for the 2015 Lifetime tv film, I Will Always Love You: The Whitney Houston Story. However, this production’s executive director and Houston’s former mentor, Clive Davis, thought it would be best to keep Houston’s original vocals. Or, as he told USA Today, “We just didn’t think anyone could capture her vocal genius.”
Fans may be torn on the film’s casting, but they overwhelmingly agree with Davis’ decision to keep Houston’s original vocal in the feature film. After all, Houston is considered the greatest vocalist of all time. With such a long list of groundbreaking singles to her name, including her cover of Dolly Porton’s “I Will Always Love You,” the song viewers are looking forward to the most as part of this film is the national anthem.
Previewed in the trailer, Houston’s 1991 performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” at Super Bowl XXV has remained the gold standard for decades. Unfortunately, the footage hasn’t been remastered for streaming services, but thanks to archival VHS footage, you can now watch Houston’s performance on YouTube.
Watch the full performance above.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody is set to hit the theaters on December 23. To grab your tickets, click here.
In recent years, it has paid off to land the leading role in a musician biopic. Rami Malek won his first Oscar for playing the late Freddie Mercury in 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Jennifer Hudson was hand-selected by the late Aretha Franklin to portray her in last year’s Respect. Austin Butler is enjoying a career breakthrough in 2022 because of his titular star turn in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. Naomi Ackie is next up.
It’s been two years since Ackie was cast as Whitney Houston for I Wanna Dance With Somebody, the long-gestated Houston biopic. The first official trailer was released by Sony in mid-September, showing Ackie as Houston wowing Clive Davis (Stanley Tucci) and ascending as the voice of a generation. The two-minute teaser ends with Houston’s famed 1991 performance of the national anthem at Super Bowl XXV. A second trailer arrived in early November, which spotlighted Houston standing against unjust criticism for not being “Black enough” and meeting resistance after starting her tumultuous relationship with Bobby Brown (Ashton Sanders). But when and where will we be able to watch the Kasi Lemmons-directed film in its full glory?
I Wanna Dance With Somebody will almost undoubtedly be available to stream at some point, but to start, it’s set for an exclusive theatrical release beginning on December 23. Tickets are available here.
The world premiere happened on Tuesday, December 13, in New York City.
“When I first found out I got the part, I think this was actually the scariest part for me, knowing that everyone would see it at some point,” Ackie told Vogueahead of the premiere. “But I’ve been with it long enough now that I’m really ready to share it with the world. I’m so proud of what we achieved with it, and there’s a lot of love in there. It’s a lot of pressure, and you can’t help but feel slightly stressed by the magnitude of it, but this is the last piece of the puzzle, in a way.”
Houston tragically passed away on February 11, 2012, at 48. Her official cause of death was an accidental drowning in a Los Angeles hotel bathtub. The beloved icon was in LA ahead of that year’s Grammys and had been expected to attend Davis’ annual pre-Grammys party that night.
