No one is quite sure when Verzuz will make its triumphant return, but fans are looking forward to Jermaine Dupri versus Sean “Diddy” Combs. This pending match-up has been hyped for years, and while there was a time when a look from the two was just gossip, Dupri confirmed it’s in development. The So So Def hitmaker hasn’t been quiet about wanting to face off with his mogul peer. He’s declared himself the underdog in interviews, but Dupri is insistent that his catalog outweighs Diddy’s heat.
However, Yung Joc takes a different stance. He visited Math Hoffa’s My Expert Opinion and spoke on the two icons. “I always felt like Diddy understood how to go to the next level of what he was doing,” said the Love & Hip Hop star. “JD did, too, but JD again was doing so many other things that he didn’t focus on his artistry as much as Diddy did.” Both Diddy and Dupri helped produce classic hits, but they also saw charting success as artists.
Yung Joc Explains Choosing Diddy
The “It’s Goin’ Down” rapper added, “Diddy kinda stands next to what’s hot.” Joc explained that when Diddy is attached to something, “he makes it hotter.” He said, “[Diddy] will acknowledge what’s hot, and his acknowledgment brings awareness to what’s hot. And he blows it up. In theory, you think of all parties involved, and nine times out of ten, who was the bigger party involved? Diddy. So he understands marketing, and that’s the difference that he got over JD.”
Joc further argued that Dupri “focused on his strengths as a producer and writer.” However, Diddy was more of an artist or “flagship artist of his brand.” The rapper said, “No matter who he had, he’s branded as the flagship of Bad Boy. JD is So So Def, but the other artists were bigger than JD.” Some believe that Joc isn’t as objective as he portrays; although he resides in Atlanta, where Jermaine Dupri is like a music god, Joc was also signed to Diddy’s Bad Boy decades ago.
A Must-Watch Verzuz
ATLANTA – JUNE 18: Jermaine Dupri, Yung Joc, Bryan Michael Cox, Kid Dupri and Bryan J at The Magnum Live Large Project VIP Party at Ventanas on June 18, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Trojan)
It will be interesting to see how this Verzuz unfolds. Whatever side you’re hedging your bets on, undoubtedly, both men deserve their flowers. They’ve playfully talked that talk to one another on Livestreams to hype their Verzuz appearance, and Hip Hop is looking forward to it. Check out Yung Joc on My Expert Opinion above.
Last year a woman claiming to be Kim Porter’s niece filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, Tri Star Sports, and others. The woman claims she became a full-time nanny to Diddy’s twins after Kim passed away in November 2018. Jane Roe says she was then fired 2 years later when she requested maternity leave. Roe claims she was told through Diddy’s reps she was canned because she was pregnant and unmarried — which “purportedly set a bad example” for his daughters.
Now Diddy wants his accuser’s name to be made public…
Radar Online reports:
Diddy rushed back to court after his ex-nanny pleaded for her name to remain anonymous in their bitter court battle, RadarOnline.com has learned.
According to court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com, the music mogul has objected to his ex-employee’s request to continue using Jane Roe as a pseudonym in the case.
Diddy and Roe have been going back and forth over her being allowed to remain anonymous for weeks.
Recently, Roe asked the court to deny Diddy’s request she reveals her identity. She said the mogul’s reason for wanting her name is to “harass her and invite societal and professional harm to her and her family.
Roe said she is, “Desperate to preserve the privacy she had left, terrified of possible physical harm to her and her minor children, and fearful of further victim shaming, blaming, and retaliation.”
Now, Diddy has filed documents opposing Roe’s motion. He said that Roe has failed to provide evidence that the media will “invade” her privacy or that of her children.
Birdman is on a mission to get recognition for the CEOs in hip-hop. It’s no doubt that Birdman created a blueprint for rap moguls, but perhaps, he isn’t celebrated in the way he should be. He brought artists like Lil Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj to the game, while uplifting artists that came after them like Young Thug and NBA Youngboy. However, in the wake of Billboard’s rappers’ list, he sought to make sure that they don’t forget the people behind the scenes funding and making plays to turn these rappers into superstars.
“I see you’ll did 10 best rappers which is well respeked but what about tha CEOs who made thaway for these rappers to be Supa stars,” Birdman wrote in a lengthy Instagram post. “Fought tha battle behind doors so they kan be super stars. Put some respek on my name and stop playin with me. I’m tha best to ever doit nothing but love for all CEO ever in 50yrs of hip hop.” Prior to this, he explained that he hoped that platforms like Billboard would honor the businessmen in hip-hop who turned it into a multi-billion dollar industry.
While Billboard didn’t respond to Baby, Earn Your Leisure shared their own list of hip-hop’s best CEOs. At number one is Birdman, followed by Diddy, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, Russell Simmons, Master P, LA Reid, Dame Dash, Jermaine Dupri, and then Suge Knight at #10. However, the honorable mentions include Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Pierre “P” Thomas, Irv Gotti, Dee, and Waah, as well as J. Prince. Though there are definitely many names missing, the list that appeared was otherwise pretty accurate.
However, Birdman doesn’t feel like Earn Your Leisure got their rankings of CEOs correct, either. Despite topping the list, he said that he doesn’t think Diddy deserves to be at #2 but instead, P from Quality Control. “P Fom @QC should be 2nd no doubt noshade jus being real gangsta CMRG. my [opinion],” he wrote. Though no one has responded to Baby, his choice of Quality Control’s P doesn’t necessarily seem surprising. Last year, the QC founder told the Cash Money CEO that he wouldn’t be running a successful label if it wasn’t for Birdman. Check out Baby’s comments above and sound off with your thoughts in the comments.
Metro Boomin‘ has shared an updated version of his collaboration with 21 Savage and The Weeknd, “Creepin’.” Though, some fans may say that this update feels quite like a throwback. You see, “Creepin’” interpolates a 2004 song called “I Don’t Want To Know” by Mario Winans, Diddy, and a vocal sample from Enya. Almost 20 years later, Diddy revisits his classic heartache anthem, creating a special feel of early aughts nostalgia.
The “Creepin’” remix features its standard verses — which comprise of The Weeknd’s recreation of Winan’s verses, as well as Enya’s vocals, an original verse by 21 Savage — and a new verse by Diddy.
“They ain’t real ain’t they ain’t Puff / Ain’t a place in this world that my feet ain’t touch / I got visions that cost millions and make billions / Baby girl, we can make love or make trillions” raps Diddy on his verse.
Diddy’s verse is notably different from that of the 2004 original, on which, he laments the thought of his woman cheating. This time, Diddy is assured, as in the nearly two decades since “I Don’t Wanna Know,” he’s reached billionaire status.
Still, it makes for a pleasant union across two generations of hip-hop.
As Sean “Diddy” Combs encircles himself with love from his family, he’s also rumored to be in the running to purchase BET. If you visit the media mogul’s social media pages, it’s easy to find photos of Diddy’s growing brood of children. The latest addition arrived last year, and the proud father hasn’t ceased posting about his youngest daughter, Love Combs. Amid his family-friendly uploads, gossip circulated this week that Combs was interested in becoming the new majority stakeholder of BET Media Group. Initially, reports stated that Tyler Perry threw his hat in the ring, followed by Byron Allen.
According to Variety, BET Media Group’s parent company, Paramount Global, is looking to unload the network of brands, including BET, BET+, BET Studios, and VH1. The outlet claimed to have spoken with someone close to Diddy, who provided insight. Apparently, Diddy is “exploring the opportunity to purchase BET as a part of his strategy to build a Black-owned global media powerhouse.” A recent social media post from the Bad Boy hitmaker seems to support that statement.
On Instagram, Combs shared a video of an explanation regarding why the BET needed to return to Black ownership. In the caption, he added, “Media is the most powerful industry in the world but it’s the industry where we have the least amount of ownership, influence and control! It’s time for @BET to be Black-owned again so we have the power to tell our own stories, control our own narrative! This is not about me it’s about WE!!!!”
“I’m building a team of leaders in the culture to pursue ownership in @BET together!” Diddy added. “We have to unify our power and resources to create real change! #THETIMEISNOW.” Variety further stated that their source revealed “many parties have expressed interest” in the acquisition. However, they claim Paramount Global has yet to entertain any offers. If Diddy reigns victorious, this will be another added accomplishment for the culture, as he has already launched Revolt. The platform has existed for a decade and has only increased in visibility across various creative mediums.
A Long History
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 26: Honoree Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs (C) accepts the BET Lifetime Achievement Award from Babyface (L) and Kanye West (R) onstage during the 2022 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET)
It was also reported that Combs has a longstanding relationship with Paramount Global. That connection goes as far back as his MTV days with Making the Band which was a major success for diddy in the early to mid-2000s. Additionally, last year, he was bestowed the BET Lifetime Achievement Award. There have also been conversations within Hip Hop culture regarding a revamping of BET, and Bow Wow wanted in. Fans asked for another 106 & Park, or at least a revival, but those requests have fallen on deaf ears. It will be interesting to see how this develops, especially if Diddy is at the helm of the network.
Diddy has entered the race to bid for BET Networks. If the business mogul were to add BET ownership to his arsenal, Diddy might be on track to build his “Black-owned global media powerhouse,” including his network Revolt TV. Diddy Considers Buying BET The “Gotta Move On” artist has entered the bidding war to purchase […]
Hip-Hop can’t be properly celebrated without acknowledging the fashions that were birthed. Over the years, many female fashion designers have made significant contributions to hip-hop. All from designing clothing lines and creating iconic looks for some of the most influential artists. SOHH, Let’s take a look at the women that made a huge impact in […]
Keyshia Cole is, at the very least, a turbulent soul. Both in and out of the studio, Keyshia has shown her personality and individual style. While things can get shaken up between albums, Keyshia does keep things consistent, delivering memorable hits reliably with other artists just as talented as she is. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Keyshia remains one of the top producers of R&B, consistently producing hits. While she may not be as popular as in her early 2000’s days, Keyshia is still down to ride and create with more content on the way.
Keyshia has worked with many talented individuals in her lifetime, which is why it can be good to note and review a few accomplishments. Some collaborations were small, just a verse or two. Others were bigger and better, spanning over entire projects to create something special. In recent history, Keyshia has continued to make waves, one big one with her most recent album 11:11 Reset. She worked with many collaborations throughout that release in 2017, including with French Montana, Young Thug, and Remy Ma. Below we’ll go over other collaborations she’s had in the past and how they’ve gone.
Just Like You And A Different Me
Just Like You And A Different Me was released early in 2006. Working with Diddy to create the song Last Night, Keyshia Cole worked with Diddy to promote the song for their own album, Press Play. These efforts were not only for these two though, as it later ended up appearing on her LP. During the documentation of the album, it was featured on the reality TV show Keyshia Cole: The Way That It Is. Keyshia also worked with Missy Elliot for the number-one hit single Let It Go. The second single after this featured both Keyshia and Amina Harris. This single performed well on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. During this time, Keyshia was also featured on Jahiem’s single, titled I’ve Changed. Keyshia Cole also appeared as a guest during Trina, C-Side, and Missy Elliott songs in 2008.
The Way It Is
In 2004, March, Keyshia collaborated with American Rapper Eve to create Never. The song Never was her debut single, released as a lead single for the movie Barbershop 2: Back in Business. On that same album, Cole released her first feature with Kanye West, titled I Changed My Mind. She also collaborated with DJ Green Lantern to make Team Invasion Presents Keyshia Cole. This remix featured remixes of longtime loved hip-hop instrumentals, as well as parts of songs from other albums.
Diddy
Drama stirred between multiple collaborators during many of these collaborations, especially between Diddy, Keyshia, and Lil Mo. Keyshia Cole, while working with Diddy and Lil Mo, controversy arose. She accused Lil Mo of betrayal, to which Lil Mo disregarded the statement, believing Keyshia Cole to be intoxicated at the time. Cole denied this after the statement. During that time, Keyshia Cole was accused of cheating with collaborator Diddy during their collaboration over Last Night. Keyshia Cole denied the accusations.
Despite the drama, Keyshia teamed up with Diddy for this R&B track, which was released in 2006 and features production by Mario Winans. The song was a commercial success, peaking at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of Keyshia’s biggest hits to date.
Keyshia Cole collaborated with Monica to release the single “Trust.” In 2005, Trust appeared on “The Way It Is.” The initial song did so well that Monica featured it on her main album as well. The song features production by Soulshock & Karlin and showcases the two artists’ vocal abilities, as they sing about the importance of trust in relationships. Considering the drama at the time that directly has everything to do with trust, to say that there is some comedic timing there is an understatement.
Remy Ma and French Montana
Remy Ma first appeared on Keyshia Cole’s radar in 2005, when she collaborated with them during The Way It Is’s initial hype. Many years later, Keyshia Cole is still collaborating with Remy Ma, during a lead single titled You. Remy Ma assists with this single by singing a verse. Under production by Harmony Samuels, the song quickly became a fan favorite among Keyshia Cole fans and Remy Ma adorers alike. During an interview with Rap-Up magazine, Keyshia Cole announced the title for that album the collaboration would be featured on, dubbing it 11:11 Reset.
Bobby Valentino
Keyshia and Bobby Valentino teamed up for an emotional ballad titled “I Should Have Cheated. The emotional song was eleased in 2006 and became a hit on urban radio stations. The song features production by Ron Fair and Soulshock & Karlin and deals with the aftermath of infidelity in a relationship.
