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NEWS : STORIES
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11.17.2004 11:31 PM EST
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P. Diddy Is Getting Back To Work — And Looking For Girl Singers
Solo album, B.I.G. duets LP, movie role, 'Making the Band' are on the horizon.
by
Shaheem Reid, with reporting by Curtis Waller
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P. Diddy (file)
(Photo:
Bad Boy
)
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The elections have come and gone, the partying in celebration of his birthday on November 4 is done with — P. Diddy is getting back to work. He's been traveling with Jay-Z and Friends on tour, performing a medley of some of his greatest hits,
and now he's turning his attention toward grinding out some new classics.
"I'm going back in the studio to do my album and Big's album," he said a couple of weeks ago in New York. "I'm coming out of retirement as a producer." Diddy's LP, tentatively titled PD5, is due in March (see "P. Diddy Says Next Album Will Be His Last" ). The long-simmering Notorious B.I.G. duets project has no release date scheduled (see "Diddy Doin' It In The Studio, Gearing Up For Biggie Duets LP").
Away from music, Diddy is starting rehearsals for his role as Hollywood Nicky in the upcoming drama "Carlito's Way: The Beginning," which is being produced by the father-son team of Martin and Michael Scott Bregman (and directed by Michael).
"I been a big fan of the Bregmans," Diddy said. "[Martin] did 'Scarface,' 'Carlito's Way,' 'Serpico' — my God, it's really crazy. They came and realized what I'm trying to do with this acting thing. I got off of Broadway — people know about live theater, they respect it. I'm officially a thespian and I'm getting a lot of movie offers. You will see me on the big screen [in] real movies. OK?"
Point taken, P.D. The head Bad Boy is also planning a new season of "Making the Band," but it features an entirely new group of aspiring artists unrelated to Diddy's former motley crew, Da Band. This time around, Diddy is putting together an ensemble of women to team up and sing. He's already held try-outs for the new group, but still hasn't found what he's looking for.
"To be honest, I did the auditions," he said. "I need ladies. Ladies, send me some tapes to Bad Boy, we're listed in 411. The search is still on. I got a couple of girls but I need some more. I'm really trying to put together one of the greatest superstar groups and I don't want it to be no pop B.S., with computerized, fabricated vocals. I want the vocals and the dancing to be real and raw. If you got talent, even if you're thinking about being a solo artist, you may want to give this a chance."
And although Diddy was deeply involved with politics this year, he says there is zero possibility that he'll run for office himself.
"I definitely don't have no political aspirations," he insisted. "I wouldn't be able to get up and go to work in the morning if I was running your city or your country. Also, I have a short level of patience. If I was in the Senate or Congress and we were trying to get something approved or passed — if we were trying to get some money for the schools or things we need in the community — and I don't get it, ain't none of us going to leave until I get what I need to get for my people. I'm not politically correct; I'm politically incorrect. I'd rather be seen as an activist or revolutionary and keep motivating people."
This report is provided by MTV News
 
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