July 08, 2004 @ 9:49 am

Cover Story: P. Diddy - The Passion Of Puff

Even with his music empire in question, P. DIDDY refuses to drop out of the race. LOLA OGUNNAIKE examines the life of the ever-evolving artist,

Photographs by Guzman Here, at Manhattan's Royale Theater, you are only to refer to him as Walter Lee. No Sean Combs, no Puffy, no P. Diddy. All reminders of his bold-faced life are to be left at the door. "I've got to stay in character," the music mogul turned actor explains. "Because I'm not as experienced as everyone else, where I know how to turn it on and off." Complete with flat-screen television, tricked-out iPod system, and exquisite chocolate-leather side chairs, Diddy's dressing room, no bigger than a sizable walk-in closet, still has the flavor one would expect of a man of his stature. What is surprising, however, are the pictures of black luminaries, both living and late, that wallpaper the tight quarters: the Notorious B.I.G., James Brown, Run-DMC, Malcolm X, Sammy Davis Jr., Ossie Davis, Coretta Scott King, and Jay-Z. There are several photos of his idol Muhammad Ali, including a beautiful candid shot that hangs in the restroom. "Denzel's my acting hero," Diddy says, pointing to a shot of the Oscar-winning veteran. "Flavor Flav was different," he says gesturing to Public Enemy's resident court jester. "It takes a lot of guts and heart to be yourself." MC Hammer also earns a place on Diddy's wall of fame. "A lot of people try to hate on him because he danced, but he danced his ass off. I think he'll be more appreciated in years to come." Even more curious than Mr. Too Legit to Quit, however, is the O.J. Simpson mug shot. "I've been right at that place," Diddy offers quietly. "It's a constant reminder of what they can do to you if you ever get too comfortable. I'm one of those Negroes that's allowed into certain parties, but if I start believing the hype, like I'm the 'special Negro,' then I could end up just like that." Six days a week, for the past three months, Diddy has starred in the Broadway revival of A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry's classic play about a 1950's family struggling to fulfill its dreams on the segregated South Side of Chicago. To Read The Rest Of This Story, Get This Issue At Your Local Newsstand Now! ClickHere! To Receive a Full Year of VIBE for $11.95! To enter the contests for the Heineken Grammy Guitar, P. Diddy T-Shirt, and P. Diddy autographed issue mentioned in Mimi Valdés' "What's Good" letter in this issue of VIBE, please click here

Article tags: P. Diddy 

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