The formula for Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' success as a "solo" artist is simple: value your family. Although he had outside help from friends such as Ginuwine, Twista and Foxy Brown on his solo debut, 1997's No Way Out, it was then-Bad Boys Mase, Notorious B.I.G. and the LOX who dominated the album's tracks.
Like a movie director making a cameo in his own film, Combs was more of an organizer, giving his young protégés a chance to get their shine on while he dropped a verse or two on each track.
After being acquitted on charges of bribery and gun possession in a closely watched trial earlier this year, P. Diddy is reborn on his just- released third album, P. Diddy & the Bad Boy Family — The Saga Continues ... On it, P.D. flaunts his rebuilt roster of hungry young rhyme gladiators and hints that his struggles have made him a different man. Although it's going be difficult to duplicate Bad Boy's incredible 1994-97 run of hits, P.D.'s latest single, "Bad Boy for Life," proclaims he's up to the challenge. As he told MTV News' Sway, he's rested, rejuvenated and ready to retake his throne. Just don't expect him to be rocking that shiny suit again.
