Last night (May 26), Monster and Beats by Dr. Dre launched the nationwide availability of Diddybeats, the in-ear headphones that are sold exclusively at Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile. The co-founders of Beats by Dr. Dre, West Coast trailblazer Dr. Dre and Interscope/Geffen A&M Chairman, Jimmy Iovine, welcomed entrepreneur and fashion maverick Sean “Diddy” Combs into their family, in more ways than one.
“Dre and I wanted to design an earbud that was a combination of great style and powerful sound,” said Jimmy Iovine. “Diddy was the perfect choice for this because he’s a pioneer in marrying music with fashion.”
Before Mr. Combs took the stage in front of a live audience in Union Square with his business partners and label brethren, he caught up with us to speak on Jay Electronica, being a Bad Boy on Interscope and what he and Eminem has in common.
AllHipHop.com: How hands-on were you in the development of Diddybeats?
Diddy: It was a true partnership between (Dr.) Dre and I. He took care of the sound part of it; I took care of the fashion part of it. I wanted to make them look as fly as Ferraris, Private Jets, Yachts. I also wanted to come with the colors; powdered pink, white and the sleek black that goes perfectly with the iPad.
AllHipHop.com: Eminem asked for the snare to be turned up in his headphones during the intro of one of his hits. When you’re in the studio, what do you prefer to hear during production?
Diddy:
I like the feel of the melody. I like mid-range. I like that snare UP too. The snare keeps everything moving.AllHipHop.com: What made Interscope Records the best choice for you to continue your musical career?
Diddy: Jimmy Iovine is one of the last of the true music professionals out there. He understands the music. And he was willing to put up the money and the effort in promoting me; including Artist Development. Many of the record labels are in a recession, running scared. They’re not investing in the future.
AllHipHop.com: Jay Electronica, Rick Ross. Talk about their skill sets and why you feel they are important to the future of Hip-Hop.
Diddy: Jay Electronica is one of Hip-Hop’s dopest emcee’s. He represents Real Hip-Hop, which is like an endangered species right now; as far as that gutter gutter (sound). And Rick Ross has always been one of my favorite emcee’s since he started. We have many things in common from different styles to how we hear the music. We have a certain chemistry and friendship. It’s really organic. I think that he is a brand that should be bigger than he is now. We’ve already started being involved in his management to help make it happen for him.
AllHipHop.com: You are slowly closing in on 20 years and still being on top. Which drives you other than, “not stopping because you can’t stop”?
Diddy: I want to make people dance, entertain people. Also just inspire people. No matter what THEY say about me, my motivation is to inspire YOU. If I can do it, you can do it.
For more information about Diddybeats, go to www.Diddybeats.com.