Say what you want, but Puff Daddy seems to be a little smarter than we give him credit for. As in, smart enough to hit the ground running with a somewhat fantastic idea, but not smart enough to parlay it into longevity (read: Craig Mack, Total, L.O.X., etc.). Although, Hip Hop isn’t known for decade-long careers, so I guess maybe I digress? Similar to his new sandbox buddy 50 Cent, all the hate in the world can’t stop this clown from getting dough. Even if it means trying to sell me cologne named after them. No dice.

The thing with Puffy is that, with such a salted reputation, & a phonebook-thick resumé full of shade tree operation, he still makes it his business to keep his foot in the rap game. & the “industry” allows it. It’s almost to a point where I’m beginning to question my opinion of this guy, like maybe I’m the one who has it all wrong. But see, that’s that true hustle nature at work; making you think it is, when clearly, it ain’t, so to speak. I know better than that, though. I wouldn’t trust Sean Combs further than I could throw him. & not for nothing, but I think Diddy’s planting mad seeds, purposely, with intentions of Joe Jacksonin’ the music game soon. Quote me on that.

Anyway, Puff’s latest attempt at rap world domination appears to be a healthy mix of disgruntled Hip Hop vets & thirsty young dudes, as any solid rap gang should be. &, I stopped fronting on DJ Khaled’s production long ago. If you haven’t yet, do yourself a favor. With the exception of Red Cafe, all the members are fairly grizzled old man rap guys, ready to rightfully let niggas know–for real this time. Well, Rick Ross The Rapper is somewhat green, but that beard is creepy. Like if Isaac Hayes (R.I.P.) had’ve been a child molester. Point is, with the current resurgence of veteran rap cats, there’s totally a window of opportunity for Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, & yes, even Diddy himself. Honestly, if I have to tolerate Sean Combs back on the “radio,” in regular rotation, I’d rather it be in the company of artists who’ve proven relatively successful track records & his favorite weed carrier, than ‘Dirty Money,’ whatever the hell type of experiment that was supposed to be. I swear he comes up with half his ideas high on X pills. Nonetheless, this ‘Dream Team,’ or whatever it’s called is definitely the Miami Heat of rap right now. Like it or not. Now all Red Cafe has to do is continue to carry Puff’s weed & drop a hot 16 here & there, & he could very well just sit back & ride & enjoy the spoils of victory, crabmeats included. Come to think of it, it’s time for a “new” rap crew to run shit for awhile. & I don’t even mind that they’re all from New York, either.

On a related note, am I the only one who finds it odd that Shyne still hasn’t addressed Diddy, in any shape, form or fashion? If he teams up with Puff to go at 50 Cent, I’m going to start listening to Ke$ha for all my Hip Hop needs.